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EU Blue Card; Application
The EU Blue Card can be applied for by non-EU nationals with an academic or equivalent level of qualification who intend to take up employment in Germany.
Responsible for you
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Procedure details
Description
The EU Blue Card can be applied for by non-EU nationals with an academic or equivalent level of qualification who intend to take up employment in Germany.
The EU Blue Card offers several advantages over other residence permits for employment. For example, shorter deadlines apply until a permanent right of residence (settlement permit) can be applied for. It is also easier to change jobs.
Requirements
The most important requirements include having an academic qualification or a tertiary educational qualification if it meets certain requirements. In addition, a certain minimum salary must be achieved. Comprehensive information on the requirements for obtaining a Blue Card and the simplifications in certain cases (shortage occupations, young professionals) can be found at Make it in Germany
The EU Blue Card must be applied for at the relevant immigration authority.
Required documents
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If necessary, you may be required to produce additional documents
The documents to be presented may vary greatly. Please find out more details from your competent Aliens Department (Ausländerbehörde). As a general rule, the documents listed above will be required (among others).
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Valid passport
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Current biometric digital photograph (frontal view)
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Supporting documents evidencing compliance with the passport or visa requirement
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Supporting documents evidencing medical insurance coverage
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Supporting documents evidencing a university degree
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Supporting documents evidencing actual employment or a job offer
Proceedings
Many immigration authorities already offer an online service for submitting applications. Please check this option for your foreigners authority. If your foreigners authority does not offer an online service, please contact the foreigners authority by e-mail or speak to them in person.
Fees
- Valid for up to one year: EUR 100
- Valid for more than one year: EUR 100
- Extension up to three months: 96 EUR
- Extension for more than three months: 93 EUR
Deadlines
None
Special notes
The processing time may vary. Please enquire at the relevant immigration office if necessary.
Legal bases
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§ 18g Gesetz über den Aufenthalt, die Erwerbstätigkeit und die Integration von Ausländern im Bundesgebiet (Aufenthaltsgesetz - AufenthG)Fachkräfte mit akademischer Ausbildung
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§ 45 Aufenthaltsverordnung (AufenthV)Gebühren für die Aufenthaltserlaubnis, die Blaue Karte EU, die ICT-Karte und die Mobiler-ICT-Karte
Appeal
Administrative court action
Related links
Related issues
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Residence permit; general information
Non-EU nationals can be issued and extended a residence permit for various residence purposes (e.g. employment, study, au pair, family reunification).
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Residence permit; application for gainful employment in Germany
A residence permit is generally required to take up gainful employment in Germany. Such a permit can be applied for in various circumstances.
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Residence permit; application for the issue of an electronic residence permit
Upon application, the residence permit issued in the form of a sticker in the passport can be replaced by an electronic residence permit.
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EU permanent residence; applying for a permit
Foreign nationals from non-EU countries who are legally resident in Germany on a long-term basis and who have integrated both economically and socially can, under certain conditions, obtain an EU permanent residence permit.
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Integration of foreigners; information
You can find out about the integration of foreigners who are legally and permanently resident in Germany and asylum seekers with good prospects of staying.
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National visa; application and extension
Foreign nationals who require a visa need a national visa to enter the country for longer-term stays (over 90 days) or stays that lead to gainful employment.
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Settlement permit; application
The settlement permit is an unlimited residence title and entitles the holder to pursue gainful employment. The requirements for obtaining it vary depending on the purpose of residence.
Status: 29.04.2025
Editorial responsibility Bayerisches Staatsministerium des Innern, für Sport und Integration
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