Bundesportal | EU Blue Card; Application

More Information

Publisher

Bavaria

Last update or date of publication

August 21, 2025

The EU Blue Card can be applied for by non-EU nationals with an academic or equivalent level of qualification who intend to take up employment in Germany.

The EU Blue Card offers several advantages over other residence permits for employment. For example, shortened deadlines apply until a permanent right of residence (settlement permit) can be applied for. Changing employers and family reunification are also easier.

The documents to be submitted may vary considerably.
Please enquire at your local immigration office. As a rule, however, the following documents are required:
Valid passport
Current biometric photograph (frontal view)
Supporting documents evidencing compliance with the passport or visa requirement
Supporting documents evidencing medical insurance coverage
Supporting documents evidencing a university degree
Supporting documents evidencing actual employment or a job offer

Label

Preconditions

The most important requirements include having an academic qualification or a tertiary educational qualification if it meets certain requirements. In addition, a certain minimum salary must be achieved. Comprehensive information on the requirements for obtaining a Blue Card and the simplifications in certain cases (shortage occupations, young professionals) can be found at Make it in Germany

The EU Blue Card must be applied for at the relevant immigration authority.

Hints

The processing time may vary. Please enquire at the relevant immigration office if necessary.

Valid for up to one year: EUR 100
Valid for more than one year: EUR 100
Extension up to three months: 96 EUR
Extension for more than three months: 93 EUR

Basis for legal action

§ 18g Gesetz über den Aufenthalt, die Erwerbstätigkeit und die Integration von Ausländern im Bundesgebiet (Aufenthaltsgesetz - AufenthG) Fachkräfte mit akademischer Ausbildung

§ 45 Aufenthaltsverordnung (AufenthV) Gebühren für die Aufenthaltserlaubnis, die Blaue Karte EU, die ICT-Karte und die Mobiler-ICT-Karte

Legal Remedies

Administrative court action

Procedure

Many immigration authorities already offer an online service for submitting applications. Please check this option for your foreigners authority. If your foreigners authority does not offer an online service, please contact the foreigners authority by e-mail or speak to them in person.