How to Get a Blue Card in Germany (5 Steps)

Germany is one of the most popular destinations for highly skilled professionals from around the world, thanks to its strong economy, excellent quality of life and clear immigration pathways. One of the best ways to move to Germany for work is through the EU Blue Card, a residence permit designed for non-EU citizens who hold a university degree and a solid job offer.

In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the Blue Card for Germany.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

• Who qualifies for a Blue Card in Germany
• What salary and education levels are required
• The full application process and where to apply
• What happens once you get your card
• How to switch from another visa to a Blue Card

What is the EU Blue Card?

The EU Blue Card is a residence permit that allows highly qualified professionals from outside the European Union to live and work in Germany. It’s designed to make immigration easier for skilled workers and provides a faster path to permanent residency. If you're hired for a job that matches your education and meets the salary threshold, you could be eligible for the Blue Card.

Who is eligible for a Blue Card in Germany?

To apply for a German Blue Card, you need a recognised university degree and a job offer that meets the required salary level: a minimum annual salary of around €48,000 gross for most jobs. However, if you're working in a shortage occupation such as engineering, IT, mathematics or medicine, this threshold is slightly lower at €43,759.80.

Your employment contract should also be valid for at least six months, and you must have health insurance coverage from day one of your employment in Germany. If your degree wasn’t earned in Germany, it needs to be recognised or comparable to a German university qualification.

You can check this in the official Anabin database.

What documents do you need?

Several key documents are required to apply for a Blue Card and meet Germany’s visa requirements. These include a valid passport, a signed job contract, your university degree certificate and proof that your qualification is recognised in Germany. You’ll also need a completed application form, two biometric passport photos and a current CV outlining your work experience.

Health insurance is a legal requirement in Germany and proof of coverage must be submitted with your application. There are two options available to you: public or full private health insurance, required if you already have been offered a contract of employment, or expat health insurance if you’re a freelancer or have yet to find work in Germany. Feather can help you get approved health insurance quickly, whichever route you go down. And if you’re already living in Germany, you’ll also need to show proof of your current address.

How to apply for a Blue Card

Where you apply for a Blue Card depends on your current location. If you're applying from abroad, you'll need to contact the nearest German embassy or consulate and submit your documents there. If you're already living in Germany, perhaps on a different visa like a job seeker or student visa, you can apply at your local immigration office (Ausländerbehörde).

You’ll need to book an appointment, submit your documents and pay a fee, usually around €100 to €110. Sometimes, a short interview is part of the process. The visa office may also need to verify that your salary and role match your education.

Processing times can vary depending on the country and the specific office handling your application. On average, it takes between two and twelve weeks to get a decision.

After you receive your Blue Card

Once approved, your Blue Card is typically issued for the duration of your work contract, up to four years. If your job is permanent or longer-term, the Blue Card can be renewed or extended by obtaining a settlement permit, provided that proof of having obtained German language skills at level A1 (according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) is displayed.

One of the main benefits is that it also allows close family members, like a spouse or children, to join you in Germany right away. In many cases, spouses are allowed to work too, without any restrictions.

After 33 months of living and working in Germany on a Blue Card, you can apply for permanent residency. If you speak German at a B1 level or higher, this waiting period can be reduced to just 21 months. A B1 level of German – obtained from The Goethe Institut and telc – means you can handle most everyday situations, including shopping, using public transport, and having basic conversations about familiar topics.

Can I switch to a Blue Card from another visa?

Yes you can, provided that you're already in Germany on a different type of visa, such as a student visa, internship visa or job seeker visa, and you receive a qualifying job offer.

The good news is that you won’t need to return home to do it: just gather together the required documents and schedule an appointment with your local immigration office. Once approved, your old residence permit will be replaced by the Blue Card.

Conclusion

The Blue Card is one of the most efficient and stable ways for non-EU professionals to start a life in Germany. It offers excellent benefits, faster permanent residency and fewer restrictions for your family. As long as your job meets the salary and education requirements, and you have proper health insurance, the process is straightforward.