EU Blue Card: Your Gateway to Qualified Employment in Germany

The EU Blue Card, governed by Section 18g of the Residence Act (AufenthG), is a special residence title designed for foreign academics and individuals with comparable qualifications who wish to pursue qualified employment in Germany. Here’s a detailed guide on the requirements, opportunities, and special cases related to the EU Blue Card.

Requirements for the EU Blue Card

To be eligible for the EU Blue Card, you must meet the following criteria:

1. Educational Qualifications:

• Degree Requirement: You need to possess either a German degree or a foreign degree equivalent to a German degree.

• Non-Traditional Qualifications: If you lack a traditional university degree, you must demonstrate a tertiary-level qualification equivalent to at least level 6 of the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED 2011) or the European Qualifications Framework. This includes qualifications like "Master craftsman training" or professional qualifications in educator professions.

1. Job Offer:

• Specific Employment: You must have a specific job offer from a company in Germany that matches your qualification.

• Employment Duration: The job offer must be for a period of at least six months.

• Licensure: For regulated professions, you must have or be in the process of obtaining the required license to practice.

1. Salary Requirements:

• General Salary Threshold: Your job must offer a gross annual salary of at least €45,300 (as of 2024).

• Bottleneck Professions: If you are employed in a bottleneck profession, the salary threshold is lower at €41,041.80 (as of 2024), provided the Federal Employment Agency (BA) approves your employment. Bottleneck professions include roles such as academic STEM professionals, medical doctors, IT service managers, and educators, among others.

Special Case: IT Professionals without a Formal Qualification

IT professionals or managers without a formal qualification can still obtain an EU Blue Card under certain conditions:

• Job Offer: You must have a specific job offer in Germany as an IT professional.

• Salary Requirement: Your job must offer a gross annual salary of at least €41,041.80 (as of 2024).

• Work Experience: You need to demonstrate at least three years of professional IT experience in the past seven years at a university level.

Opportunities with the EU Blue Card

The EU Blue Card offers several advantages:

• Validity: The card is issued for the duration of your employment contract plus an additional three months, with a maximum validity of four years. Extensions are possible under certain conditions.

• Settlement Permit: After 27 months, Blue Card holders can apply for a settlement permit if they demonstrate German language skills at level A1 of the CEFR. If you can demonstrate language skills at level B1, the permit can be issued after just 21 months.

• Family Reunification: Blue Card holders can bring their families to Germany, subject to certain conditions.

• Job Flexibility: You can change employers in Germany. If the change occurs within the first year, you must notify your local foreigners authority, which will verify if you still meet the Blue Card conditions with your new job.

Conclusion

The EU Blue Card serves as an excellent opportunity for qualified professionals to live and work in Germany, offering benefits such as the potential for a long-term settlement and the ability to bring family members. Whether you possess a traditional university degree or have significant professional experience, the EU Blue Card can be a viable pathway to establishing a career in Germany. For those in IT or bottleneck professions, the requirements are slightly adjusted, providing greater flexibility. Ensure to meet all the specified criteria and enjoy the numerous advantages that come with the EU Blue Card.