EU BLUE
card

#1 - University degree
If your university degree was not obtained in Germany, the degree must either be recognised in Germany or be the equivalent of a German degree.

Read this tutorial to check it out

#2 - Employment contract or binding offer
You should have an employment contract or binding job offer with a minimum gross annual salary. This gross annual salary is €55,200 (2020). In 2019 it was €53,600. However, almost all IT professions belong to so-called Mangelberufe (s. Glossary) – therefore the required salary limit is lower: €43,056 (2020). In 2019 it was €41.808.

#3 - Proficiency of English or German language
Your minimal skill level should be B1 (CEFR)

Legal Basis: Residence Act, Section 19a and 2 (11) (https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/englisch_aufenthg/englisch_aufenthg.html)

• Attractive wages - the annual gross salary for 2020 is €43,056+


• Full social package. In case of job lost - a Blue card holder entitled to unemployment benefit 1 (ALG I)


• Long validity period (usually up to 4 years)


• Permanent residence (settlement permit) without German language skills after 33 months allowed (with B1 level even after 21 months possible)
• Getting a settlement permit after 21/33 months also with temporar employment contract possible


• Comparatively easy to change to Blue Card from another residence title


• Above-average interruption for stay in a non-EU country - up to 12 consecutive months instead of the usual 6 months. This provision also includes family members.


• The married spouse of the holder of an EU Blue Card is entitled to be issued with a residence permit. He/she doesn’t have to prove any German language skills


• Spouses immediately enjoy unrestricted access to regular employment and self-employment (Section 27, subsection 5 of the German Residence Act).

• Selfemployment usually not allowed *


• Employment does not apply are the United Kingdom, Ireland and Denmark


• Not to be issued without employment contract or binding job offer


• Not possible to obtain an EU Blue Card in Germany without a higher education qualification


• Tied to specific employment with a particular employer for the first two years of residence. Any change of job during the first two years of employment possible, however requires the approval of the immigration authority (section 19a subs. 4 of the German Residence Act).


• The subsequent immigration of dependents is generally limited to spouses and unmarried minor children. However, exceptions are were in “hardship cases” possible;


• EU Blue Card holders are not entitled to attend an integration course

Step 1: Check your Diploma for its recognition in Germany
Step 2: Prepare Resume (CV)
Step 3: Create / optimize profile in professional networks
Step 4: Registrate at Job Board
Step 5: Make a list of prospect employers. Then shortlist
Step 6: Learn about prospect employers
Step 7: Understand the basics of German (corporate) culture

Step 1: Determine your salary
Step 2: Make a list of perspective employers. Then shortlist.
Step 3: Learn more about employer(s)
Step 4: Contact employers
Step 5: Prepare to Interview #1
Step 6: Prepare to Interview #2
Step 8: Prepare to Interview #3
Step 9: Carefully check out your contract
Step 10: Dos & Don'ts before you apply in the embassy

Step 1: Prepare the necessary documentation (s. checklist)
Step 2: Submit the Annexure for Employment Visas
Step 3: Procure Biometric phototographs
Step 4: National visa application form: fill, print, sign, submit
Step 5: Submit the Declaration on true and complete information
Step 6: Additional contact and legal representation information
Step 7: Schedule an appointment for your visa interview
Step 8: Submit the Demand Draft Form with Demand Draft

Step 1: Find temporary accomodation
Step 2: Do the registration (Anmeldung)
Step 3: Book an appointment with the immigration authorities
Step 4: Bank, Health insurance, Phone and Internet, Transport
Step 5: Rent long term accomodation
Step 6: Apply and get the Blue card