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What is the EU Blue Card and Who Qualifies?
The **EU Blue Card** is a residence permit for highly skilled non-EU workers to take up qualified employment in Germany. It targets professionals with academic degrees or equivalent qualifications matching a job offer.[1][7]
You qualify with a German or comparable foreign university degree (at least three years, ISCED level 6). IT specialists need three years of university-level experience in the past seven years.[1]
Your job must align with your qualification. The contract requires at least six months’ employment.[1][5]
For example, engineers or doctors often qualify easily. Check degree recognition via Anabin database or ZAB statement, which takes 2-3 months.[2]
Anabin Database helps verify eligibility early.
Current Salary Requirements for EU Blue Card in 2026
The **EU Blue Card** salary threshold is €45,934.20 gross annually in 2026 for most professions.[1]
Shortage occupations like IT, medicine, or engineering have a lower threshold of €43,759.80 (2025 figure; confirm 2026 updates).[2][5]
These amounts ensure high-skilled status. Contracts below require Federal Employment Agency approval.[2]
Common mistake: Assuming fixed amounts without checking updates. Salaries rise yearly; verify via official sites.[1]
Employers must prove the salary meets thresholds. This protects against underpayment risks.
Step-by-Step EU Blue Card Application Process
Start the **EU Blue Card** application by securing a job offer matching your skills.[1]
Step 1: Gather documents including passport, photos, job contract, degree recognition, and health insurance proof.[1][5]
Step 2: Apply for entry visa at German embassy/consulate abroad via Consular Services Portal.[6]
Step 3: Enter Germany, register address at Residents’ Registration Office, then apply at local Foreigners Authority (Ausländerbehörde) before visa expires.[1][4]
Processing takes 2-4 weeks pre-application, plus 2 weeks for employer approval, and varies for visa (weeks to months).[3]
Tip: Use platforms like xpath.global for document tracking to avoid delays.[3]
Can You Apply for EU Blue Card from Inside Germany?
Yes, if you hold a valid residence title like a jobseeker visa, you can switch to **EU Blue Card** internally.[1]
Visit your local Ausländerbehörde with documents. No need for embassy visa if already in Germany legally.[4]
For instance, student visa holders or those on short-term permits qualify if job matches criteria.[1]
Edge case: Jobseekers get six months; apply before expiry. Processing mirrors external but faster locally.[3]
Check [INTERNAL: Jobseeker Visa Guide] for entry options before switching.
EU Blue Card vs Regular Work Permit: Key Differences
The **EU Blue Card** offers faster permanent residency and EU mobility, unlike regular work permits.[1][2]
Blue Card requires higher salary (€45,934+) and degree; regular permits suit lower-skilled roles with labor market tests.[7]
Blue Card lasts contract +3 months (max 4 years); regular varies by job.[1][4]
In contrast, Blue Card holders change jobs after two years freely; first two years need approval.[4]
Blue Card path: Settlement after 21-33 months. Regular often longer.[2]
Required Documents for EU Blue Card Application
Essential **EU Blue Card** documents: Valid passport (3+ months beyond stay, 2 blank pages), biometric photo, signed application form.[5][4]
Include job contract (6+ months, salary proof), recognized degree, health insurance, and proof of accommodation.[1][2]
For IT: Experience certificates. Family needs marriage/birth certificates.[5]
Submit originals and copies unstapled. Incomplete files lead to rejection.[5]
Pro tip: Use Make it in Germany Guide checklist. ZAB for degree verification.
How Long Does EU Blue Card Processing Take?
**EU Blue Card** visa processing varies: 2-12 weeks at embassies, depending on country and completeness.[3]
Local residence permit: 4-8 weeks at Ausländerbehörde after entry.[1][4]
Delays occur from missing documents or security checks. Peak times add weeks.[3]
Track via embassy portals. Employer pre-approval speeds it up.[3]
Consequence of delays: Job start postponed. Budget 3 months total.
Family Reunification with EU Blue Card
Spouses and minor children join **EU Blue Card** holders immediately.[1][2]
Spouses get work rights without restrictions. Apply at same authority.[2]
Documents: Marriage/birth certificates, passports, housing proof. No language test needed.[1]
Processing: 4-6 weeks. Kids under 16 integrate via school.[2]
Edge case: If separated, prove finances. Faster than regular permits.
Extending Your EU Blue Card and Path to Permanent Residence
Extend **EU Blue Card** before expiry at Ausländerbehörde if job continues.[1]
Validity: Contract +3 months, max 4 years initially. Extensions possible indefinitely.[4]
Permanent residence (settlement permit): After 27 months with A1 German; 21 months with B1.[1][2]
Without language: 33 months. Counts prior EU Blue Card time.[2]
Job change after two years free. See [INTERNAL: Permanent Residence Guide] for details. BAMF Settlement Info.
Which Jobs Qualify and Common Mistakes to Avoid
**EU Blue Card** suits STEM, medicine, engineering—jobs needing level 6 qualifications.[1][2]
Check Federal Agency list for shortage roles with lower salary.[2]
Common errors: Unrecognized degrees (fix via ZAB), short contracts, missing insurance.[3][5]
Avoid by pre-checking Anabin. Job must match degree exactly.
Scenario: IT pro with 3 years experience qualifies without degree.[1] Consult [INTERNAL: Skilled Worker Visa Comparison].
