The EU Blue Card and the Change of Employer

The EU Blue Card has made it more straightforward than ever for professionals outside the European Union to work in Germany and other EU member states. The applicant must reach a certain gross income threshold to benefit from the EU Blue Card in Germany. However, this means that, as a residence permit, it is strongly linked to the holder’s employment and that difficulties can arise when the person on the EU Blue Card has a change of employer. In this article, we will outline how the cardholder should proceed in case of a change of employment.

At Schlun & Elseven Rechtsanwälte, we are a full-service law firm with offices in Cologne, Aachen and Düsseldorf. Our business immigration team advises on all German immigration law and residence permit issues. Should you find yourself in a position where you need specialised legal assistance or legal representation, our lawyers can be reached using the details below this article.

Change of Employer and the EU Blue Card

As the EU Blue Card is linked to the person’s employment, there can be challenges when the cardholder changes their employment. Should the cardholder wish to change their employer within the first two years of work, they will require the authorisation of the German immigration services. This applies in cases where the company they wish to move to is within Germany. Our lawyers can be consulted on the application for this authorisation and will assist you in challenging the immigration services’ decision should they decide against you.

Should the cardholder want to change employment to a company based in another EU country (one where the EU Blue Card is used), they can do so after 12 months of continuous employment. This requirement has been changed from the previous rule that it could happen after 18 months of employment. They should notify the local immigration services of the new country about the move within one month of arrival.

There are also provisions for cases where cardholders find themselves without a job. The EU Blue Card’s validity remains in place for three months following the end of a contract, enabling the holder to find a new job. However, it should be noted that the EU Blue Card holder is responsible for communicating their current status to the competent immigration authorities of the Member State of residence (i.e., the German immigration authorities). Open and transparent communication is the best way of avoiding legal disputes or challenges.

Following updates to the law in Germany, EU Blue Card holders will need to notify the immigration authorities about a change of employer and position if it occurs within the first 12 months of employment. This has changed from the previous requirement, whereby they needed to notify the authorities should such a change have happened within the first two years of employment. The German immigration authorities will have 30 days to decide whether to reject the application to change employers or positions. After working under an EU Blue Card for 12 months, EU Blue Card holders can change employers and positions without notifying the immigration authorities.

Extending the EU Blue Card

It should be noted that the EU Blue Card is intended as a temporary residence permit. It is valid for four years, or in cases where the employment contract is shorter than that period; it is issued for the term of that employment contract plus three months. These three months allow its holder to seek alternative employment if they wish to continue living in Germany. Also, the applicant can extend the EU Blue Card if the requirements are met and the application is made appropriately.

EU Blue Cardholders looking to make Germany their home can gain permanent residence after 33 months (or 21 months in cases where they have the required B1 standard of German). Once again, this must be applied for, and the application must meet the requirements for permanent residency. If you need assistance with the application, please do not hesitate to contact our legal team for specialised assistance.

Applying for the EU Blue Card

The EU Blue Card is a residence permit that allows professionals from outside the EU to live and work in the European Union’s different countries. It is valid in most EU member states (Ireland and Denmark are the only exceptions). It is legislated under § 18b German Residence Act. To apply for the EU Blue Card, the applicant must have a university degree (one recognised in Germany) and earn above the threshold of €48,300 gross salary (2025 requirement)—the minimum threshold for those in positions with work shortages in Germany is €43,759.80. Positions with work shortages in Germany include information technology, medicine, and mathematics.

However, applicants should be aware that significant changes are in process, and they will significantly influence salary requirements. The positions deemed to be in shortage have also increased to include

• Professional services managers, such as child care or health services managers;
• School teachers and educators;
• Manufacturing, mining, construction, or distribution managers;
• Veterinarians;
• Dentists;
• Pharmacists; and
• Nursing or midwifery professionals.

For full details about the benefits of the EU Blue Card and the application process, please visit our EU Blue Card page.

Applicants should only seek the EU Blue Card when they have a concrete job offer in Germany. Other options, such as the Job Seeker Visa, are also available for those without a job offer in Germany but interested in working in Germany. If you apply for an EU Blue Card and require further advice and assistance, our lawyers are here to help.

Legal Advice for EU Blue Cards, the Change of Employer and Other Immigration Issues

Should you have further legal questions or require the specialised assistance of business immigration lawyers, our team is here to help you. Our qualified lawyers have many years of experience with applications, procedures, and negotiations with immigration authorities. They will, of course, represent you in any difficulties.

With offices in Cologne, Aachen, and Düsseldorf and conference rooms in Hamburg, Munich, Berlin, and Frankfurt, you can benefit from our support and advice throughout Germany. We also offer our services in English and German to facilitate smooth communication. Please do not hesitate to contact us using the details below.