The EU blue card for Germany is often highlighted as one of the safest path to a successful immigration to Germany. In short, it’s like a normal work visa, but better. It grants you access to shorter processing times, faster access to permanent residency & other benefits.
It is accessible to workers with university degrees & higher income.
In this guide, we explain all the requirements and how to make a successful application. Plain, clear & concise
The EU Blue card, what is it and who is it for?
Europe wants to have more specialists, so this process was created for persons that are well-educated and have skills beneficial to the regional labor market. In exchange, you get to enjoy a privileged status during the visa process and special benefits if you’re approved. That’s why it’s considered the “golden ticket” for migrating to Europe!
With the EU Blue Card Germany provides an easier path to the long-term residence permit for in-demand specialists. Your alternative is the normal work visa, which isn’t as strict about financial and education requirements, but also provides less benefits. So, if you have a higher education degree and can secure a well-paying job contract in Germany, this is your best bet.
Once approved, your EU Blue Card for Germany is valid for up to four years, unless you have a limited job contract. In that case your work visa is valid for the length of your job contract, plus three months. Once your initial contract ends, you will get 3 months to find a new one that meets the requirements. Also, after 2 years you are no longer tied to the initial contract and can change to any “highly-qualified employment” instead. As an added bonus, the EU Blue Card for Germany lets your family members live and work in the country with less restrictions than with a normal work visa.
After 33 months living in Germany, you can qualify for a permanent residence permit. Get your German language skills certified at a B1 or higher level and you could qualify for that permanent residence permit after just 21 months. That’s a big improvement on the usual conditions for permanent residency and one of the biggest benefits!
What are the basic requirements?
A high paying job
You qualify if you have a German higher education qualification or a higher education degree that is recognized in Germany or comparable to local degrees. In addition, you need to have a job contract lined up with an annual gross income that exceeds €58.400/year. If you can’t meet that financial minimum, you still qualify if your annual gross income is at least €45.552/year and you are employed in a so-called “shortage occupation”.
A shortage occupation currently refers to positions in the natural science, mathematics, architecture, urban and traffic planners, designers, engineers, medical and IT fields with a full list provided by the EU (see groups 21, 221, and 25). Also note that if you take this route your application will need approval from the German Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit), unless you have a German higher education degree. The agency will review whether everything checks out with your position, employer, and working conditions.
Suitable qualifications
When you apply for the EU Blue Card Germany will want proof that you have the right qualifications and permits to work in your profession. You can find all the necessary information for this process on the information portal of the German government for the recognition of foreign professional qualifications. I recommend you filter by vocational sector and review similar items to make sure you have the right one. Let’s say you’re a software developer, that means you filter for “natural science, geography, computer science” and “computer science and other ICT occupations”. This helps you find various options, the competent authority, as well as a pdf that explains the process for recognition.
If your occupation requires official recognition, check the database of the Central Office for Foreign Education Affairs (Zentralstelle für ausländisches Bildungswesen, ZaB) which lists foreign degrees and institutions that have already been recognized in Germany. If you find yours, check if it has a “H+”, “H-“, or “H+/-“ status. The first means the institution has been recognized and a comparison of your degree with German equivalents is possible. The second means it is not recognized and the third means further review is needed. If you can’t find your degree, you may need to get a Certificate of Equivalence for Foreign Vocational Qualifications(Gleichwertigkeitsbescheid or Anerkennungsbescheid).
In a nutshell, eligibility = recognized higher education degree + well paid job or shortage occupation job offer.
What is the Blue Card Germany application process?
For the EU Blue Card Germany requires that you apply in-person. Unless you already live in Germany, you’ll probably need a temporary visa for entry, such as a work visa, job search visa, or a visa for the purpose of visiting a language class. But, if you’re a member of these countries, you don’t need to apply for an entry visa and can stay for up to 90 days while applying: Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand and the United States of America.
Step 1: Arrive in Germany! Find an apartment, register your new address, and open a bank account. I know, easier said than done. But once that’s done and you’ve started your new job, it’s time to apply for the EU Blue Card for Germany.
Step 2: Make an appointment with the Foreign Registration Office (Ausländerbehörde) about 6-8 weeks before the end of your temporary visa. I highly recommend you have a German native speaker escort you, to help with any questions during the appointment. Bring these documents:
To be provided by you:
- “Antrag auf Erteilung eines Aufenthaltstitels” (Application for Issuance of a Residence Permit)
- “Antrag auf Erlaubnis einer Beschäftigung” (Application to perform an Occupation)*
- Valid passport (original + copy)
- Biometric photo
- Stellenbeschreibung (position description from your employer)*
- Proof of professional qualifications (originals + copy of each), including the statement from the ZaB if needed
- Rental contract and Wohnungsgeberbestätigung (landlord confirmation) or proof of homeownership (original + copy)
- Proof of health insurance
- Application fee of €100
To be provided by your employer:
- Job contract (original + copy)
- Filled and signed form “Declaration regarding a contract of employment” (in German: Erklärung zum Beschäftigungsverhältnis)
- Occupational practice permits (if required)
- If possible, pre-approval of Federal Employment Agency (see below for more details)
* only required for “shortage occupation” applicants
Step 3: Wait. The approval process can take as little as a week or several months if you need approval from the Federal Employment Agency.
Fast tracking your application with the help of your future employer
The section 81a of the German residence act (81a AufenthG) introduces the concept of an accelerated procedure for skilled workers. It’s often referred as pre-approval or “ZAV” by the Federal Employement Agency. See this as another application method that involves your prospective employer a lot more. With their help, a lot of the clearance work is done, increasing your chances greatly. It also speeds up the process a lot. This is how it looks:
- You give powers of attorney to your prospective employer. This is needed so they can communicate with different German public bodies on your behalf (Immigration office, employment agency, etc).
- Your prospective employer coordinates with the immigration office to initiate a fast-track application. To initiate the process, your employer needs to fill out the “Declaration of Employment” form (“Erklärung zum Beschäftigungsverhältnis”) and proof of degree/qualification recognition, as detailed above).
- If this is successful, the Immigration office will issue a pre-approval certificate. This document is to be used by you, when carrying out your application at your local German mission. Include it with the rest of the documents.
- Within 3 weeks, a decision should be communicated.
- Your future employer pays a 411€ fee for this.
Please note that this fast-track procedure is also taking spouses and children into account too. It can be used if those family members’ applications are submitted at the same time.
More info on this whole process on the official portal here.
How can I get help/guidance?
You can of course decide to talk to immigration specialist. For more general questions, you can also call a dedicated hotline setup by in cooperation with many different administrations. They can answer your questions in English. More info about this hotline this way.
If you want to go the self-help crowd sourced way, you can also turn to this Facebook group: Problems and Challenges with Ausländerbehorde and Einbürgerungsamt (Berlin). Even if it may not replace professional advice, it’s good place to ask for pointers and feedback during the process.
Which events could cause the termination of blue card permit?
Once you have acquired your residence permit in Germany, it’s also useful to be aware of how it can be terminated. As mentioned by the German residence act, this is how it can happen:
- Your visa has reached expiration date, and it hasn’t been renewed.
- Your visa has been revoked by the German authorities or if you have been deported from the country, in case of criminal behavior for example.
- If you leave the country indefinitely. This means officially setting residence somewhere else or leaving for longer than 12 months in the case of blue card holders. It’s usually 12 months, but sometimes can be more if you happen to leave because you serve Germany’s interests, in the case of humanitarian campaigns for example. Always consult with the German authorities to make sure they are aware of your extended leave and if necessary, obtain an additional certificate to facilitate re-entry.
What are the most common rejection causes?
Incomplete or missing documentation
The most common reason that any application process in Germany gets delayed or results in a rejection is missing or faulty documents. This is true across all visa types, but especially with the EU Blue Card Germany’s government officials will want to see every document related to your work and educational background!
Solution: Make sure all your documents check out. Don’t try to slide some extra numbers into the forms or exaggerate things. Stick to the full truth and state everything as clearly as possible. If it’s only a case of missing documents, ask if you can submit those later.
Employer didn’t do their homework
Another problem can arise if your employer didn’t make sure in advance that they can hire foreign workers. They might not have any experience hiring from abroad, but they should still do their research.
Solution: Employers should check through the job market entry requirements (Zulassung zum Arbeitsmarkt) before offering a contract and may need to adjust your job description and/or salary to meet the requirements.
The employment agency doesn’t play ball
But the biggest headache comes with a rejection from the Federal Employment Agency when it comes to blue card Germany being denied.
That’s because each local Federal Employment Agency has its own guidelines based on the law and local economic conditions. After all, it costs much more to live in Munich than in Berlin, so your salary should show that difference. Some articles have said you need to be earning 1,5 times the national average salary (or more ), while most other sources are vaguer. This seems to be related to the job market entry requirements as well, as the Federal Employment Agency wants to make sure you’re earning enough for this profession compared to regional/national standards. The goal is to ensure that your employer isn’t purposefully paying you less because you are a foreigner, called “loan-dumping”.
Solution: Talk to your employer and get some legal help to argue your case. Check that your salary meets local conditions and national standards for the type of work you will be doing.
OK I know that all sounded pretty scary.
But know that a rejection letter isn’t the end of the road. No matter the reason they gave you, there is usually an appeal process. Take a deep breath, write down the deadline, and talk to an immigration lawyer. They’ll be able to help you with the next steps of your blue card Germany application.
Good luck with your application and let me know in the comments if you have questions, if it’s unclear or needs more details. Good luck with it all!
Hi,
Last year I applied for a Blue Card visa in my home country, I got the visa approved with the additional sheet stating that it was a Blue Card and got to germany in November, I submitted all the paperwork to the company because they took charge from then on to ask for the appointment in the auslanderbehorde, they asked for the appointment in March of this year and was granted for May, once I got there they say that the salary threshold for the Blue Card had changed and they will have to add an additional paragraph to it and they will send a couple of weeks later the Blue Card to my house because I complied with all the requisites for it when I applied. A couple of weeks passed and I get a email from the company saying that my Blue Card was denied because I am not longer in the threshold to get one for 2023 and they will issue just a highly skilled worker permit. The salary raise is going to be done in July and I’ll be again in the threshold for 2023, my question is, can I exchange this work permit for a Blue Card when the raise is done? Is there any other alternative? thanks a lot.
Hey LMS. Sorry to hear about your troubles. This question is best asked to official agents on this hotline.
Hi,
I have a question regarding Blue card. I moved from Sweden to Germany. Nationality: India. I got national visa on my passport and once I started the job, I applied for blue card in district office in Reutlingen. When I submitted the application, everything was okay with documents, they took finger print, and paid 100 euros. They informed me that pin letter would arrive and I could go collect the card. It has been 7 weeks, I have not received the card or pin letter. The national visa is expiring in 2 weeks. I have written to them and no reply yet. Since I already have the national visa and working, it is just a printing delay or should I be concerned?
Hey Pri. I can’t really answer your precisely on this question. I can only say that the whole immigration system is overworked at the moment and could simply be a delay. In the meantime you could also try for an extension of your current visa (Fiktionsbescheinigung) until you get your new permit.
Hello,
I got a job offer (Engineer) with the salary of 3800 euro/Month (45.600 euros/year). This is just above the salary requirements of the Ministery of Imigrarion that asks for 45.552 euros /year. When calling the Bundesagentur für Arbeit, I got 2 different answers each time I called. First time one told me that this salary would be sufficient for the Blue Card and another one told me that for Berlin this value is about 54.000 euros/year. Could they reject my application based on the salary even when in the Website is written 45.552 euros /year? If I understood right the minimum salary accepted was related to 52% of the General Pension Insurance Celing (§ 18b) and not related to location.
Can you please give me an opinion on it? I also just finished my Master in a German University.
Hey Gabriel. Just to be sure, did you mention your occupation was listed under the “shortage occupations”? Right now, all I’m thinking is that this difference in answer is that because you might need approval from the federal employment agency too, as mentioned here for example.
I have a software engineer job offer that meets the salary requirements. However, I do not have a relevant degree, I attended a coding BootCamp instead. I have a degree in another field recognised by ZAB.
Am I still qualified for Blue Card?
Hey Wei. I cannot assess your chances on a case-by-case basis. The requirements are listed in the post. Sorry.
Hi Bastien
I moved to Berlin on a dependent visa from India. However after my visa arrived, I secured a job and started working immediately on arrival. Now I want to start my application for a blue card and also register my employment. Can you help with the process?
Hey Part. I don’t offer relocation/immigration services I’m afraid.
Hi Bastien,
In blue card docs requirements, there’s an item “electronic health card with photo”. I’ve moved Berlin 2 weeks ago so still waiting health card ( Probably it won’t catch the appointment day). Instead I got confirmation docs from statutory health insurance provider ( TK ). Do you have any idea/info about it? Also many people says you have to provide payroll but in the required docs there is no requirement for that. What do you also think about payroll if the employee doesnt get first salary yet
Hey Yasin. I think your enrollement confirmation should be enough but I can’t be sure. You should ask both those questions to this official hotline for confirmation. They answer in English. Good luck!
Hey Bastien,
I have completed my Masters from India and my university is H+. My salary is over 60K.
Do I need any other document to apply for the Bluecard ? I already have a work permit.
Regards and Thanks for the help!
Jason.
Hey Jason. I cannot consult on individual cases. Sorry. Please check the requirements again and call this hotline if you have any doubts.
Hi Bastien,
I got a job in Frankfurt and I have applied for a blue card at the embassy in my country and received a temporary D visa from the embassy with a “blaue karte bei +company name” written on it; I am an IT expert and my salary is above 56k. So do I consider myself to be a “shortage occupation” applicant and have to provide the documents you mentioned for the shortage occupations once I am in Germany or not? Moreover, since the immigration office has a copy of all of my documents, do I still have to provide them.
Thanks in advance.
Mohammed
Hi
For Permanent Residence,Permenant contract is necessary or Am I also eligible on temporary contract?
Hey Muhammad. Yes, it is possible with a limited contract (source).
Hey Bastian, I am currently living in Airbnb in Hannover. I found a job in Berlin which I will start from Jan 4. Since I don’t have a ahnmeldung right now and it will take some time to find an apartment in Berlin. Do you know what alternatives do I have to apply extension of my residence permit?
Hey Shyam. If you are prepared to spend a bit more to facilitate your transition and the visa renewal, you might want to use a service like Wunderflats for a few months. It’s a fast process to book and a guaranteed Anmeldung too. From there, you can find something more permanent.
Thanks for your Informative article.
I got a question though which couldn’t find an answer for it online.
I got a scientific job that is just below the threshold of Brutto income. I have an offer for another part-time job (which is also relevant to my degree, also scientific). If I take both I would still be occupied for around 35-38 hours per week.
My question is “Do I qualify for a Blue card?”.
Based on your article and other sources online (from what I understood) the main point is to be qualified and have a minimum income (and hence a minimum income tax).
What is your opinion?
Warm regards,
Chris
Hey Chris. I don’t think that would fly because your blue card application is based on the income for that single position/job, and not a collection of income sources. This is however only an opinion based on incomplete details. Consult with an expert for a more definitive answer or call this hotline.
Hi, I have a permanent contract as a junior project manager in Berlin and I was sanctioned a residence permit for 5 years i.e. until 2024. I do not have a blue card. My salary is below the minimum limit for blue card eligibility. So if I switch jobs and get above 43K per year, would it mean I can apply for Blue card?
Thanks in advance.
Hey Vin. I can’t advise on personal situations. If you meet all the criteria, then yes.
Hi Bastien
Thanks for this post. It been immensely helpful.
I’m from India and I’m applying for EU Blue card , as I qualify for the same( I checked with EU Blue card Network as well – my education is Annabin registered).Questsion-
1. Will I get the EU Blue Card India itself ? Or would i get something temporary and would have to get the card once i am in germany in Jan21?
2. Could you confirm what level of details I should write in my covering letter for my Blue Card application ? Since, i have not accommodation, as I will go 2 months in January so no booking done- is it ok? Or, do I need to make some booking? in Documents checklist nothing is mentioned – https://india.diplo.de/in-en/service/-/2288440
3. Do I need to show any subsistence / monetary proof till I get my first salary?
Many Thanks
Hey Preeti. 1. You’d need to first get a temporary permit and apply in Germany in person. 2. Don’t understand the question. 3. Not in my knowledge no.
Hi, the address printed on the back of my card is of my previous apartment. I have moved since, what do I need to do? Do I need to reapply?
So I have been living and working in Germany for two years already, with a normal work visa. But I definitely qualify for a blue card, given the stated requirements. Is it possible to apply now? And If I apply for a blue card now, would the time I’ve already spent here apply retroactively towards my permanent residency possibility (5 years staying in germany) or would that “timer” start when I get the card? I cant seem to find any info online about this situation. I currently have an open ended (no time limit) contract with my company.
Correction: *normal residency permit* and normal work visa
Hey Andrew, not sure i quite understand. If you qualify for a blue card, then you can apply now. Are you talking about processing times during COVID? As for permanent residency, you need to have been a German resident for at least that time, regardless of your current residence permit.
Hello
Thanks for the article!
Which documents I’d need for the Blue Card renewal? And does it take the same amount time to get the new one?
Hi I am working in Germany now, I have applied Blue card 3 weeks ago, I have received temporary resident permit document on appointment day,its valid 12-12-2020. I did not received Original Blue card(Photo ID card) yet. I am planning to bring my family to Germany in 15 days.
Can I travel out of Germany and come back with temporary resident permit document, any issues if I travel with temporary document.
Thanks
Venkateshwar
Hey Venkateshwar. That’s hard to tell atm with the current corona situation. I’d ask either the Foreign Office here or your local German mission abroad directly.
Hello,
Your article is super informative and I found it helpful. .
I do have one question. Do you have any idea if Marketing professionals are issued blue cards? I can’t seem to find information any where that shows that non-tech related fields can apply for the card, or are successful.
Thank you.
Hey Samantha. Take a look at this list, it contains a precise list of occupations/jobs that is lacking workforce.
Hello, I was going to apply for permanent visa after 21 months but as I was informed from Ausländerbehörde that 21 months counting begin from appointment date with the Ausländerbehörde. Starting work with temporary blue card visa does not counted. Anyone has this experience? What not counted from firstday of work with Blue Card visa?
Interesting experience. Thanks for sharing it. I hope other people can tell more.
Hey Bastien,
Greetings from India! Thanks so much for this post and the website to make our move to Berlin so much easier. I’m a dependant spouse of a prospective EU Blue card holder. We are waiting for the restrictions to be lifted and the Embassy to open here in order to apply for a National Visa (Type D). I’ve been doing some research on the Blue Card process and this post has been the most informative, crisp, precise and structured. I have a couple of queries though and it would be great if you could answer them when you have the time.
1. I understand we need to register the residence address first before the EU Blue card application. My question is, is the anmeldung enough to start work or should my wife wait for the Blue card / Fiktionsbescheinigung (temp Blue Card) to do so? She needs to get the tax number to open the salary bank account.
2. Should the dependant spouse, in this case myself, also present the documents/form separately for the EU Blue Card or is it enough if the main applicant does it?
Cheers!
Hey Amrit. 1. If you are coming to Germany via family reunion visa, you will first need to apply for residence here before your can start work. Source. If she is an employee a temporary or permanent residence permit is enough, no need to wait for the approved blue card it seems. 2. Confused now. How is your wife’s blue card relevant to your documents?
Hello,
I started my job as bauingenieur and my salary meets the requirement of shortage occupancy, still foreign office told me today that agentur für arbeit has approved my normal residence permit, not Blue Card. I told them (foreign office) that my designation is Civil Engineer, its written on contract as well and I am getting salary according to min. requirements of 2020. They said, they have to ask agentur für arbeit about it and I have to wait. Does anybody know should I do something while waiting and in case they reject it again then what to do?
Hey Osama. Congrats on your residence permit. Well done. What is exactly your concern? If you qualify for all requirements and already have a residence permit?
I applied for the Blue Card and my salary is EUR 53K as per contract but with additional fixed bonus and holiday pay, it is EUR 58K. Immigration officer sent my application for approval from Federal Employment Agency. Will I get the blue card approved or rejected? If it is rejected, then will I get normal work permit or I have to apply again normal work permit.
Hello Sagar. I cannot comment on your chances as it’s always on a case-by-case basis. If you are rejected, you will need to apply for a normal work permit from scratch.
Hello,
I am currently fimishing my master and just awaiting my master thesis defence in September. Can I still apply for the Blue card I have not yet defended my master thesis? , because they only link between me and the university is my thesis defence.
My school provided me with all my transcripts and certificate of enrollment.
Hey Foubs. I honestly don’t know. I’d ask this hotline to see if certificates you can currently provide would be enough.
Hello, I want to apply for a language studies visa, will I be able to apply for a blue card during my stay in germany with the study visa?
Thanks,
Hey Mourad. Depends on your country of origin. Check if your current citizenship enables you to apply for that from Germany, of if you have to apply from an embassy/consulate in your home country.
Hi! If I apply for the Blue Card but get rejected, do I automatically receive simple working permit instead?
Hey Lada. This is the first i hear of this? I really doubt that. Do you have a source to back that claim?
Hi! It is a question, not a claim. I ask since I am definitely eligible for the simple working permit, but I also am potentially eligible for the Blue Card. My income is, however, a bit lower than 55k (profession is data scientist). That is why I wonder what happens if I don’t get blue card – will I have to start the process from the very beginning for the application for simple working permit? Or maybe should I apply for both?
Hey Lada. From the information i possess, both processes are not related. You’d need to apply for each independently.
Hallo Bastien,
One of My Friend by profession Scientists. He applied For Bluecard visa with salary is 62k in December 2020. But Immigration authority denied to gave Bluecard visa . They Don’t give any reason for Rejection. But after long wait 4 months he got normal work permit Directly. You do not have to apply again take appointment n starting fresh normal work permit. If they Give Bluecard denied ,then you definitely got normal work permit currently.if all documents n Degree is valid for normal work permit. Definitely end of the process you got something . So now please share with others this Details to helpful .
Hey Sagar. Thanks a lot for the insights. I stand corrected. Is there a source you can give me so I can quote it?
On Facebook I got source Mainly . I post their and I got replied from them . They Give me good advice and they have experienced situation so tell me regarding whole story.By WhatsApp group “Bluecard Germany ‘also one guy similar situation face . By telegram One Group “Lives in Germany” so Definitely Depending on case to case situations . But recently people got either one visa normal or Bluecard .
Hi Lada
Can you got Bluecard or simple working permit ?
Because Here Everyone asking questions but after got own results they will not sharing experiences . So may be if you share your real experience so it may be grateful for us.
Dear All,
Need suggestions and help (Some links and proper steps)
My brother was working in Nokia India and last year he got offer from Software Ag Berlin. Things was going good and 15 sep 2019 he came to Berlin and joined company.November is applied blue card due to some reason it took time and mid of January 2020 he received paper that he can be granted blue card for 4 year and he went and gave biometrics and payment (Physical card still not received expected 1 week of March). 2 days before Software AG said that they are not going to continue with him (No reasons firing many people who is on probation period).Till March 31 he has to work with Software AG because of Notice Period.
My question :-1) If he gets new job what he should do next .
2) Still he is in company in Notice Period should he has to inform any authority.
3) Physical card which he is waiting and expected within 1-2 week should be impacted?
Dear admin,
Could you pls reply me.
Hello,
Thank you for this post. I am a EU blue card holder in Germany since May 16, 2018 with unlimited job contract starting from April 1, 2018. I want to change my current contract to part time job contract (with half salary, which is less than 40k) in the same company for 2 years at the end of April 2020 and then change to full time again after 2 years in April 2022. (for study purpose). In this case may I keep my blue card as it is or should I apply for settlement permit (I have studied in Germany)?
Thank you!
Elin
Hey Elin. I honestly don’t know. Maybe give this hotline a go?
Ok, thank you!
I am a foreign engineer working in Germany. I would like to know what are the differences in fees when applying to blue card in comparison to the normal residence permit.
Hello!
My national visa will expire at the beginning of July. Maybe my Bluecard will be not ready. But I need to go out of Germany at this time.
What can I do in this situation?
Hey Olga. How about asking for a temporary extension?
Hi team, I got for years visa 2017 to 2021 for specialty’s cook visa next year my visa will be Expired , some body told you can’t renew your work visa after 4 years,
You should go back to your country!!!
Now I am confused??? Is it right ??
My question to you can I apply for visa after 4 years When my visa will expire? can visa office allow to me work or they can extend my visa?
My Gross Salary is 2600 euro now
What should I do for my visa ?
I am specialist cook visa
I am waiting for your valuable answer
Thank you
Jay
Hi, i found a job in Germany and i applied for a visa in my home country and they gave me work visa with the comment below “blue card eu” because i have already studied in germany for my master degree and i had a reference letter from Arbeitsagentur für Deutschland. But the question is that even though my salary conditions does not meet the requirements, in case that i have a blue card eu comment on the visa, may i get the blue card eu?
Thanks in advance.
Hey Kaymi. I am confused now: did you not get the blue card in the end?
I applied for the residence permit for eu blue card and termin is in march, but i don’t know whether they will give me or not. Maybe you may put forward an idea for this case, too.
Hello, thank you for this post. I am an American applying for a Blue Card in Hamburg but my application was initially denied because my company is not based in Germany – I was given a one-year work permit but I have a spouse and was seeking the Blue Card spouse visa benefits. Is there any clarity or legal support for employees from non-German companies applying for the EU Blue Card? My lawyer believes very firmly that the company does not have to be based in Germany, but the employment office believes that this is a requirement. We’re at a standstill… Any guidance is very helpful, thank you!
Hey Nathan. I would stick by your lawyer’s expert advice. He/she has more extensive knowledge than me.
Hello, I am Blue card holder. My initial contract ends in this month and my blue card is valid till March 2020. I am expecting a job offer in a month. I would like to know if i can travel back to India(due to personal emergency) and come again by jan end with a new contract in hand and get my Zusatplatz changed at Auslanderbehoerde? By the way, I am also vacating my house in Germany this month. My plan is to come again in Jan end & get registered again at Rathaus and get the Zusatsplatz changed. Will this work?
Could you please guide me?
Hey Samyami. This is beyond my humble knowledge. I’d get in touch with an immigration lawyer instead.
I have been working in DE for 2 years now, in the ICT field under EU FOM as a British passport holder.
As a result of Brexit, I need to apply for a residency title. I earn a basic of 70K a year but with unsociable hours pay get around 90K in total, and my non-EU colleagues were issued Blue Cards for the role. The difficult part with the Blue Card is that I don’t have a degree, and just have my basic UK GCSE qualifications from 20 years ago (and no idea how to get evidence of those).
Are the qualifications a red line for the Blue Card, are they seen as more important than the salary or job?
Thanks in advance 🙂
Hey Lee. It all depends if you specific job requires a specific education recognized by the German authorities. If you are unsure, you can also try this official hotline and ask.
Hi. I’ve ZAB Equivalency Certificate and job contract of 62000 Euros per year. Can I apply for Blue Card from my Home Country instead of Work Visa?
Hey Shahan, see the post for eligibility conditions.
Hi
I dont have a degree and I am doing a job here in Berlin in as a Data Engineer and getting salary around 65K per annum. I have experience of 15 years in IT , Can you please confirm either I am eligible for blue card or not.
Thanks
Hey Owais. I can’t say without much much more info. It’s better to work with a specialist on this one.
Hi: We are Americans who have lived in DE for several years with a work visa. My husband is now thinking of retiring and we are interested in a 12 month retirement visa. We can’t seem to get any concrete info from anyone about this — any thoughts? I did not see it mentioned on your website. Oh, and sadly, neither of us are at a B1 Language level (or likely to get there in the next few months). Any advice? BTW, nice website — very thorough.
Hey Monica. Sorry, probably best to get in touch with an immigration lawyer about this. I don’t know anything about that.
Respected Sir/Madam,
I have job offer from my employer as software engineer with salary of 45k but my bachelor degree from India is not from my filed?
Is there any problem getting blue card. (I have 3+ experience in same filed (IT). I was working there as a werkstudent then they offer me full-time job.)
Hey Pratik. What do you mean with “not from my filed” ?
I have mechanical engineering degree
Any reply?
hello any update?
Hello pratik, could you please let me know what happened in ur case did u get blue card
Hi Sravan,
Yes I got blue card
Hi,
I have got the entry visa and I’m waiting for the visa extension letter from the immigration. Is the letter much important? What if the letter was taken by someone else?
Can I get the EU Blue card without the letter of confirmation, from the immigration?
hello.
is there a site where listing the specific shortage occupations?
for example here you listed designers as shorted other website doesn’t..
is there any governmental website regarding that?
Hey Ay. You can use this list for a start https://www.arbeitsagentur.de/datei/whitelist_ba015790.pdf
Hi ,
I am on job seeker visa and i got a job in Berlin. When trying to book an appointment for blue card , the nearest available date is in March 2020., but i need to join the new job before Nov 1st. Is there any other alternative ?
Can I simply walk in to the office ( in Keplers str ) and stand in the queue to get an appointment ?
Hey Emil. Yes. This post for more details.
Hi there,
I am on job seeker visa. And I might get a job with 44k/year in a start-up in IT field. Can I apply for Blue Card instead of normal work visa?
Hey Hammad. If your job is categorized as as so called “shortage occupation”, then that would meet the financial minium yes. Don’t forget about the higher education degree as well! That’s needed for a blue card.
Hi my salary is 50k and i was in foreigner office today she told me that she need approval from local federal employment agency,,should i be worried that i cant get blue card ?!i work in IT company so it is included under shortage
Hey Hatem. I can’t speak for the worker over there, but it should be fine.
Hi,
I have applied for blue card 2 months back but I have not received any update yet. I need to join in my new company on August 15th and they are providing me a salary of 55k Euros gross. Kindly help.
Regards,
Sahana
Hey Sahana. Sorry to hear about this issue. Is it not possible to start working for that company from abroad under a different contract, in case you don’t get your blue card fast enough?
Hey Sahana, I am kind of in the same boat as you. Also having an issue about how quickly I can get my Blue Card before the employment commencement date. I am at a loss what to do. How has it gone so far?