Germany EU Blue Card from India

The German EU Blue Card, or the Blaue Karte, is a special residence permit designed for non-EU nationals who have completed university education and are stepping into skilled roles in Germany. To qualify for this Blue Card, your salary must exceed the national average, ensuring that highly educated professionals are welcomed into well-compensated positions in the German workforce.
 

Who can apply for an EU Blue Card for Germany?

If you're considering applying for a German Blue Card, here's what you need to know:

1. Educational and Professional Qualifications: You'll need a higher education degree from either a German university or one recognized in Germany. If you're in a regulated profession like health, law, teaching, or engineering, it's essential to get your degree recognized. You can find the relevant authorities on the “Recognition in Germany” portal.
2. Job Offer Matching Your Qualifications: You should have a definite job offer from a German employer. When applying for the Blue Card, make sure to include your work contract, which outlines your role and the salary offered. It's important to note that the Blue Card is only available to those employed by a company and not to self-employed individuals.
3. Salary Requirements: Your salary must be at least 1.5 times the national average. In 2024, this means a minimum of €45,300/year. However, for shortage occupations, this figure drops slightly to €41,041.80/year. If your salary falls below this threshold, you'll need approval from the German Federal Employment Agency.
    

Germany Opportunity Card Vs. EU Blue Card Via Germany

 

Feature	Germany Opportunity Card	EU Blue Card Via Germany
Eligibility	Points-based: Age, qualifications, language skills, work experience, and ties to Germany. No job offer needed initially.	University degree or equivalent qualifications and a job offer in Germany. Minimum employment contract of one year.
Salary Threshold	NA	€44,300 annually (as of 2024); €41,041.80 (as of 2024) for shortage occupations.
Processing Time	3 to 8 weeks	2–3 months
Fees	Around €75 for application processing.	€100–€140 for application processing.
Dependents	Family members allowed but subject to standard visa conditions after main applicants gets the visa	Family reunification rules are relaxed. Spouses can work without German language requirements.
Validity	Up to one year, renewable upon meeting requirements for another 2 years.	Valid for up to four years or the length of the employment contract plus three months. Renewable.
Permanent Residency	Leads to PR after converting to a Work visa subject to conditions	Can apply for PR after 33 months of stay  subject to conditions

 

Eligible Professions for German EU Blue Card
 

Below is the list of professionals eligible to apply for the German EU Blue Card: 

• Architects and interior designers
• Engineers
• Information and communication technologies specialists
• Mathematicians
• Health professionals
• Scientists
• Scientific engineers
• Urban and traffic planning specialists

If you hold a university degree and are highly skilled in your field, you may be eligible for a German Blue Card. This opportunity is tailored for professionals like you, who have advanced education and are ready to bring their expertise to the German workforce.

Germany Blue Card Requirements
 

The documents required for a Germany Blue Card application in Germany are: 

• Your valid passport.
• Recent 35mm x 45mm biometric picture.
• Your employment contract.
• Application form for a residence permit.
• Declaration on the employment relationship.
• Your residence registration in Germany.
• Recognition of your degree by the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB).
• Proof of health insurance.
• Occupation practice permit, if required
   

Germany EU Blue Card Application Process
 

To obtain an EU Blue Card, you'll need to start the process at the Foreigner’s Office in Germany. First, secure a job in Germany and then visit the German embassy in your country to apply for an entry visa. Once you've arrived in Germany, you can proceed to obtain your Blue Card. Here's a simple step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process: 
 

Visa appointment	You have to contact the German embassy or consulate in your country to set up a visa appointment.
	If there is no German embassy in your country, you may have to travel to a neighbouring country for the application.
Arrange the required documents	The German embassy will provide a list of documents required for a German work visa application. This includes your work contract, academic qualifications, travel health insurance, etc.
Submit the visa application	On the date of your appointment, you have to submit the visa documents and pay a fee. You may also be asked to enter an interview.
	This is just an entry visa for employment. You still have to apply for the Blue Card after you get to Germany.
Wait for visa decision	It can take one to three months to hear a decision on your visa application.
Fly to Germany	If your visa application is successful, you will receive a visa, allowing you to enter Germany.
	There, you have to register your residence, obtain German health insurance, and open a bank account.
Get EU Blue Card	Once you have settled your residence, banking, and health insurance, you can submit the application for an EU Blue Card at the Ausländerbehörde (German Foreigner’s Authority).

 

• If you're already in Germany and land a job that qualifies you for a Blue Card, you can apply directly at your local Ausländerbehörde (German Foreigner’s Authority). It's important to start this process at least six weeks before your current residence permit is due to expire. 
   
• For a smoother experience with your German Blue Card application, consider seeking professional assistance. Engaging with immigration lawyers, such as those at Schlun & Elseven Rechtsanwälte, can greatly ease your burden. They can provide expert advice, help fill out your application, and address any concerns you might have throughout the process. This support can be particularly valuable if you're not familiar with navigating German bureaucracy. 

Germany EU Blue Card Processing Time

You can expect to receive a decision on your German Blue Card application from the Ausländerbehörde within five to six weeks. During this time, the Foreigner’s Authority collaborates closely with the German Federal Employment Agency to process your residence and work permit.

German Blue Card Fees 

The cost of a German Blue Card is typically €110, though prices can vary slightly from €100 to €140 depending on the region within Germany.