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EU Blue Card for Canadian citizens – Working and living in Germany

Expert article in migration law

The EU Blue Card offers Canadian professionals the opportunity to take up qualified employment and live permanently in Germany.
For many Canadian citizens, it is the easiest way to pursue professional opportunities in Europe while obtaining long-term residency.

The EU Blue Card is aimed at well-educated professionals from non-EU countries. It enables legal employment in skilled positions and simultaneously creates prospects for permanent residence in Germany.

Requirements for the EU Blue Card – for Canadian skilled workers

To apply for the EU Blue Card, Canadian applicants must meet certain requirements regarding education, employment, income, and legal requirements.

1. Recognized qualification

The prerequisite is a recognized university diploma or an equivalent qualification comparable to a German degree.
Canadian qualifications are generally well recognized in Germany. Assessment is carried out through the official recognition process or the database for foreign qualifications.
In certain cases, particularly in IT or engineering, several years of qualified professional experience can also be considered a substitute for a university degree.

2. Job offer

There must be a concrete job offer or a valid employment contract with a German employer.
The position offered must correspond to the field of study or qualification and be intended for employment of at least six months.

3. Minimum salary 2025

To obtain the EU Blue Card, a certain minimum annual salary is required.
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 job market who graduated less than three years ago.

4. Health insurance and residence

Holders of the 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, particularly in jobs where there is a shortage of skilled workers or where salaries are lower, the consent of the Federal Employment Agency This checks whether the working conditions comply with German standards.

Entry and application for Canadian citizens

Canadian citizens may enter Germany without a visaAfter arrival, they must complete a EU Blue Card apply to the responsible immigration authority.

The application can be prepared in Canada. An early review of the documents—especially the recognition of the degree and employment contract—significantly speeds up the process.
Employment is only permitted after the Blue Card has been issued.

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 provided that employment continues and the requirements continue to be met.

After 33 months of qualified work can a settlement permit which allows for unlimited residence in Germany.
At sufficient knowledge of German (B1 level) This is already after 21 months possible.

Benefits of the EU Blue Card for Canadian professionals

The EU Blue Card offers Canadian professionals a variety of advantages and legal security when working and living in Germany:

Simplified procedure for starting work
Legally secure residence permit for qualified activities
Family reunification under simplified conditions
Possibility of permanent residence after 33 or 21 months
Professional mobility within the European Union
Access to social benefits and integration services

The EU Blue Card is particularly interesting for Canadian professionals in the fields of Technology, engineering, medicine, research, finance and law.

Support with the application process – SZ Legal at your side

Applying for the EU Blue Card can seem complex, especially when it comes to the recognition of foreign qualifications or the review of contract documents.
The law firm SZ Legal accompanies Canadian professionals and their employers through the entire process – from document review to the issuance of the residence permit.
With our many years of experience in Migration law we guarantee a efficient, safe and legally sound Processing your procedure.