Everything You Need to Know About the EU Blue Card in Germany
The EU Blue Card is one of the most important visa pathways for skilled professionals moving to Germany. It provides entry rights, residence, and work permit specifically designed for non-EU citizens with academic or comparable qualifications who have secured employment in Germany.
Below, we explain the key eligibility criteria, salary thresholds, application process, and practical considerations.
What Is the EU Blue Card?
The EU Blue Card, as defined under Section 18g of the German Residence Act (AufenthG), is a residence permit for highly qualified non-EU nationals. It allows them to live and work in Germany if they meet certain academic and employment criteria. The Blue Card residence permit is valid for an initial period (usually up to four years) and offers a fast track to permanent residency and family reunification.
Who Can Apply for an EU Blue Card?
To be eligible for an EU Blue Card in Germany, applicants must meet two main conditions: they must have a recognized qualification and a valid job offer that meets the salary requirements.
First, the applicant must possess either a German university degree or a foreign academic qualification recognized as equivalent.
Second, the applicant must have a specific job offer from a German employer. The employment contract must be valid for at least six months and must match the applicant’s qualifications. For regulated professions (such as doctors or pharmacists), a professional license must be in place or expected at the time of application.
Minimum Salary Requirements in 2025
In 2025, the standard minimum gross annual salary for a Blue Card in Germany is €48,300. However, professionals working in shortage occupations—also referred to as bottleneck professions—may qualify with a lower salary of €43,759.80, provided the Federal Employment Agency (BA) approves the employment.
Bottleneck professions include academic roles in STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, mathematics), medical doctors, pharmacists, educators, and certain technical and management occupations. A full list of eligible occupations is published annually by the Federal Ministry of the Interior.
EU Blue Card for Recent Graduates
For applicants who obtained their degree within the past three years, a lower salary threshold of €43,759.80 applies even outside of bottleneck professions. This exception allows young professionals to access the EU Blue Card for entry-level roles, although approval from the Federal Employment Agency is still required.
Special Case: Blue Card for IT Professionals Without a Formal Degree
Germany offers a unique route for experienced IT professionals without a university degree. If the applicant can demonstrate at least three years of relevant professional experience within the last seven years, and the job offer meets the €43,759.80 salary threshold, they may be eligible for a Blue Card. The experience must be at a university-equivalent level and relevant to the position offered.
Application Process and Timing Considerations
In theory, the EU Blue Card process is straightforward. In practice, it requires precise planning.
Check Work Visa Eligibility
Not all skilled professionals will qualify for the EU Blue Card, and in some cases, a different type of work visa might be more appropriate. HR departments should verify the candidate’s eligibility based on salary, qualifications, and role alignment.
2. Degree Recognition
Before applying, it's essential to confirm that the applicant’s academic degree is recognized in Germany or deemed equivalent to a German qualification. This is particularly important for degrees obtained outside the EU. Recognition can be verified through the official Anabin database or a Statement of Comparability issued by the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB). Employers and HR teams should support international candidates in verifying this early, as the process can take several weeks.
For more detailed guidance, see our article on Degree Recognition in Germany.
3. Visa Application
If the candidate is outside Germany, the visa application typically starts at the German embassy or consulate in their home country. Required documents generally include:
Valid passport
Recognized academic qualification or equivalence confirmation
Employment contract
In some cases, additional documents may be required. Once submitted, processing times range from 1 to 12 weeks, depending on the location and embassy workload.
If the applicant is already in Germany with a valid visa (e.g., job seeker visa), they can apply for a change of purpose at the local immigration office (Ausländerbehörde). In high-demand regions, securing an appointment can take weeks or months sometimes.
4. Converting the Visa into a Residence Permit
After entering Germany with a Blue Card visa, the applicant must convert it into a residence permit at the local immigration office. This step includes a submission of documents, an in-person appointment, and biometric data collection.
Key Benefits of the EU Blue Card in Germany
The EU Blue Card offers several major advantages that make it an attractive option for both skilled professionals and employers:
No Labor Market Priority Check
For most Blue Card applicants, particularly those meeting salary thresholds or working in shortage occupations, the Federal Employment Agency does not conduct a labor market priority check, which expedites relocation process.
Easier Job or Employer Changes
Blue Card holders can change employers without prior approval from the immigration authorities. This flexibility is particularly beneficial:
When employment conditions change (e.g. promotions,)
For employers onboarding talent already in Germany under a Blue Card
Individuals who hold a Blue card can also be treated advantageously in case of a job loss.
Fast Track to Permanent Residency
Blue Card holders can apply for permanent residence after just 33 months of employment in a qualified position. If the applicant demonstrates German language proficiency at B1 level or higher, this period is reduced to 21 months.
Family Reunification Made Easier
The EU Blue Card also offers favorable conditions for family reunification. Spouses and children can join the main applicant with fewer restrictions. In many cases, spouses do not need to demonstrate German language skills, and they are permitted to work in Germany.
Learn more about this topic in our full guide to Family Reunification in Germany.
Spouses and children of Blue Card holders enjoy simplified immigration rules. Spouses:
Do not need to prove German language proficiency
Are granted unrestricted work authorization in Germany
Conclusion
The EU Blue Card is one of the most efficient and beneficial immigration options for skilled professionals relocating to Germany. However, the process involves strict documentation, regulatory variation, and city-specific timelines. Understanding the requirements—and having expert guidance—can make all the difference in ensuring a smooth, compliant relocation.
For companies seeking to attract and retain international talent, having a structured, reliable process in place for Blue Card applications is a crucial investment in global hiring success.
Why Work with a relokate?
Getting a Blue Card often comes down to how the case is presented. We know how to position talent, handle the details, and navigate exceptions—so companies and candidates get the most out of the process.
From eligibility checks to local appointments, we manage it all—quickly, compliantly, and strategically.
At relokate, we support HR teams and international employees by managing the Blue Card process end to end. We coordinate document checks, handle local appointment bookings, monitor changing legal requirements, and provide hands-on support throughout the transition.
Legal Disclaimer: The information provided here and on relokate’s website is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.