EU Blue Card (Highly Skilled Workers)
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 1460 days
- Processing time
- 1-3 months
- Fee
- €100
- Validity
- 4 years or contract duration + 3 months
- Entry
- Multiple entry
For highly skilled workers with university degrees. Minimum gross annual salary: €50,700 (standard) or €45,934.20 (shortage occupations and recent graduates within 3 years of degree). IT professionals can qualify with 3+ years experience without degree. Contract must be minimum 6 months and match qualifications. Pathway to permanent residency after 3-5 years.
Eligibility
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Employment
Must have job offer from German employer with salary meeting EU Blue Card thresholds.
Required status: University degree holder with job offer
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Financial
Salary must meet minimum thresholds for EU Blue Card.
Minimum funds: €50,700 gross annually (€45,934.20 for shortage occupations)
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Purpose of visit
For highly skilled employment matching qualifications.
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 3
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Photo
Count: 2; Specifications: 35x45mm, color, white background, biometric
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Travel insurance
Coverage area: Germany; Minimum coverage: €30,000 or statutory health insurance
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Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
Form name: National Visa for Employment - EU Blue Card; Form url: https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/en/visa-service/
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Curriculum vitae
Provide a current CV showing education, work history and relevant qualifications.
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Academic transcript
Provide academic records for the course, qualification or training route.
Must be notarized: Yes; Must be translated: Yes
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Proof of address
Provide current address evidence, such as a utility bill, tenancy document, residence certificate or official correspondence.
Accepted documents: Housing contract or confirmation of accommodation in Germany; Max age months: 3
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Professional license
Accepted licenses: If required for profession (doctors, engineers, etc.); Must be translated: Yes
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Credential assessment
Accepted agencies: ZAB (Central Office for Foreign Education) or anabin database; Validity months: 24
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Work contract
Provide a signed job offer, contract or assignment letter showing the role, dates and employer.
Must be notarized: No; Must be translated: Yes
How to apply
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Online application
Employer may need to apply with German immigration office first. Complete visa application form.
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Document gathering
Gather employment contract, degree certificates, credential evaluation, CV, insurance, and accommodation proof.
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Appointment booking
Book appointment at German embassy/consulate in your country.
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Fee payment
Pay the visa fee.
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Document submission
Submit all documents and attend interview.
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Processing wait
Wait for Federal Employment Agency approval if required and visa processing.
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Visa collection
Collect EU Blue Card visa.