About

The EU Blue Card is a special type of work and residence permit issued by Germany (and other EU countries) for highly qualified professionals. It is designed to attract talent from non-EU countries by offering structured access to the German labor market and a clear path to permanent residence.

The EU Blue Card:

• Is a residence permit with work rights, intended for skilled workers with recognized qualifications and a German job offer.
  
  
• Is issued for up to four years, depending on contract length, and can later lead to permanent settlement.

Who can apply

Basic Eligibility

To qualify for a Blue Card in Germany, you must:

1. Hold a university degree recognized as comparable to a German degree (or have a similar tertiary-level qualification, such as a master craftsman or nursery school teaching credentials)
   
   

2. Have a job offer or employment contract in Germany lasting at least six months
   
   

3. Earn a minimum gross annual salary, adjusted annually:
   
   

• Standard professions: €48,300 (2025)
  
  

• Shortage or entry-level professions: €43,759.80 (2025), including young graduates, IT specialists without a degree, and professions with labor shortages (e.g. STEM fields, healthcare, engineering, teaching)
  
  

4. Show proof of health insurance coverage in Germany
   
   

5. Have recognized qualifications for regulated professions (e.g. medical doctors, engineers). Licenses or permits must be submitted where applicable
   
   

Special Categories Allowed

• Young professionals: If your degree is less than three years old, and you have an appropriate job offer, you may qualify under reduced salary thresholds with Federal Employment Agency approval
  
  

• IT specialists without a degree: Must have at least three years of relevant experience within the past seven years, and meet the salary minimum for shortage occupations

Benefits

• Fast track to permanent residence: After 27 months of qualified employment and pension contributions, you can apply for a settlement permit (permanent residence). This can be shortened to 21 months if you demonstrate B1-level German
  
  

• Mobility within the EU: Blue Card holders may work in another EU Blue Card country after 12 months, and may travel or work temporarily in Germany based on existing Blue Card recognition
  
  

• Family-friendly: Family members can join you in Germany without demonstrating German language skills and may begin working immediately
  
  

• No German labor market test: Germany does not require proof that no domestic or EU workers were available for the job

Real-Life Examples

Here are a few hypothetical—but realistic—scenarios to help illustrate the program:

• Example 1 – IT Specialist Without Degree
  
  Maria has been working as a software developer for 5 years and receives a job offer in Berlin paying €45,000 per year. Her job qualifies as an IT specialist role. Because of her relevant experience (3 years+ in the last 7 years), she is eligible to apply for the Blue Card under the special IT pathway.
  
  
• Example 2 – Young Engineering Graduate
  
  Ahmed graduated 1 year ago with a recognized engineering degree. He receives a job offer in Frankfurt for €44,000 per year in his field. As a career-entry applicant with a degree under 3 years old, he meets the requirements and, with approval from the Federal Employment Agency, can qualify under the reduced salary threshold.
  
  
• Example 3 – Medical Doctor
  
  Dr. Liao is a qualified physician with German licensing. She receives an employment contract in Munich with a salary above €43,759.80. Her profession is in shortage, so she qualifies for the Blue Card under the reduced threshold.

Frequently Asked Questions