The EU Blue Card is an essential instrument for addressing the skilled labour shortage in Germany and is considered an established route into the German employment market. It provides a streamlined pathway for highly qualified professionals from non-EU countries to live and work in Germany, offering numerous benefits such as favourable working conditions and a clear route to permanent German residency. In detail, however, problems can arise during the transfer, especially in connection with § 18b of the Residence Act (AufenthG), which is 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. Whether you need help with applications, handling disputes, or navigating regulatory requirements, Schlun & Elseven Rechtsanwälte is your trusted partner in making the EU Blue Card process as smooth and efficient as possible. Please do not hesitate to contact us directly for specialised legal assistance in all matters relating to the EU Blue Card in Germany. We are here for you.
The Benefits of the EU Blue Card in Germany
Holding an EU Blue Card in Germany offers numerous advantages. It allows the holder to live and work in Germany, as well as other EU countries, for up to four years or the duration of the employment contract plus an additional three months. While the EU Blue Card is not a permanent residence permit, cardholders can apply for permanent residency after 21 months if they demonstrate a B1 level of German. Without B1 proficiency, they can still apply after 33 months.
One notable benefit of the EU Blue Card is that applicants and their family members are not required to have German language skills. Although proficiency in German enhances the living experience and expedites the permanent residency process, it is not a prerequisite for obtaining the Blue Card.
Additionally, the EU Blue Card facilitates family reunification in Germany. Furthermore, the EU Blue Card in Germany allows for 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 do not hesitate to contact our office directly.
These benefits make the EU Blue Card an attractive option for highly skilled professionals seeking to build a life and career in Germany.
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 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.
The EU Blue Card and Shortage Positions in Germany
In Germany, the EU Blue Card offers skilled workers from non-EU countries the opportunity to pursue employment in various sectors. For 2025, the minimum annual salary requirement is €48,300. This ensures candidates are fairly compensated and contribute positively to the German economy. Prospective employment must last at least six months, indicating a commitment to long-term engagement in the labour market.
Germany adopts a flexible approach for critical occupations, with a lower salary threshold of €43,759.80 for bottleneck professions, new market entrants, and IT specialists. New entrants include foreign graduates who obtained their degrees within the past three years. Bottleneck professions, which face high demand for skilled workers, include manufacturing, mining, construction, distribution managers, information and communications technology service managers, professional services managers (childcare, health services, education), academic STEM professionals, academic professionals in architecture, spatial planning, transport planning, medical doctors, veterinarians, dentists, and pharmacists. Such bottleneck occupations can change depending on the dynamics of the labour market.
The EU Blue Card facilitates the recruitment of highly skilled professionals, addressing labour market needs by accommodating specific shortage positions and attracting talent in critical sectors. This ensures Germany’s global competitiveness while fostering diversity and expertise within its workforce.
Changing Employer as an EU Blue Cardholder
The EU Blue Card allows holders in Germany to change employers if needed, as permitted by the residence permit rules. Since November 2023, EU Blue Card holders must inform immigration authorities of any change in employer or position within the first 12 months of employment. Authorities have 30 days to decline such requests. This update changes the previous rule, which required notification after two years of employment.
After 12 months, Blue Card holders can switch employers or positions without notifying authorities. Additionally, after 12 months, holders and their families can move to a second Member State under simplified mobility rules, with work periods in different Member States counting towards EU long-term resident status. Given the potential legal complexities, Schlun & Elseven Rechtsanwälte’s immigration lawyers are available to provide guidance on changing employers as an EU Blue Card holder.
EU Blue Card Legal Issues
EU Blue Cardholders in Germany face several risks due to the close connection between their residence permit and employment. If they lose their job, they have three months to secure new employment that meets the permit’s requirements, or they risk having their Blue Card withdrawn and potentially having to leave Germany.
Authorities can also revoke the Blue Card if the holder no longer meets the permit conditions, such as unemployment or insufficient salary, or if the application was based on false information. Other reasons for withdrawal include being deemed a threat to public policy, security, or health or lacking financial resources without social assistance. Additionally, overstaying the residence permit can lead to significant issues. Consulting with an experienced immigration lawyer can help deal with these risks and explore options like permanent residency or visa extensions. At Schlun & Elseven Rechtsanwälte, our legal team regularly supports clients with their legal matters relating to the EU Blue Card.
Family Reunification and the EU Blue Card
One significant advantage of the EU Blue Card is the ability to apply for family reunification. EU Blue Cardholders can apply to bring their spouse or registered partner, children under 18, dependent adult children, and dependent parents to Germany. Family reunification is available for researchers and highly qualified workers with an EU Blue Card, allowing family members to stay for the duration of the card’s validity.
To apply for family reunification, EU Blue Cardholders must:
- Support family members financially,
- Hold an employment contract valid for at least another year,
- Provide accommodation with sufficient space,
- Present proof of relationship through relevant documents.
Applications are made at the German Embassy or Consulate in the country of residence.
When applying for family reunification, it is essential to possess the necessary documents, which can vary depending on the circumstances of the case and the nature of the family relationship. Required documents include:
- Marriage certificate (for spouses),
- Birth certificates (for children),
- Proof of long-term relationship (for unmarried partners),
- Proof of health insurance,
- Health certificates and police clearance certificates,
- Passports,
- Proof of the Blue Cardholder’s passport, EU Blue Card, accommodation, and financial support.
At Schlun & Elseven Rechtsanwälte, our lawyers assist clients globally with the EU Blue Card process. Our services include document assessment, apostille and legalisation, interview preparation, and managing the application process with the German embassy or consulate.
Family reunification benefits include:
- Residence permits matching the EU Blue Card duration,
- The ability for family members to work without salary restrictions or additional work permits,
- No language proficiency exam is required,
- Freedom to travel within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any six-month period.
Long-term residents can pursue permanent residency and eventually German citizenship by residency. Our experts at Schlun & Elseven Rechtsanwälte guide clients through these processes.
Practice Group: German Business Immigration Law
Practice Group:
German Business Immigration Law
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