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EU Blue Card for US citizens – Employment and living in Germany

Expert article in migration law

The EU Blue Card is a special residence permit that allows qualified professionals from non-EU countries—such as the USA—to work and live in Germany. For many US citizens, it is the most efficient way to gain a professional foothold in Europe and create long-term prospects.

With the EU Blue Card, US skilled workers benefit from a simplified process for taking up employment in Germany. It allows legally secure employment in skilled professions and simultaneously opens up access to permanent residency.

Requirements for the EU Blue Card – an overview for US citizens

To obtain the EU Blue Card, certain requirements must be met. These relate to professional qualifications, salary, and the type of employment.

1. Recognized qualification

Applicants must have a recognized university diploma or provide evidence of an equivalent qualification comparable to a German university degree.
In certain areas – such as the IT industry – several years of relevant professional experience can also be recognized instead of an academic degree.

2. Job offer

A concrete job offer or an already completed employment contract with an employer in Germany.
The proposed activity must correspond to the field of study or qualification and last at least six months.

3. Minimum salary 2025

The EU Blue Card requires a certain minimum annual salary, which is adjusted annually.
The following guidelines apply for 2025:

Regular jobs: at least 48,300 € gross annually
Shortage occupations (e.g. engineering, IT, medicine): at least 43,759.80 € gross annually

The lower threshold may also apply to new entrants to the workforce who graduated less than three years ago.

4. Health insurance and residence

All holders of an EU Blue Card must have a valid health insurance and their Main residence in Germany register.

5. Approval of the Federal Employment Agency

In certain cases, such as in the case of a shortage of occupations or lower salaries, the Federal Employment Agency agree to the employment. This particularly applies to positions where proof of comparability of qualifications is required.

Entry and application for US citizens

US citizens can enter Germany without a visaAfter arrival, you have three months to apply for an EU Blue Card at the relevant immigration authority.
Only after the card has been issued may the activity officially begin.

The application can also be prepared in the US, allowing for prompt processing after entry. It is recommended that all documents be reviewed early—especially the qualification recognition and employment contract.

Validity, extension and permanent residence

The EU Blue Card is usually issued for the duration of the employment contract plus three months, but for a maximum of four years.
An extension is possible without any problems as long as the employment continues and the requirements are met.

After 33 months of qualified employment Holders can settlement permit which allows them to stay in Germany indefinitely.
At sufficient knowledge of German (B1 level) This step is already after 21 months possible.

Benefits of the EU Blue Card for US professionals

The EU Blue Card offers numerous advantages for US professionals who want to work and live in Germany:

Simplified procedure for starting work
Legally secure residence permit for qualified activities
Possibility of family reunification under simplified conditions
Permanent residence in Germany after 33 or 21 months
Freedom of movement within the EU for professional mobility
Access to social benefits and integration into the German social system

The EU Blue Card is particularly attractive for US professionals in future-oriented sectors – for example in the areas of IT, engineering, medicine, research and law.

Support with the application process – SZ Legal at your side

Applying for the EU Blue Card requires compliance with clear legal and formal requirements.
The law firm SZ Legal supports US professionals and companies in all steps – from document review and application to the successful issuance of the residence permit.
Our expertise in migration law guarantees you a fast, legally compliant and efficient processing your application.