Germany EU Blue Card
Do you have the brains, the talent, and the drive to take your career to new heights? If so, look no further than the EU Blue Card, your golden ticket to living and working in Germany, the powerhouse of Europe.
Why is the Blue Card such a game-changer?
Professional Advancement
The Blue Card is designed for highly qualified professionals in fields such as technology, engineering, and medicine. This visa allows you to showcase your expertise to German employers, significantly boosting your career prospects.
Fast-Track Residency
The Blue Card offers a faster route to permanent residency. Under specific conditions, you can obtain a settlement permit within 21 months, significantly reducing the typical waiting period.
Family Benefits
The Blue Card supports family unity. Spouses can work in Germany without initially needing to know the German language, and the process for obtaining family visas is streamlined, making it easier to bring your loved ones.
Competitive Salaries
The Blue Card ensures you receive a fair salary. It has regularly updated minimum salary requirements based on different professions, guaranteeing you are compensated according to your qualifications.
New Perks for 2024
Updated Salary Thresholds: Starting January 1st, check the official German government website for the latest salary requirements for your profession to ensure fair compensation.
Expanded Professions: The Blue Card now includes fields like architecture, law, and finance, offering more career opportunities.
Post-Brexit Opportunities: UK citizens affected by Brexit can benefit from the Blue Card’s simplified procedures, providing a stable and welcoming alternative for working in Germany.
Germany introduces a new residence/work permit for highly skilled non-EU citizens and eases restrictions on foreign students studying at German universities.
A European Union Directive from 2009 set terms and conditions to allow certain highly qualified and skilled citizens of non-EU countries to more easily obtain residence/work permits in certain EU member countries. In August 2012 the German government finalized legislation that put this directive into practice.
The primary feature of the new law is the introduction of a new type of residence permit commonly referred to as the EU Blue Card. The legislation is designed to make emigration to Germany more appealing to qualified foreign citizens in order to fill the ever-growing number of jobs that require highly skilled workers.
The law also eases various restrictions on foreign students who want to stay and work in Germany after completing their university studies.
What is the EU Blue Card eligibility?
To qualify for the Germany Blue Card, you must meet the following requirements:
Educational Background
Recognized Degree: You must have one of the following:
A degree from a German university
A comparable foreign higher education degree
Alternatively, at least 5 years of relevant professional experience
Job Offer
Employment Offer: You must have a concrete job offer from a German company.
Salary Requirements
Minimum Annual Gross Salary:
Standard Fields: €56,400 (as of 2023)
Shortage Fields (e.g., IT, engineering): €43,992 (as of 2023; non-EU applicants may require approval from the Federal Employment Agency)
Additional Considerations
Language Proficiency: Proficiency in German at a B1 level or higher can expedite your pathway to permanent residency.
Exceptional Skills: Exceptional skills can strengthen your application, even if your salary slightly falls short of the minimum requirement.
Opportunities with Blue Card:
The EU Blue Card is issued for the duration of your work contract, including 3 additional months, and is limited to 4 years. It is possible to be granted an extension if certain requirements are fulfilled. Your local German Foreigners Authority must approve of any job changes taking place within the first two years of employment.
After 33 months, holders of the EU Blue Card may obtain a settlement permit. In some cases, a settlement permit can be issued after 21 months. For this, you need to be able to provide proof of the required language skills of at least a B1 level by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
To hasten the process for qualified applicants there will be no “priority reviews”. This means that the time-consuming procedure of checking whether there are qualified Germans or non-German current residents who may be first in line for certain positions may be waived.
Moving to another EU country or leaving the country for an extended period is possible, but there may be restrictions depending on each country's laws and interpretation of the EU directive. (For example, Blue Card holders from Germany must stay in Germany for 18 months before moving to another country.)
Please note that the 18-month stay requirement in Germany is not a general rule for all EU countries. Each EU member state has its own regulations regarding internal mobility for Blue Card holders. Therefore, it's crucial to research the specific rules of the country you plan to move to after obtaining your Blue Card in Germany.
Family members of a Blue Card holder are allowed an unrestricted right to work in Germany. Spouses do not have to speak German to join the Blue Cardholder in the country.
FAQ's
1. Can I freelance with a Blue Card?
Yes, you can do limited freelance work while holding a Blue Card, but under specific conditions:
Main Source of Income: Employment with your original Blue Card issuing company should remain your primary source of income. Freelance work should be considered side income.
Tax Obligations: You must declare all freelance income to the German tax authorities and pay appropriate taxes.
Limited Duration: Be mindful of visa restrictions. Some Blue Cards specifically state "Selbständige Tätigkeit gestattet" (self-employment permitted), while others may not. If unsure, consult the Ausländerbehörde (foreigners' office) for clarification.
2. What happens if I lose my job while holding a Blue Card?
Job Search Period: You have 3 months to find a new job with similar qualifications and salary as your previous one. During this period, your Blue Card remains valid.
Extension Possibility: If finding a suitable job within 3 months proves challenging, you can apply for a temporary extension of your Blue Card for another 3 months. However, justifying this extension might require proof of active job search efforts.
Alternative Visa Options: Depending on your circumstances, you might be eligible for a different visa type based on your skills and qualifications. Consulting the Ausländerbehörde for guidance is recommended.
3. Do I need health insurance with the Blue Card?
Yes, having health insurance is mandatory for all residents in Germany, including Blue Card holders. You must register with a German health insurance company upon arrival and maintain coverage throughout your residency.
4. How can I improve my chances of getting a Blue Card job offer?
Here are some tips to boost your Blue Card job prospects:
Target Skills in Demand: Prioritize professions currently facing skilled worker shortages in Germany, such as IT, engineering, and healthcare.
Network & Research: Actively connect with companies and recruiters specializing in placing foreign talent in Germany. Research industries and job boards focused on your field.
Refine your Resume and Cover Letter: Tailor your application materials to German standards, highlighting relevant skills and qualifications aligned with the specific job requirements.
Learn German: Improving your German language skills, even at a basic level, can significantly enhance your employability and demonstrate commitment to integration.
5. What are the best resources to stay updated on Blue Card policies?
Looking to live in Germany with your family? This is possible for holders of the EU Blue Card. Contact our experts to know the process.
