Europe – EU Blue Card – Germany

1. What is the EU Blue Card and what are its benefits?


The EU Blue Card is a work and residence permit issued to highly skilled non-EU nationals who wish to work in Europe. The card is valid for a maximum of four years and allows the holder to live and work in any EU country (excluding Denmark, Ireland, and the United Kingdom) as well as in Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.

Some of the benefits of the EU Blue Card include:

1. Work and Residence Permit: The main benefit of the EU Blue Card is that it acts as both a work and residence permit, making it easier for highly skilled non-EU workers to live and work in Europe.

2. Fast-track Process: The application process for an EU Blue Card is typically faster compared to other types of work permits. This allows eligible candidates to start working in Europe sooner.

3. Easy Mobility: The card allows holders to move between different EU countries without having to apply for a separate work permit each time, provided that they meet certain conditions such as staying within the same field or profession.

4. Family Reunification: Holders of an EU Blue Card are allowed to bring their family members with them to Europe and have them join them during their stay.

5. Permanent Residency: After holding an EU Blue Card for 18 months, holders can apply for permanent residency if they fulfill certain conditions such as language proficiency and job stability.

6. Equal Treatment: EU Blue Card holders are entitled to equal treatment with citizens of the host country regarding working conditions, social security benefits, tax exemptions, etc., ensuring fair treatment in terms of employment rights.

7. Access to Social Benefits: Holders of an EU Blue Card have access to social benefits such as healthcare, education, unemployment benefits, etc., just like citizens of the host country.

8. Pathway to Citizenship: Holding an EU Blue Card can be a stepping stone towards obtaining citizenship in some countries in Europe, provided certain conditions are met.

Overall, the EU Blue Card is a highly sought-after permit that offers many benefits to highly skilled non-EU professionals looking to live and work in Europe.

2. Which countries in Europe offer the EU Blue Card?


As of 2021, the following countries in Europe offer the EU Blue Card:

1. Austria
2. Belgium
3. Bulgaria
4. Croatia
5. Cyprus
6. Czech Republic
7. Denmark
8. Estonia
9. Finland
10. France
11. Germany
12. Greece
13. Hungary
14. Ireland
15. Italy
16. Latvia
17. Lithuania
18. Luxembourg
19. Malta
20. Netherlands
21 . Poland
22 . Portugal
23 . Romania
24 . Slovakia
25 . Slovenia
26 . Spain
27 . Sweden

3. What are the eligibility criteria for an EU Blue Card?


The eligibility criteria for an EU Blue Card are as follows:

1. Qualifications: You must have a higher education degree or equivalent qualification (such as 5 years of professional experience) and provide evidence of your qualifications.

2. Work contract: You must have a binding job offer or contract from a company in an EU Member State that is valid for at least one year.

3. Salary: Your salary must be at least 1.5 times the average salary in the EU Member State where you will be working, or 1.2 times if you are working in a shortage occupation.

4. Labor market needs: In some cases, your occupation may need to be in demand in the country where you want to work.

5. Valid travel document: You must have a valid passport (or equivalent travel document) from your home country.

6. Health insurance: You must have health insurance coverage for yourself and any accompanying family members.

7. No threat to public policy or security: You cannot pose a threat to the public policy or internal security of the EU Member State you wish to work in.

8. Residence permit: If required by the country, you may need to obtain a long-term residence permit before applying for an EU Blue Card.

9. Language skills: Some countries may require you to prove your language skills in the official language of the country where you will be working.

It should be noted that each EU Member State may have slightly different eligibility criteria, so it is important to check with the specific country’s immigration authorities for their specific requirements. Additionally, there may be other requirements such as age limits or proof of financial resources that can vary by country.

4. How long is the validity period of an EU Blue Card?

An EU Blue Card is valid for a period of four years, or the duration of the employment contract plus three months – whichever is shorter. After this initial period, the Blue Card can be renewed for an additional four-year period. After five years of legal and uninterrupted residence in an EU member state with an EU Blue Card, individuals may also be eligible for permanent residence in that country.

5. Can I apply for an EU Blue Card if I am a non-EU citizen living in another European country?

No, you must be living in an EU country to apply for an EU Blue Card. Each EU country has its own requirements and application process for the card, so you would need to follow the specific guidelines of the country you wish to apply in.

6. Are there any numerical limits on the number of EU Blue Cards issued by each member state?


Yes, there are numerical limits on the number of EU Blue Cards issued by each member state. According to the EU Blue Card Directive, member states can limit the number of permits issued to highly skilled workers so that they do not exceed 1.5% of their labor force in a specific field and 3% for occupations in shortage or highly demanded professions. Member states can also set lower or higher limits based on their economic needs and employment situation.

7. Can my family members join me in Europe if I have an EU Blue Card?


Yes, your family members (spouse and children) can join you in Europe if you have an EU Blue Card. They may apply for a residence permit in the same country where you are working, and their permits will be linked to yours as long as they meet the necessary requirements.

The family members must provide certain documents, such as a valid passport, proof of relationship with the EU Blue Card holder, and proof of financial resources or health insurance coverage. They may also need to pass a language proficiency test if required by the country of residence.

Each country has its own regulations for family reunification under the EU Blue Card program, so it is important to check with the relevant authorities for specific requirements and procedures.

8. Is it possible to change jobs while holding an EU Blue Card?

Yes, it is possible to change jobs while holding an EU Blue Card. The EU Blue Card allows its holders to work for any employer in the issuing country, and they do not require a new visa or work permit when changing jobs as long as the new job meets the requirements for obtaining an EU Blue Card. This includes a minimum salary threshold and a higher education degree. However, if the holder wants to work in another EU member state, they must apply for a new EU Blue Card in that country and meet their specific requirements.

9. Do I need a job offer before applying for an EU Blue Card?

In most cases, yes. In order to apply for an EU Blue Card, you will typically need a job offer from a company or employer based in the European Union. This job offer must meet certain criteria, including a salary that is at least 1.5 times the average salary in the EU country where you will be working.

However, there are some exceptions to this requirement, such as if you have a degree from a highly ranked university or if your profession is on the shortage occupation list in the country where you will be working.

It is important to note that each EU country may have specific requirements and processes for obtaining an EU Blue Card, so it is essential to research the specific guidelines of the country where you plan to work before applying.

10. Is language proficiency required for obtaining an EU Blue Card?

Yes, language proficiency is required for obtaining an EU Blue Card. Applicants must have knowledge of the language of the country where they will be working, which may include passing a language exam or providing proof of previous education or work experience in that language. Additionally, certain countries may require language proficiency in other languages as well. This requirement is meant to ensure that cardholders can effectively communicate and integrate into their new work and living environments.

11. What kind of employment contract is required for an EU Blue Card application?

A fixed-term or permanent employment contract is required for an EU Blue Card application. The contract must be for a duration of at least one year and specify the job title, salary, and other terms and conditions of employment.

12. Can self-employed individuals apply for an EU Blue Card?


Yes, self-employed individuals can apply for an EU Blue Card if they meet the eligibility criteria. This includes having a valid work contract or binding job offer in a highly skilled position and meeting the salary requirement set by the country issuing the Blue Card. Some countries may also require proof of professional qualifications or experience in the field.

13. Is there a minimum salary requirement for obtaining an EU Blue Card?


Yes, in order to obtain an EU Blue Card, an individual must have a minimum annual salary of at least 52,000 euros (or 41,804 euros for shortage occupations) or the average salary in their country of residence, whichever is higher. However, this requirement may vary slightly between different EU member states.

14. Is education level taken into consideration when applying for an EU Blue Card?


Yes, education level is an important factor in the application process for an EU Blue Card. In most EU countries, applicants must have completed a higher education degree, such as a bachelor’s or master’s degree, in order to be eligible for the Blue Card. Some countries may also require that the degree is relevant to the job being applied for. Other factors that may be considered include years of work experience and salary level.

15. Are there any special programs or incentives offered for highly skilled workers through the EU Blue Card?

The EU Blue Card program itself is an incentive for highly skilled workers to work and live in the European Union. It offers various benefits, such as easier access to residence and work permits, facilitated family reunification, and potential path towards permanent residence or citizenship. Additionally, some individual EU countries may offer additional incentives or perks for holders of the EU Blue Card. For example, Germany offers tax breaks and faster route to permanent residency for Blue Card holders with certain qualifications.

16. Will holding an EU Blue Card help towards permanent residency or citizenship in Europe?


Holding an EU Blue Card can contribute towards permanent residency and citizenship in Europe, but it does not guarantee it.

The EU Blue Card is a temporary residence permit that allows highly skilled non-EU citizens to live and work in an EU country for up to four years. During this time, individuals can apply for permanent residency if they meet certain requirements such as having a stable job, sufficient income, and adequate language skills.

After five years of continuous legal residence in an EU country, Blue Card holders may apply for long-term residency which provides the right to reside permanently within that country. This can eventually lead to citizenship in some countries, but each country has its own specific requirements for naturalization.

Having the EU Blue Card can also give applicants an advantage when applying for citizenship by providing evidence of their integration within the host country. It shows that the individual has lived and worked there legally and contributes to society through their occupation.

However, it is important to note that the path to permanent residency and citizenship varies between EU member states and fulfilling the requirements can be challenging. It is advisable for Blue Card holders to check with the relevant authorities in their host country about their specific eligibility for permanent residency and citizenship.

17. How long does it take to process an application for an EU Blue card?

The average processing time for an EU Blue card application varies by country and can range from a few weeks to several months. It is recommended to check with the specific country’s immigration office for estimated processing times. Factors that may affect processing time include the completeness of the application, individual circumstances, and workload of the immigration office.

18. Are there any fees associated with obtaining or renewing an EU Blue card?


Yes, there are certain fees associated with obtaining or renewing an EU Blue card. These fees may vary depending on the country issuing the card, but generally include:

1. Application fee: This is a one-time fee charged for submitting an application for an EU Blue card.

2. Residence permit fee: If your application is approved, you will need to pay a residence permit fee to receive your EU Blue card.

3. Processing fee: Some countries may charge a processing fee for handling your application.

4. Renewal fee: You will need to pay a renewal fee when extending your EU Blue card validity if you plan to stay in the country longer than the initial duration of the card.

5. Healthcare insurance fee: As part of the requirements for obtaining an EU Blue card, you must have valid healthcare insurance in the host country. Therefore, you will need to pay for this insurance separately.

6. Other fees: Depending on your situation and the country you’re applying from, there may be additional fees such as translation costs, courier services or document authentication fees that you’ll need to cover.

It’s important to research and understand these fees before applying for an EU Blue card so that you can budget accordingly and avoid any delays in the process due to lack of funds.

19 .Can my employer sponsor me for an EU blue card even if they are not located in Germany, but another European country?


Yes, your employer can sponsor you for an EU Blue Card even if they are not located in Germany. In order to be eligible for an EU Blue Card, you must meet the requirements set by the specific country where your employer is located, as well as the requirements set by the European Union. Each country has its own regulations and guidelines for issuing EU Blue Cards, so it is important to research and understand the requirements of the specific country where your employer is located. Additionally, your job offer must meet certain criteria such as being highly skilled and having a salary above a certain threshold. The application process and any necessary documents may also vary depending on the country. It is recommended to consult with an immigration lawyer or contact the relevant authorities in the specific country for more information about the application process.

20.How can I find job opportunities that qualify me for the issuance of an EU blue card in Germany specifically if I am not residing there currently?


1. Networking: Connect with professionals working in Germany through social and professional networks such as LinkedIn, Xing, or attending career fairs and events. They may be able to refer you to job opportunities or recommend you to their contacts.

2. Job sites: Use popular German job portals like Indeed.de, Stepstone.de, Monster.de, etc., to browse for job openings and apply directly.

3. Company websites: Many German companies advertise job openings on their websites. Make a list of companies you are interested in and regularly check their career pages for vacancies.

4. Recruitment agencies: Get in touch with recruitment agencies that specialize in placing international candidates in German companies. They can assist you in finding suitable job opportunities based on your skills and experience.

5. EU Blue Card Job website: The European Commission’s EU Blue Card Job website features available positions from across Europe that qualify for the issuance of an EU blue card. You can filter your search by country, occupation, or salary to find relevant job opportunities in Germany.

6. Specialized job portals: There are also specialized job portals for certain professions such as IT, engineering, finance, etc., where you can find openings specifically related to your field.

7. Online platforms: Websites like InterNations.org and Toytown Germany have forums where expats share information about living and working in Germany, including job opportunities.

8. Contact employers directly: If there are specific companies you would like to work for, reach out to them directly and inquire about any open positions they may have.

9. Consult the German Chambers of Commerce abroad: These chambers often have a database of German companies looking for international talent; they can also provide guidance on work permits and immigration issues.

10. Seek advice from immigration lawyers: If you have valuable skills or a specialized profession, an immigration lawyer may be able to help you find employment opportunities that qualify for the EU blue card program in Germany. They can also assist you with the application process.