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Blue Card

🕘Last updated on February 04, 2024 ‐ 14 min read

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the German Blue Card(Skilled Worker Visa Germany) application process, eligibility requirements, and benefits for highly skilled non-EU citizens seeking to work and live in Germany.

What is a Blue Card?

The Blue Card (Blaue Karte) in Germany is a type of German Residence Permit issued to highly skilled non-EU citizens who wish to work and live in Germany. It is designed to attract skilled professionals from around the world to fill shortages in the German labor market, particularly in sectors that require specialized expertise.

The Germany Blue Card application process involves several steps and requires meeting specific requirements. Here's a breakdown:

Before applying

  • Secure a job offer: You need a valid job offer for at least 6 months with a minimum gross annual salary of €45,300 (as of 2024). For IT professionals without formal qualifications, the salary requirement is slightly lower at €41,041.80 with 3 years of relevant experience.
  • Meet eligibility criteria: You must be a highly qualified non-EU/EEA citizen with a recognized university degree or professional qualification.
  • Obtain an entry visa: Apply for a German Employment Visa at the German embassy or consulate in your home country.
  • Travel to Germany and register: Enter Germany with your visa, register your address within two weeks, and obtain health insurance.
  • Gather documents: Prepare required documents like passport, photos, employment contract, degree certificate, proof of salary, residence registration(Anmeldung), and health insurance proof.
  • Apply for Blue Card: Submit your application and documents to the local German immigration office, if possible, within one month of entering Germany.

Additional notes:

  • Processing times can vary, so plan accordingly.
  • Fees apply for the Blue Card application(€100).
  • The Blue Card offers benefits like a residence permit, easier family reunification, and a path to permanent residency after 33 months (with specific conditions).

Here are some helpful resources for the Germany Blue Card application process:
Make it in Germany: https://www.make-it-in-germany.com/en/visa-residence/types/eu-blue-card

The Blue Card allows its holders to Live and Work in Germany for a period of up to four years, with the possibility of extension, however if have a fixed term contract. it can be for a shorter time.

ℹ️ An EU Blue Card Germany is granted for the start of a particular position. Following one year of service in this role, individuals are permitted to seek alternative employment without the requirement to notify immigration authorities or to modify their EU Blue Card status.1

After a certain period of residence, Blue Card holders may also be eligible to apply for permanent residency in Germany.

Overall, the Blue Card program is part of Germany's efforts to attract and retain highly skilled workers to contribute to the country's economy and maintain its competitiveness in the global market.

Documents Required

The specific documents required for a Blue Card application in Berlin, Germany, may vary depending on individual circumstances and the particularities of the application process. However, typically, the following documents are commonly required:

  1. Passport: A valid passport or travel document.
  2. Blue Card application form: Fill Blue Card application form online.
  3. Current biometric photo: Recent passport-sized biometric photo meeting the German visa photo requirements.
  4. Proof of employment: A concrete job offer or employment contract from a German employer, specifying details such as position, salary, and duration of employment.
  5. Academic qualifications: Evidence of academic qualifications, such as university degrees or diplomas, along with official transcripts or certificates.

ℹ️ Your degree must be recognized in Germany to be able to apply for a Blue Card. Check if your degree is recognized in Germany

  1. Previous resident title: Your previous resident title like Germany Work Visa or previous resident permit.
  2. Health insurance: Proof of health insurance, whether public or private, coverage valid in Germany.
  3. Proof of sufficient funds: Evidence of sufficient financial means to support oneself during the initial period of stay in Germany, such as bank statements or sponsorship letters.
  4. Proof of residence - Document about lease and confirmation of occupancy in written form, from the landlord (Wohnungsgeber-Bestätigung) and Anmeldung
  5. Rental payment proof - Proof of rental payment, like bank statement stating the amount and date.
  6. Declaration of employment relationship(Erklärung zum Beschäftigungsverhältnis) - Filled and signed by your employer
  7. CV or other certificates in case you don't hold any university degree.
  8. Residence registration: Confirmation of registration at a local address in Berlin (Anmeldung).
  9. Online application proof - Proof of online application, generated after this step.
  10. Confirmation of the Appointment - You'll receive the appointment confirmation email after submitting the form onloine with all the details. Please carry it with you (printed or on your phone).

Any additional documents: Depending on individual circumstances and specific requirements, additional documents may be requested, such as language proficiency certificates or proof of accommodation.

It is advisable to consult the German embassy or consulate in your country or the local immigration authorities in Berlin for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding the documents required for a Blue Card application in Berlin, as procedures and requirements may vary over time and depending on the applicant's nationality and circumstances

Application Process

ℹ️ As per the new process, you can now apply for Blue Card online. Once your EU Blue Card application is received, it will be reviewed and you will be contacted if something is needed further from you. If your application looks good, an in-person interview will be scheduled. Remember to carry the original copies of all documents you submitted.

1. Gather all the documents
  • Make sure you have all the required documents on hand. PDFs are preferrred, but you can also upload photos directly during the online application process.
2. Fill the Application Form Online
  • If you have prepared your documents, you can start filling the form online
3. Pay the fee
  • Before submitting the application form, you will be prompted to pay the service fee which is 100 €. You can pay by credit card(Visa/Mastercard) or Paypal.
4. Submit the application
  • Once you have paid the service fee, you can submit the application and you will receive a PDF which will be a confirmation of the application. You can also print the PDF for your convenience.
    Skip the separate application for family members! If your spouse and child live in Berlin with you and need residence permits, just add them in the dedicated section of the online application. No need for a separate submission or appointment. The State Immigration Office will reach out about their resident permits directly.2
5. Wait for the interview
  • Upon successful review of your application, you will be invited to an in-person interview. Kindly carry the originals of all required documents for verification.

Benefits

Residence permit: The Blue Card allows you to Live and Work in Germany for up to four years, with the possibility of extension. Family reunification: Easier procedures for bringing your spouse and minor children to Germany. Pathway to permanent residency: After 33 months of residence (with specific conditions), you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency.

Reuniting with Family in Germany

Reuniting with Family in Germany: What Blue Card Holders Need to Know The Blue Card allows highly qualified individuals from outside the EU to work and live in Germany. But what if you want to bring your family with you?

Family reunification allows Blue Card holders to bring their spouse and minor children to Germany. This process generally involves:

  • Meeting eligibility requirements: Both the Blue Card holder and their family members must meet specific criteria. These include having valid passports, health insurance, and sufficient financial resources.

  • Applying for a visa: Family members outside of Germany will need to apply for a visa at a German embassy or consulate in their home country. The Blue Card holder may need to provide supporting documents, such as their employment contract and proof of income.

  • Applying for a residence permit: Once in Germany, family members will need to apply for a residence permit from the local foreigners' authority (Ausländerbehörde). The Blue Card holder's valid Blue Card is crucial for this application.

It's important to note:

Processing times for family reunification applications can vary depending on individual circumstances. Specific requirements and processes may change, so it's crucial to stay updated with the latest information from official sources.

Here are some helpful resources for Blue Card holders seeking information on family reunification:

By planning ahead and gathering the necessary information, Blue Card holders can navigate the family reunification process in Germany more smoothly.

ℹ️Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ's)

Switching visa's to a Blue Card: Can individuals already residing in Germany on a different visa, such as a student visa, switch to a Blue Card if they secure a qualifying job offer, or do they need to return to their home country to apply? Yes, individuals already residing in Germany with a different visa can switch to a Blue Card if they secure a qualifying job offer. However, they may need to fulfill certain requirements and undergo the necessary application process. Returning to their home country for application might not be necessary, but they should consult with the local immigration authorities or the German embassy/consulate for specific guidelines.
Language Proficiency Requirement: Does the Blue Card application process require proof of proficiency in the German language, and if so, what level of proficiency is typically required? Are there any exceptions or alternative language requirements for specific industries or job roles? The Blue Card application process typically requires proof of proficiency in the German language. The level of proficiency required may vary depending on the job sector and location within Germany. Generally, applicants are expected to demonstrate at least a basic understanding of German, especially for roles that involve interaction with German-speaking colleagues or clients. However, there may be exceptions or alternative language requirements for specific industries or job roles where English or another language is predominantly used.
Renewal Process and Requirements: What are the procedures and requirements for renewing a Blue Card after the initial period of validity expires? Are there any additional criteria or documents required for renewal, and how far in advance should applicants begin the renewal process? To renew a Blue Card after the initial period of validity expires, applicants must typically demonstrate ongoing employment and meet certain income thresholds. Additional criteria or documents required for renewal may include updated employment contracts, proof of continued residence in Germany, and evidence of sufficient financial means to support oneself. It's advisable for applicants to begin the renewal process well in advance of their Blue Card's expiration date to ensure a smooth transition and avoid any gaps in residency status.
Impact of Changing Employers: How does changing employers or job positions affect the status of a Blue Card holder? Are there any specific regulations or procedures that need to be followed when transitioning to a new job, and does this impact the validity or conditions of the Blue Card? Changing employers or job positions can affect the status of a Blue Card holder. Blue Card holders are generally permitted to switch jobs or employers after two years of employment in their initial role without needing to inform immigration authorities or modify their Blue Card status. However, transitioning to a new job may require submitting updated employment contracts or notifying the relevant authorities of the change. Failure to comply with regulations regarding job changes could potentially impact the validity or conditions of the Blue Card.
Work Opportunities and Restrictions: Are there any limitations on the type of work that can be pursued under the Blue Card? Additionally, are there certain industries or sectors where Blue Card holders might have more opportunities or face more challenges in finding employment? While the Blue Card allows holders to pursue a wide range of employment opportunities in Germany, there may be limitations on certain types of work, particularly those that require specific licenses or qualifications. Additionally, opportunities and challenges in finding employment may vary across industries and sectors. High-demand fields such as IT, engineering, and healthcare often present more opportunities for Blue Card holders, while other sectors may have more stringent requirements or limited job prospects.
Long-Term Residency and Citizenship: Does holding a Blue Card provide a pathway to long-term residency or citizenship in Germany? What are the requirements or conditions that Blue Card holders need to fulfill if they wish to stay in Germany permanently or apply for citizenship? Holding a Blue Card can provide a pathway to long-term residency and, eventually, citizenship in Germany. Blue Card holders may be eligible to apply for permanent residency after a certain period of continuous residence, typically 33 months, provided they meet specific conditions such as sufficient language proficiency, financial stability, and integration requirements. Permanent residency status can eventually lead to eligibility for citizenship, although additional residency and language requirements apply for naturalization as a German citizen.
What are the specific steps involved in obtaining the required German Employment Visa mentioned earlier? To acquire the German Employment Visa, you'll need to submit an application at the German embassy or consulate in your home country. The process typically involves gathering documents like your passport, a signed employment contract from your German employer, proof of financial resources, and proof of health insurance. Processing times can vary depending on individual circumstances and embassy workload. Consulting the German embassy's website or contacting them directly is recommended to get the most up-to-date information on specific requirements and timelines.
How long does the Blue Card application process typically take, and what factors can influence the processing time? While the blog post mentions varying processing times, it doesn't provide specifics. Generally, processing can take anywhere from several weeks to several months. Factors like the completeness of your application, workload at the immigration office, and potential verification requirements can influence the timeframe. It's advisable to plan accordingly and factor in possible delays.
What are the costs involved in applying for a Blue Card beyond the mentioned €100 application fee? Beyond the €100 application fee, additional costs might be incurred during the Blue Card process. These could include:

-Translation fees for documents not in German.
-Medical examination fees, if required.
-Legal consultation fees, if you seek professional guidance.
It's important to factor in these potential expenses when budgeting for your Blue Card application.

How does the process differ if the applicant has a fixed-term contract compared to an indefinite contract? While the application process itself doesn't differ significantly, the initial Blue Card might be issued for the duration of your employment contract, potentially requiring an extension later. Conversely, an indefinite contract might lead to a Blue Card valid for the standard four years, with the option for renewal.