Blue Card Germany
Overview page about applying for the EU Blue Card in Germany
Here you learn ...
The EU Blue Card is an attractive residence model for highly qualified professionals from non-EU countries, allowing them to live and work in one of the Member States of the European Union. It offers an easy way for qualified workers to settle in Europe and promotes the integration of talent that contributes to economic development.
On this page we present all available VISAGUARD guides. Good luck with your immigration to Germany!
FAQ Blue Card Germany
What activities am I allowed to perform with the EU Blue Card?
The EU Blue Card is generally tied to a specific employer. Your Blue Card indicates the employer and the position you are permitted to hold. If this is not the case, the corresponding permission will be stated in the "Supplementary Sheet."
Can I be self-employed or work as a freelancer with the EU Blue Card?
No, the EU Blue Card is intended for dependent employment (i.e., an employment relationship). If you want to start a business, you typically need to apply for a residence permit for self-employment. However, in some federal states, a freelance permit is also issued with the Blue Card. This applies if the supplementary provision "Employment permitted" is stated on your Blue Card.
How long can I stay abroad with the EU Blue Card?
In general, residence permits expire after an absence of six months. The EU Blue Card has the special provision allowing an absence of up to 12 months. However, there are some exceptions. In case of doubt, you should consult your immigration office or a specialized lawyer for migration law.
Can I apply for family reunification with the EU Blue Card?
Yes, the EU Blue Card allows for family reunification. Family members even benefit from the privilege of not having to demonstrate German language skills. Additionally, parental reunification is possible in the case of the EU Blue Card.
Can I travel to other EU countries with my EU Blue Card?
The Schengen Implementation Agreement allows Europe-wide mobility for up to 90 days. However, this generally does not apply if you intend to work in the respective country.
How long is the EU Blue Card valid?
The EU Blue Card is issued for the duration of the employment contract plus three months. However, the maximum duration of issuance is four years.
When can I apply for permanent residency with the EU Blue Card?
With the EU Blue Card, permanent residency can be applied for after 21 months (B1 language proficiency) or after 27 months (A1 language proficiency).
Can I apply for naturalization with the EU Blue Card?
Yes, if you meet the required residence periods, you can apply for naturalization with the EU Blue Card without needing to obtain permanent residency first.
Is my EU Blue Card from another country valid in Germany?
No, the EU Blue Card is generally only valid in the country where it was issued. However, it is possible to enter Germany with your EU Blue Card and have it recognized as an EU Blue Card here.
Can I live and work in Germany with an EU Blue Card from another EU country (short-term and long-term mobility with the EU Blue Card)?
Yes and no. Unfortunately, EU-wide mobility with the Blue Card is not as straightforward as the name "EU Blue Card" might suggest. In general, anyone wishing to move to Germany for the long term must apply for a "new" German EU Blue Card (or another residence permit) to work in Germany. However, there are certain simplifications in the administrative process for such applications. For example, holders of an EU Blue Card from another EU country (who have held the Blue Card for at least 12 months) do not need to apply for a new visa to enter Germany. Additionally, under certain circumstances, a new recognition of qualifications (ZAB/Anabin) may not be necessary, which usually speeds up the application process slightly.
Can I apply for the EU Blue Card as a Ukrainian citizen even though I have Temporary Protected Status (TPS)?
In principle, it is not possible to apply for the EU Blue Card with humanitarian protection under § 24 Residence Act (AufenthG) (see § 19f (2) AufenthG). This also applies to Ukrainians. However, the Federal Ministry of the Interior (BMI) and the immigration authorities quickly recognized that this exclusion from the EU Blue Card is inappropriate in the case of the war in Ukraine. Therefore, the Berlin Immigration Office (LEA) still issues the EU Blue Card to Ukrainians if Ukrainian applicants waive their application under § 24 Residence Act. The Immigration Office provides a special form for this purpose. However, this only applies in Berlin and cannot necessarily be transferred to other immigration offices in Germany.
