The Blue Card (EU) at a glance
The Blue Card (EU) is a residence title that can be issued by a member state of the European Union. This card allows third-country nationals with a university or tertiary education degree or IT professional experience to take up gainful employment in an EU member state – provided that the relevant requirements are met.
You apply for the residence title Blue Card (EU) for employment in Germany at the local foreigners authority in Germany. For this purpose, you need an entry visa in advance, which you can apply for online in the foreign portal or on site at your competent foreign representation. If you meet all the requirements, your visa will state the purpose of entry that entitles you to receive the residence title Blue Card (EU).
Please note:
Some German missions abroad work together with service providers to check applications. These service providers help to ensure that applications are processed quickly and smoothly and may charge a service fee for this. You will find out during the application process whether the German mission or consulate responsible for you works with a service provider and what service fee is charged.
Online application for a Blue Card (EU) visa
To apply for the Blue Card (EU) visa online, select the tile that matches your qualification using the circular radio button.
Blue Card (EU) for professionals with a university degree
a university degree recognized or comparable in Germany,
a contract of employment in Germany appropriate to your qualifications and
a minimum annual gross salary of 45,300 euros and in MINT and health professions of 41,041.80 euros (as of 2024). An explanation of these occupational fields can be found below.
Blue Card (EU) for skilled workers with a tertiary education qualification
a degree from a tertiary education program equivalent to a university degree,
a contract of employment in Germany appropriate to your qualifications and
a minimum annual gross salary of 45,300 euros and in MINT and health professions of 41,041.80 euros (as of 2024). An explanation of these occupational fields can be found below.
Blue Card (EU) for IT specialists
proof of at least three years’ professional experience in the IT field acquired in the last seven years,
a contract of employment in the field of information and communications technology and
a minimum annual gross salary of 41,041.80 euros (as of 2024).
Special regulations concerning the requirements
For employment in the fields of mathematics, IT, natural sciences and technology (MINT occupations) as well as human medicine and other health professions, or if the completion of your studies or tertiary education programme was no longer than three years ago, a gross annual salary of at least 41,041.80 euros (in 2024) is sufficient. In this case, your employment must be approved by the Federal Employment Agency (BA).
If you would like to work in a regulated profession, for example in the field of medicine or law, a professional practice permit is mandatory. The Federal Government's information portal on the recognition of foreign professional qualifications - Anerkennung in Deutschland - will tell you whether your profession is regulated and how you can obtain a professional practice permit.
This portal also provides information on how you can have your tertiary education recognized if you did not complete it in Germany. Your tertiary education must be assigned to at least level 6 of the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED 2011) or level 6 of the European Qualifications Framework. A corresponding note is required on your written notice of recognition.
You do not meet all the requirements for the Blue Card (EU)? You may be eligible for a visa to take up employment as an academic or a visa to take up employment as a skilled worker with professional training.
Still have questions?
Frequently asked questions and answers with more information on how to use the Consular Services Portal and the online application process can be found in our FAQ section. Take a look and see if you can find the answer to your question.
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