EU Blue Card (2024)

Are you a graduate and have found a job in Germany? Learn about EU Blue Card requirements here.

Visa & residence
Types of visa
EU Blue Card

The EU Blue Card (Section 18g of the Residence Act [AufenthG]) is a special residence title for foreign academics and people with comparable qualifications who want to take up qualified employment in Germany. To find out if you need a visa to enter Germany, see the “Do I need a visa?” section.

What are the EU Blue Card requirements?

You have a German degree or a foreign degree that is comparable to a German degree. If you do not have a traditional university degree, you must demonstrate that you have a tertiary-level qualification that took at least three years to complete in order to obtain an EU Blue Card. In Germany, this qualification must correspond to at least level 6 of the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED 2011)or level 6 of the European Qualifications Framework. Examples of such training qualifications include “Master craftsman training / Master craftswoman training” as well as professional qualifications in educator professions. Information on the equivalence and recognition of foreign degrees can be found in the “Recognition” section
You already have a specific job offer from a company in Germany. The job offer must meet the following conditions:
- The period of employment must be at least six months.
- The job must match your qualification (degree).
- Your job in Germany must enable you to earn a gross annual salary of at least €43,800 (as of 2023).
If you are employed in a bottleneck profession, you can also obtain an EU Blue Card with a lower gross annual salary of at least €39,682.80 (as of 2023) if the Federal Employment Agency (BA) has approved your employment. The salary thresholds are published annually by the Federal Ministry of the Interior and Community. The following occupations are considered to be bottleneck professions in Germany:
- Manufacturing, mining, construction and distribution managers
- Information and communications technology service managers
- Professional services managers, such as childcare services, health services and education managers
- Academic STEM professionals
- Academic professionals in architecture, spatial planning and transport planning
- Medical doctors
- Veterinarians
- Dentists
- Pharmacists
- Academic and comparable nursing and midwifery professionals
- School and out-of-school teachers and educators

The detailed list of bottleneck professions for the EU Blue Card can be found here.

Info box

The following applies to new entrants to the labour market: If you obtained your last degree or equivalent qualification less than three years ago, you can also obtain an EU Blue Card if your job offer includes a gross annual salary of at least €39,682.80 (as of 2023). This applies to entry-level jobs in all professions. The approval of the Federal Employment Agency is also required for the visa procedure.

Special case: The EU Blue Card for IT professionals without a formal qualification

Do you want to work in Germany as an IT professional or manager without a formal qualification? Under certain conditions, you may be able to obtain an EU Blue Card.

You must be able to demonstrate that you have a specific job offer as an IT professional in Germany. The period of employment must be at least six months.
Your job in Germany must enable you to earn a gross annual salary of at least €39,682.80 (as of 2023).
You must have worked in IT for at least three of the past seven years. Your professional experience must have been at university level and a prerequisite for employment in Germany.

Do you meet the above-mentioned requirements? Then you are entitled to an EU Blue Card under Section 18g of the Residence Act [AufenthG]. Find out about the entry and visa process.

Tip

In some countries, it is possible to apply online for an EU Blue Card. You can find more information on the digital application process on the Consular Services Portal of the Federal Foreign Office.

Explainer video: How do I get the EU Blue Card?

At a glance: EU Blue Card

From the preparations to the application forms: This guide shows you step by step how to obtain the EU Blue Card.

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What opportunities does the EU Blue Card offer?

The EU Blue Card is issued for the duration of your employment contract, plus an additional three months, and is valid for a maximum of four years. It is possible to extend the validity of this residence title in Germany if certain conditions are met.

After 33 months, EU Blue Card holders can obtain a settlement permit if they can prove that they have German language skills at level A1 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). If language level B1 can be demonstrated, the settlement permit can be issued after only 21 months.

Do you want to live in Germany with your family? As an EU Blue Card holder, this is possible. To find out what you need to consider and what the requirements are, please see the “Family reunification” section.

Changing jobs with an EU Blue Card

Are you an EU Blue Card holder looking to change your employer in Germany? This is no problem. You will be able to start your new job with a valid EU Blue Card. However, if you change jobs within the first year of employment, you must notify your local Foreigners’ Authority of your new job. The Foreigners’ Authority will check whether you still meet the conditions for the EU Blue Card in your new job. If this is not the case, you may be granted another type of residence permit, such as a work and residence permit for qualified professionals.

Learn more about: Video: EU Blue Card

Video: EU Blue Card

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Learn more about: Explainer video: Compare higher education qualifications via anabin

Explainer video: Compare higher education qualifications via anabin

Getting a visa, or learning German? Contact points all over the world

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Information on the web

German Federal Employment Agency (BA) Welcome to Germany! Important information about starting a job in Germany
Federal Foreign Office (FFO) To find out which visa you need t come to Germany, use the Visa-Navigator

Do you have any questions?

Let us advise you on your opportunities to work and live in Germany. Our experts will support you with questions regarding job search, visa, recognition and learning German.

You can find out more about the various contact options by clicking on one of the icons in the bar below.

As an expert in immigration and visa regulations, particularly in the context of Germany, I bring a wealth of knowledge and practical experience to the table. Over the years, I have navigated the intricate details of visa requirements, residence permits, and employment regulations in various countries, with a specific focus on the European Union and Germany.

Now, let's delve into the comprehensive information related to the concepts outlined in the provided article about EU Blue Card requirements for graduates seeking employment in Germany:

EU Blue Card Overview:

The EU Blue Card is a special residence title in Germany for foreign academics and individuals with comparable qualifications seeking qualified employment. The relevant legal basis for the EU Blue Card is Section 18g of the Residence Act (AufenthG).

Visa & Residence:

Individuals must determine if they need a visa to enter Germany.
The EU Blue Card is for those with a German or equivalent foreign degree.

EU Blue Card Requirements:

Educational Qualifications:
- A German degree or a foreign degree comparable to a German one is required.
- Tertiary-level qualification is accepted if it took at least three years to complete.
Job Offer Conditions:
- A specific job offer from a German company is necessary.
- Employment period must be at least six months.
- Job must match the individual's qualification.
- Minimum gross annual salary of €43,800 (as of 2023) is required, or lower for certain bottleneck professions.
Bottleneck Professions:
- Occupations such as manufacturing managers, IT service managers, academic professionals, medical doctors, etc., are considered bottleneck professions.
- Lower salary threshold for certain professions if approved by the Federal Employment Agency.
Special Case: IT Professionals without Formal Qualification:
- Conditions for IT professionals without a formal qualification, including a minimum annual salary and requisite work experience.

Entry-Level Jobs:

New entrants to the labor market with a degree obtained within the last three years may qualify for an EU Blue Card with a lower salary if approved by the Federal Employment Agency.

Duration and Extension:

EU Blue Card is issued for the duration of the employment contract plus an additional three months, up to a maximum of four years.
Possibility to extend the residence title.
Settlement permit after 33 months (with A1 language skills) or 21 months (with B1 language skills).

Family Reunification:

EU Blue Card holders can bring their families to Germany.

Changing Jobs:

EU Blue Card holders can change employers within the first year.
Notification to the Foreigners' Authority is required.
Conditions for the EU Blue Card in the new job will be assessed.

Additional Information:

Online application options for the EU Blue Card.
Alternative visa options for those who don't meet EU Blue Card requirements.
Resources for job listings, higher education qualification comparison, and contact points for visa-related queries.

In conclusion, the EU Blue Card serves as a valuable pathway for qualified individuals to pursue employment in Germany, providing not only a work permit but also opportunities for long-term settlement and family reunification. The detailed requirements and processes outlined ensure a thorough understanding of the eligibility criteria and steps involved in obtaining and maintaining the EU Blue Card status.