Are you a highly qualified employee and want to work in Germany? Or, as a company based in the European Union, do you want to hire highly skilled workers from third countries?
The EU Blue Card is considered an established route into the German employment market. This residence title enables companies to recruit newly qualified workers promptly. This is particularly relevant regarding the shortage of skilled workers such as doctors, engineers or IT specialists. In detail, however, problems can arise during the transfer, especially in connection with Section 18b of the Residence Act (AufenthG), which serves as the legal basis for acquiring this residence title.
The German law firm Schlun & Elseven Rechtsanwälte offers skilled legal assistance to enable our clients to work in Germany. Our lawyers have in-depth residence law expertise and many years of experience supporting application procedures. They will be happy to take care of the entire application process for your EU Blue Card and clarify all outstanding issues with the relevant authorities so that you can fully concentrate on your core tasks.
The Benefits of the EU Blue Card
There are many advantages to holding an EU Blue Card. Firstly, it allows the holder to live and work in Germany (other European countries) for up to 4 years or the duration of the employment contract plus an extra three months. Although the EU Blue Card is not a permanent residence permit, it is possible to apply for a permanent residence permit after 21 months if the cardholder can demonstrate a B1 level of German. Without the B1 level of German, they can apply after 33 months.
Another bonus of the EU Blue Card is that there is no requirement for the applicant or their family members to have German language skills. Having German abilities is a bonus for living in Germany, but it is not considered a prerequisite of obtaining the card. As shown above, there are advantages of learning German for the permanent residence permit application.
Furthermore, the EU Blue Card allows for family reunification in Germany. The cardholder can bring some family members, including their spouse, their children, and others dependent on the holder (including step-children), to Germany. This dependency must be proven in the case of children over the age of 21. If you require advice on the eligibility of certain family members, please contact our office directly.
Applying for the EU Blue Card
The EU Blue Card can be applied in Germany at the applicant’s local Ausländerbehörde (immigration office). Most applicants need to apply for a German Employment Visa from a German Embassy or Consulate before coming to Germany. This visa demonstrates to the German authorities that you have entered the country legally and with the intention of working. There is a three-month window in which to apply for the EU Blue Card. Citizens from the USA, Canada, Japan, Australia, Israel, South Korea, and New Zealand can apply beforehand without getting an employment visa.
Here is a list of the documents which need to be submitted when applying for the EU Blue Card for Germany:
- Your passport.
- A recent biometric picture of yourself.
- The application form.
- Declaration on the Employment Relationship.
- Your original employment contract or job offer.
- Proof of your residence in Germany.
- University or college diploma, in the original.
- For those with statutory health insurance:
- The electronic health card
- A recent confirmation of health insurance
- If you have private health insurance:
- A certificate from the health insurance company stating your insurance details.
- Proof of contribution payments.
Document requirements vary depending on your employment situation and other factors. At Schlun & Elseven Rechtsanwälte, our immigration lawyers will oversee your application and guide you through the bureaucratic requirements for your specific application.
Changing Employer as an EU Blue Cardholder
The EU Blue Card protects in the case of a change of employer in Germany. The need to change employment can arise for many reasons, and it is permitted under the rules of this residence permit. Following changes to the EU Blue Card in November 2023, holders of the EU Blue Card must inform immigration authorities of any change in employer or position within the initial 12 months of employment. Authorities will have 30 days to decline the request to change employers or positions. This requirement has been changed from the initial necessity to do after a change in job after two years.
Following 12 months of employment under the EU Blue Card, cardholders will be free to switch employers or positions withou