Am I eligible to apply for an EU Blue Card To apply for an EU Blue Card, the applicant must: have a valid work contract or binding job offer for highly qualified employment with a duration of at least 1 year; meet the minimum salary threshold in the Member State concerned (see below);EU Blue Card Eligibility Criteria
Have at least 5 years of experience in your field. Have a work contract or a job offer for highly qualified employment for at least one year. Meet the minimum salary threshold in the EU country in which you want to work.The EU Blue Card is a residence title for academics outside the EU who wish to work in an EU Member State. To obtain an EU Blue Card, applicants are required to have a university degree and a work contract which meets the minimum gross salary requirement.
How do I apply for a Blue Card : To apply for a blue or exemption card, follow these 3 steps.
- Have your CRN nearby to reference.
- Register for an online account. This is how we verify your identity and get the photo for your card.
- Apply for your blue or exemption card using the online applicant portal or download the paper form.
How long does it take to get a Blue Card in Germany
Germany EU Blue Card Processing Time
It takes between five to six weeks to hear back a decision from the Ausländerbehörde regarding your German Blue Card application. The Foreigner's Authority will work in cooperation with the German Federal Employment Agency to issue your residence and work permit.
What is the minimum salary for Blue Card : Blue Card (EU) for professionals with a university degree
a minimum annual gross salary of 45,300 euros and in MINT and health professions of 41,041.80 euros (as of 2024).
From 1 January 2024, the normal salary threshold for a Blue Card will be 45,300 €, and the reduced threshold will be 41,042 €.
You still have to apply for the Blue Card after you get to Germany. Wait to hear a decision: It can take one to three months to hear a decision on your visa application.
Is it easy to get Blue Card in Germany
Your salary is at least 1.5 times the national average
In 2023, the applicant has to earn a minimum gross salary (before tax) of €43,800. If you apply for a job in a field in shortage (science, medicine, engineering, IT, architecture, etc), you may receive a Blue Card if your salary is at least €39,682.80/year.EU Mobility: Blue Card holders from other EU countries can come to Germany for a maximum stay of 90 days and engage in business activities related to their employment without needing a visa or work permit. If they wish to stay longer, they need to apply for a German blue card.You apply for the residence title Blue Card (EU) for employment in Germany at the local foreigners authority in Germany. For this purpose, you need an entry visa in advance, which you can apply for online in the foreign portal or on site at your competent foreign representation.
Your salary is at least 1.5 times the national average
In 2023, the applicant has to earn a minimum gross salary (before tax) of €43,800. If you apply for a job in a field in shortage (science, medicine, engineering, IT, architecture, etc), you may receive a Blue Card if your salary is at least €39,682.80/year.
Do I need to be in Germany to apply for Blue Card : Third-country nationals who are eligible for the EU Blue Card and require a visa to enter Germany will be issued a national visa for the purpose of taking up gainful employment. Once in Germany, their local foreigner's office will issue them the EU Blue Card.
How do I get a Blue Card in Germany : The documents required for a Blue Card application in Germany are:
- Your valid passport.
- Recent 35mm x 45mm biometric picture.
- Your employment contract.
- Application form for a residence permit.
- Declaration on the employment relationship.
- Your residence registration in Germany.
- Your university or college degree.
How long is EU Blue Card valid
The EU Blue Card is a temporary residence permit that is issued for a period of four years as a matter of principle.
How much will it cost Initial EU Blue Card fee: Issued with a period of validity of up to one year: 100 EUR, issued with a period of validity of more than one year: 110 EUR. Renewal up to 3 months: 96 EUR. Renewal for more than three months: 93 EUR.EU Mobility: Blue Card holders from other EU countries can come to Germany for a maximum stay of 90 days and engage in business activities related to their employment without needing a visa or work permit. If they wish to stay longer, they need to apply for a German blue card.
What are the new rules for Blue Card Germany : The European Union issued a directive in 2021 that updated the existing EU Blue Card process, and Germany's new rules are intended to comply with that directive. The new rules update key provisions, including: Salary thresholds in regular occupations and bottleneck professions will be significantly lowered.