
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.
You are a university graduate and have found a job in Germany? Find out here which requirements you have to meet for the EU Blue Card.
The EU Blue Card (Section 18b (2) on the Residence Act - AufenthG) is a special residence title for foreign academics seeking qualified employment in Germany.
To find out whether you require a visa to enter Germany, see Who Needs a Visa?
Do you meet these requirements? Then you can move on by taking a look at the procedure for the entry and visa process.
Do you not meet the requirements for the EU Blue Card? No need to fret; you can apply for a work visa for qualified professionals according to Section 18b (1) on the Residence Act - AufenthG.
In some countries, it is possible to apply for the Blue Card online. You can find more information on the digital application process on the consular services portal of the Federal Foreign Office.
The EU Blue Card is issued for the duration of your work contract, including three additional months, and is limited to a four-year period. Extending the validity of the EU Blue Card is an option, if certain requirements are fulfilled. Your local German Foreigners' Authority must approve of any job changes taking place within the first two years of employment.
After 33 months, holders of the EU Blue Card may obtain a settlement permit. In some cases, a settlement permit can already be issued after 21 months. For this, you need to be able to provide proof of the required language skills at a minimum level of B1 in accordance with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
Would you like to live in Germany with your family? Holders of the EU Blue Card are free to do that. Everything you need to keep in mind, in addition to the corresponding requirements, can be found in the Family Life in Germany section.
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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