EU Blue Card: What It Is, Benefits, and How to Apply

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*VIDEO TRANSCRIPT*

EU Blue Card: What It Is, Benefits, and How to Apply 

Hi, my name is Isabel Schnitzler, Senior Associate at Fragomen in Germany, the world’s leading provider of immigration services. Here, I’m sharing an overview of the EU Blue Card, covering what it is, its benefits, requirements, how to apply, and how Fragomen can help. 

What Is the EU Blue Card? 

The EU Blue Card is a work and residence permit for highly skilled professionals. Despite its name, it is not a permit for the entire EU but rather only for the country where it was issued. In this case, Germany. 

The name comes from an EU directive, meaning most EU member states have their own version of the Blue Card, but requirements and work permissions vary by country. There are five different types of the EU Blue Card in Germany, t: 

• • • Regular Blue Card – The most common type, requiring a recognized degree and a minimum salary threshold. 

• • • Education-Based Blue Card – For individuals whose academic qualifications align with their job in Germany. 

• • • IT Specialist Blue Card – A special category for IT professionals, often with more flexible degree requirements. 

• • • Young Professionals Blue Card – Targeted at recent graduates who meet the necessary salary and qualification criteria. 

• • • Shortage Occupation Blue Card – For professionals in fields where Germany has a labor shortage, typically with a lower salary threshold. 

In this guide, we’ll focus on the regular EU Blue Card, as it is the most common one.

3 Key Benefits of the EU Blue Card in Germany 

The EU Blue Card offers several advantages. Here are three key benefits: 

• • • Flexibility in employment – Blue Card holders can switch employers or positions without always needing to amend their permit. 

• • • Pathway to permanent residency – Holders can apply for a permanent residence permit after 21 months if they have B1 German language skills or after 27 months with A1 German. 

• • • Family benefits – Spouses of Blue Card holders do not need to meet German language requirements when applying for residence. 

What are the Requirements 

To apply for an EU Blue Card in Germany, you need to meet the following requirements: 

• • • A German employment contract or concrete job offer 

• • • A recognized degree – Your degree must be recognized as equivalent to a German degree and linked to your future job. 

• • • Salary threshold – For 2025, the minimum salary requirement is €48,300 per year (this amount is adjusted annually). 

If you meet these requirements, you may be eligible for the EU Blue Card. 

How to Apply for an EU Blue Card

Applying from Abroad 

If you live outside Germany, you must: 

• • • Apply for a visa at the German embassy or consulate in your country. 

• • • Each German mission has slightly different document requirements, submission processes, and appointment booking systems. 

• • • Once your visa is issued, you may enter Germany and start working, but your visa will only be valid for a maximum of 12 months. 

Applying from Within Germany 

If you are visa-exempt (e.g., US or UK nationals), you can enter Germany without a visa, but you cannot start working until you receive the EU Blue Card from the immigration office. 

Once in Germany, you need to: 

• • • Register your address at the local town hall. 

• • • Apply at the local immigration office to convert your visa into the EU Blue Card. 

The EU Blue Card is initially valid for four years and can be renewed. Make sure to apply for renewal before your Blue Card expires. 

How Fragomen Can Help 

German immigration laws are constantly changing, and the process can be challenging. At Fragomen, we’re here to help: 

• • • We assess your eligibility to make sure you get the best permit for your situation. 

• • • We prepare applications, submit documents, and communicate with authorities. 

• • • We ensure that you and your employer remain compliant throughout the process. 

Our goal is to make your immigration journey clear and stress-free. 

If you found this guide helpful, be sure to follow Fragomen for more immigration content. To learn more or get assistance with your application, contact the Fragomen office closest to you.