EU Blue Card
The EU Blue Card is a residence title for highly qualified third-country nationals who wish to work and live in an EU Member State. It was introduced in 2009 in order to increase Europe’s attractiveness for international skilled workers and to open the European labour market to highly qualified workers.
The EU Blue Card offers a range of advantages, such as the possibility of working and living in various EU Member States with the residence title, as well as a faster and easier route to obtaining a permanent residence permit in the EU.
What is the EU Blue Card?
The EU Blue Card is a residence permit that enables third-country nationals to work and live in Germany. It is a special visa that applies to highly qualified employees and represents an alternative to the national work visa.
The EU Blue Card was introduced in Germany with the aim of facilitating the recruitment of skilled workers from non-EU countries and thus combating the shortage of skilled workers in certain sectors. The rules on the EU Blue Card are set out in the Residence Act (Aufenthaltsgesetz / AufenthG) and in the Employment Ordinance (Beschäftigungsverordnung / BeschV).
What conditions are required?
In order to be able to apply for an EU Blue Card, applicants must meet certain conditions. These include:
- A completed university degree or a comparable qualification
- An employment contract with a minimum annual salary of 56,800 euros (as of: 2023)
- Proof that the employee is suitable for the advertised post and that the post cannot be filled with a domestic employee
If the conditions are met, the EU Blue Card can be applied for. It entitles the holder to enter and stay in Germany for a period of at least four years. After this period has expired, the card can be extended if the conditions continue to be met.
It is important to note that the EU Blue Card applies only to highly qualified workers. Other types of workers or people who wish to live in Germany must observe other entry rules.
What opportunities does the EU Blue Card offer?
- Employment-law opportunities: The EU Blue Card entitles the holder to work and stay in Germany. As a rule the card holder may change their job as long as they continue to meet the criteria for the card. In addition, after 18 months card holders may work in an EU Member State that is not Germany, provided they have previously worked in Germany for at least 12 months.
- Residence-law opportunities: The EU Blue Card allows the holder to travel and stay in Germany and other EU countries without having to apply for a new visa each time. The card is as a rule valid for four years and can be extended thereafter.
- Family reunification: The holder of the EU Blue Card can also bring their family to Germany, provided they meet certain conditions. This includes, for example, a sufficient income to finance the family’s livelihood. As a rule the holder’s spouse may also work in Germany.
- Settlement permit: After three years of residence with the EU Blue Card it is possible to apply for a settlement permit. This allows an indefinite residence permit and is therefore an important condition for lasting integration in Germany.
The EU Blue Card is an important instrument for attracting highly qualified skilled workers from third countries to Germany and Europe. It offers holders a range of opportunities in the areas of work, residence and family.
Tip: Do you not meet the conditions for the EU Blue Card? No reason to panic!
You can apply for a work visa for skilled workers under § 18b (1) of the Residence Act.
We are happy to support and advise you.