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EU Blue Card: Legal advice from your experienced immigration law firm

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EU Blue Card – residence permit for highly qualified professionals: Legal advice from my experienced immigration law firm.

Are you looking to work in Germany as a highly qualified employee? Or are you a German company planning to hire skilled workers from non-EU countries? The EU Blue Card provides qualified third-country nationals with quick and efficient access to the German labor market.

This residence permit is particularly important for professions with a shortage of skilled workers, such as doctors, engineers, or IT specialists. The basis for its issuance is Section 18g Paragraph 1 of the Residence Act (AufenthG).

In practice, however, there may be challenges when applying for the EU Blue Card – be it regarding the recognition of qualifications, the salary limit or communication with the relevant authorities.

I provide competent and reliable support throughout all steps of your EU Blue Card application process. With comprehensive expertise in residence law and many years of experience in visa and application procedures, I can assist you with:

the legal review of your requirements,
the complete application,
communication with immigration authorities,
and the clarification of all open questions.

Trust my law firm – so that your new professional start in Germany runs smoothly.

Requirements for the EU Blue Card – What you should pay attention to

The EU Blue Card is an attractive residence permit for highly qualified lawyers from non-EU countries who wish to practice in Germany. To successfully apply for the Blue Card, certain requirements must be met:

Recognized university degree

I need a German or recognized foreign university degree.
I can check whether my foreign qualification is recognized online via the website of the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB).
If sufficient information is not available, an individual assessment by the ZAB is required, which is subject to a fee.

Employment contract or binding job offer

I must have an employment contract or a concrete job offer.
The employment must take place in Germany.

Employment appropriate to qualifications

My job must be appropriate to my qualifications, which means it must be related to the content.

Minimum salary

The following minimum salary limits apply for 2025:

Regular: 48,300 euros gross per year
Shortage occupations / entry-level workers: 43,759.80 euros gross per year

Professional license (if required)

In regulated professions such as medicine or engineering, I require a professional permit or a corresponding approval from the responsible recognition authority.

Special regulations for IT specialists without a university degree

Even without a university degree, IT specialists can receive an EU Blue Card – provided they have gained at least three years of relevant professional experience in the last seven years and can demonstrate theoretical knowledge at an academic level.
I would be happy to advise you on this exception.

These shortage occupations benefit from easier requirements:

IT specialists
Architects and designers
Doctors, dentists and veterinarians
Physiotherapists
Engineers and natural scientists
mathematician
Teacher
Spatial and transport planners
Managers in production, logistics, construction and healthcare

General requirements

In addition to the job-specific requirements, I must:

prove my identity with a valid passport or equivalent documents
have valid health insurance for Germany

Are you planning to apply for an EU Blue Card or need assistance with the recognition process for your qualifications? As a lawyer specializing in immigration law, I will advise you personally and guide you through the entire process – from verifying your eligibility to communicating with the authorities.

Responsibilities for applying for the EU Blue Card

The EU Blue Card can be applied for at the local immigration office in Germany. It is important to know which country you come from, as this determines whether you need a visa to enter the country.

Visa-free entry

Citizens of the following countries do not need a visa to enter Germany and apply for an EU Blue Card directly here:

USA
Canada
Australia
New Zealand
United Kingdom
Japan
South Korea
Israel

After your entry, you can apply for an EU Blue Card directly at the relevant immigration authority.

Entry requiring a visa

If you do not come from one of the countries mentioned and live outside the EU, you will usually need a work visa.
This is issued by the German diplomatic mission in your home country.
After your entry, you must apply for the EU Blue Card at the immigration office in good time before your visa expires.

Transfer from another EU Member State

Skilled workers who have held an EU Blue Card in another EU country for at least 12 months can enter Germany without a visa.
Important: The application for the new EU Blue Card in Germany must be submitted within one month of entry.

Applicants with a valid residence permit

Even people who are already in Germany with a valid residence permit can easily apply for an EU Blue Card – an additional visa is not necessary in this case.

Not sure whether you need a visa or which authority is responsible?
As a lawyer specializing in immigration law, I will accompany you every step of the way – from the visa process and application to communication with the authorities.

Advantage of the accelerated procedure for skilled workers with the EU Blue Card

The EU Blue Card can also be applied for under the accelerated skilled worker procedure – a procedure specifically designed to enable highly qualified professionals to enter and start working in Germany more quickly.

A major advantage: Appointments at the German diplomatic mission abroad are made much faster, so that the visa for the EU Blue Card can be issued more quickly.
In addition, the procedure also includes – if necessary – the recognition of your foreign university degree.

Would you like to benefit from a faster process? As a lawyer specializing in immigration law, I will guide you through the entire accelerated skilled worker process – efficiently, legally secure, and individually tailored to your situation.

Advantages of the EU Blue Card – My path to a secure life and work in Germany

The EU Blue Card offers numerous advantages for highly qualified lawyers from third countries.

It gives me simplified access to the German labor market – with almost the same rights and obligations as for German workers.
Another advantage: After just 21 months of residence in Germany, I can apply for a permanent settlement permit – provided I have German language skills at level B1. With basic knowledge (A1), the application is possible after just 27 months.
Family reunification is also easier: spouses, children and even parents – both my own and those of my spouse – can come with me to Germany under certain conditions.

Benefit from the opportunities offered by the EU Blue Card for your professional career and your family! As a lawyer specializing in immigration law, I will personally advise you and support you on your path to a secure and successful life in Germany. Contact me now for a free, no-obligation consultation!

What documents are required for the EU Blue Card?

To apply for the EU Blue Card, you must submit a variety of documents to prove your identity, qualifications, and employment status in Germany. Specifically, the following documents are required:

Required documents:

Copy of your valid passport
Biometric passport photo
Copy of your university degree
CV with complete professional history
Employment contract or letter of intent from a German company with detailed job description

Additional documents for family reunification:

If you would like to bring your family to Germany as part of the family reunification process, you will also need:

Copy of your spouse's passport
Biometric passport photo of your spouse
Marriage certificate and its official translation
Copy of your child's passport
Your child's birth certificate

Are you unsure which documents are required for your specific case? I will review your documents, assist you with arranging translation, and guide you through the entire EU Blue Card application process. Contact me now for a personalized consultation!

Regional differences in the application for the EU Blue Card through a lawyer.

Although the legal requirements for the EU Blue Card are uniform throughout Germany, regional differences in the application process are evident in practice. Depending on the location of the responsible immigration authority, the following points may differ:

Forms used

Required documents
Type of application submission (in person, by mail or digitally)
Duration of processing and appointment scheduling

These differences often lead to delays or uncertainty in the process – especially for applicants who are unfamiliar with the regional conditions.

Do you want to avoid mistakes when applying and increase your chances of a speedy processing? As an immigration lawyer, I am familiar with the regional processes and can guide you step by step through the process – nationwide.

The EU Blue Card after Brexit – opportunities for British lawyers

Since the United Kingdom's withdrawal from the European Union on January 1, 2021, British nationals have been considered third-country nationals. However, they still have the opportunity to apply for the EU Blue Card for Germany under simplified conditions.

Unlike other third countries, British skilled workers do not require a visa to enter Germany.

You can enter without a visa and submit your application for an EU Blue Card directly within the country.
This simplifies the process considerably and brings significant benefits to both employees and German companies.

Thanks to the UK's privileged status in terms of residence law, British skilled workers benefit from a simplified immigration procedure.
Employers in Germany therefore have the opportunity to recruit qualified specialists more quickly and fill vacancies more quickly.

Are you a British citizen and would like to work in Germany? I can provide expert advice on applying for the EU Blue Card after Brexit and support you through every step of the process. Contact me now for personalized advice!

Make an inquiry now

We will be happy to advise you comprehensively and personally on your concerns.

Your lawyer for migration law – Legal support when applying for the EU Blue Card

The EU Blue Card is an important residence permit for highly qualified professionals from third countries who wish to work in Germany. As a lawyer specializing in migration law, I offer comprehensive advice and support on all legal issues related to applying for the EU Blue Card – for both professionals and employers.

I will be at your side from the very beginning and will take all necessary steps to ensure a speedy and legally secure entry and employment.

My services at a glance:

Comprehensive advice on German visa and residence law
Representation in the application procedure before the competent immigration authority
Applying for the EU Blue Card
Clarification of all open questions with the authorities
Checking all required documents
Legal advice on the recognition of professional qualifications

As part of my business immigration services, I support foreign companies and investors in establishing and expanding their business activities in Germany – including legal advice on:

Founding a company
Visas and residence permits of all kinds

Whether you are an employer looking to hire international specialists or an employee looking to apply for an EU Blue Card – I offer you comprehensive and practical advice that takes all aspects of residence law into account.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the EU Blue Card?

The EU Blue Card is a residence permit for highly qualified workers from third countries that facilitates access to the German labor market. It is aimed at academics and IT specialists with relevant professional experience.

Who is eligible to apply for an EU Blue Card?

Persons from non-EU countries who can demonstrate a recognized university degree or – in the IT sector – comparable professional experience and an employment contract with a German employer are entitled to apply.

Do you need knowledge of German to get the EU Blue Card?

No, language skills are not a prerequisite for the EU Blue Card. This applies to both the applicant and accompanying family members. With German language skills at level B1, a permanent residence permit is available after just 21 months – without language skills, however, it takes 27 months.

Can my family accompany me as an EU Blue Card holder?

Yes, as part of the family reunification process, spouses, children, parents, and in-laws have the opportunity to come to Germany with me. My family members will receive a work and residence permit and will be able to work immediately without restrictions. The application can also be submitted using the expedited skilled worker procedure.

How long can I leave Germany as a holder of an EU Blue Card?

As an EU Blue Card holder, I have the option of spending up to 12 consecutive months outside of Germany without losing my residence permit. This period also applies to my family members who traveled with me as part of the family reunification process.

How long is the EU Blue Card valid?

The EU Blue Card is normally issued for a period of four years. However, if the employment contract is shorter, it is valid for the duration of the employment relationship plus, as a rule, three months. An extension is possible as long as all requirements are still met.

Is it possible for me to change jobs with an EU Blue Card?

Yes, changing employers is possible. During the first year, I am required to report the change to the immigration authorities, who must review it within 30 days if they have any objections. If no response is received, the change is considered approved. After one year of employment, I can make the change without approval. However, the Blue Card requirements, especially the minimum salary, must still be met.

What consequences will there be for me as an EU Blue Card holder if I lose my job?

In the event of termination or dismissal, EU Blue Card holders generally have up to three months to find new employment. Failure to do so may result in the risk of revocation of their residence permit and possibly an obligation to leave the country. As an employer, I am obligated to notify the immigration authorities of the termination of the employment relationship within four weeks.

Am I allowed to travel within the EU with an EU Blue Card?

Yes, with the EU Blue Card, I have the opportunity to travel visa-free to other Schengen states for tourism purposes – for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. However, taking up employment in other EU countries is not permitted.

Do I need approval from the Federal Employment Agency?

Approval from the Federal Employment Agency is only required if your salary is below the general salary threshold (e.g., for occupations with a shortage of skilled workers or for entry-level employees). If your salary exceeds this threshold, no approval is required—regardless of your profession or experience.