Blue card Germany

Germany is the leader among EU countries in terms of the number of Blue Cards issued, due to the high demand for skilled professionals. In 2022, 74.6 per cent of all approved EU Blue Card applications came from Germany, which amounts to 63,242 applications. This is due to the country’s active policy of attracting foreign specialists to address labour shortages.

Main differences and conditions for obtaining a Blue Card in Germany

  1. Detailed job description:
    • Employers or prospective employees must complete a special “Detailed Job Description” form to avoid confusion when assessing whether an applicant’s qualifications match the job requirements.
  2. Minimum Wage:
    • The remuneration must be at least 50 per cent of the annual Beitragsbemessungsgrenze (pension fund contribution limit). In 2024, this amounts to €3775 per month.
    • Young professionals and members of scarce professions can qualify for the Blue Card at salaries below this threshold; the minimum threshold for them is €3420 per month.
  3. Recognition of Diplomas:
    • The applicant’s diploma must be recognised in Germany. The study programme must meet German standards in terms of content and duration, which must be at least 3 years. Verification of the diploma through the Anabin database is recommended.
  4. Simplified mobility:
    • Blue Card holders who have worked in another EU country for 12 months can move to Germany for a Blue Card-eligible job and apply for a new German Blue Card directly locally.
  5. Simplified family reunification procedures:
    • Germany has simplified procedures for family reunification for Blue Card holders, making it easier for family members to move.
  6. Special conditions for IT specialists:
    • IT professionals with no formal education can qualify for a Blue Card if their salary exceeds 45.3 per cent of the living wage and they can prove at least 3 years of relevant work experience in the last 7 years.

These features make Germany an attractive destination for skilled professionals from outside the EU, offering them competitive conditions and opportunities for long-term stay and work in the country.

At the end of 2023, the number of foreigners holding work permits in Germany reached a record high. There were 419,000 foreigners with a temporary residence permit for the purpose of employment. This number represents a significant increase compared to 2007, when only 76,800 foreigners held a work permit in Germany.

According to the German Federal Statistical Office (Destatis), there has been a steady increase in the number of labour migrants coming to Germany from non-EU countries since 2010. This growth reflects Germany’s efforts to attract skilled labour to address skills shortages in various sectors of the economy.

The increase was particularly marked in 2022 and 2023. After moderate increases in the number of foreign workers in 2020 and 2021 due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, the number of migrant workers increased by 56,000 in 2022, a 19 per cent year-on-year increase. In 2023, the figure rises by a further 68,000, also representing a 19 per cent annual increase.

These figures underline the importance of labour migration for Germany in the face of growing demand for skilled professionals and ongoing demographic tensions. The growing number of foreign workers demonstrates the significant demand for labour in the country and that Germany continues to be an attractive destination for migrants seeking employment and career opportunities.

In 2023, Germany continued to actively attract highly qualified specialists from outside the European Union. EU Blue Card holders dominated the foreign labour force in the country. According to the German Federal Statistical Office (Destatis), there were 113,000 EU Blue Card holders in Germany by the end of 2023.

These workers accounted for more than a quarter of all labour migrants in Germany, which underlines the importance and demand for the Blue Card as a tool for attracting skilled professionals. Blue Card holders have a high chance of employment due to their qualifications, which meet the strict requirements of the European labour market.

The EU Blue Card is issued to highly skilled foreign workers and grants the right to reside in the EU for the purpose of employment. Blue Card holders in Germany are dominated by citizens of India (33,000), Russia (10,000) and Turkey (8,000), reflecting the global nature of labour migration to Europe.

To qualify for the EU Blue Card, foreign professionals from non-EU countries need to prove a university degree, professional qualifications and a specific job offer with an annual salary of at least €56,400 before taxes. These requirements ensure that professionals have a high level of qualifications and are in line with the needs of the German labour market, making them among the most attractive candidates for employers in the country.

Thus, the EU Blue Card continues to play a key role in attracting and retaining highly skilled workers in Germany, contributing to economic development and addressing labour shortages in various sectors.

Germany issued a significant number of work permits to skilled workers in 2023, reflecting the country’s continued commitment to attracting and retaining highly skilled workers to address labour shortages.

Authorisations for skilled workers with tertiary education

At the end of 2023, around 49,000 skilled workers with a university degree had obtained a residence permit in Germany for the purpose of employment. Among them, the most significant groups were citizens:

  • India (6,000 people),
  • China (4,000 people),
  • Turkey (3,000 people).

These data emphasise the global orientation of migration to Germany, especially among highly skilled professionals in scientific and technical fields.

Permits for skilled workers with vocational training

In addition to university graduates, Germany also actively recruited skilled workers with vocational training. In 2023, around 52,000 foreign workers with vocational training were granted a residence permit, an increase of 26 per cent compared to 2022. In 2022, 11,000 fewer such permits were issued.

The most common nationalities among these skilled labourers were:

  • Bosniaks and Herzegovinians (7,000 people),
  • Filipinos (7,000 people).

These groups of workers form an important part of the German labour market, contributing to its stability and development.

These data highlight Germany’s efforts to attract both highly skilled professionals with tertiary education and skilled workers with vocational training. This approach contributes to the diversity and strength of the labour market and helps to address current and future challenges related to the country’s labour shortage.

The adoption of the Western Balkan Regulation has contributed to a significant increase in the number of workers from the Western Balkans coming to Germany for employment. At the end of 2023, around 76,000 citizens of the Western Balkans held a work permit in Germany, an increase of 22 per cent compared to 2022.

Citizens of the Western Balkans in Germany

Kosovo citizens made up the largest group among citizens of the Western Balkans with work permits in Germany. In 2023, around 20,000 Kosovo citizens had obtained such permits and are legally residing in the country. This growth underlines the importance of labour migration from the Western Balkans region for the German labour market.

Demographic characteristics of labour migrants

In 2023, men were the predominant labour migrants in Germany. Around 281,000 men held a residence permit for the purpose of employment at the end of the year. However, women were in the majority among skilled workers with vocational training: 58 per cent of all residence permits for employment in this category belonged to women.

The growing number of workers from the Western Balkans reflects the successful implementation of the Western Balkan Regulation and confirms the significant role of this region in providing the German labour market with skilled labour. Germany continues to be an attractive destination for labour migration, especially for citizens of the Western Balkans, which contributes to the diversification and economic stability of the country

In the context of globalisation and intensified international competition for talent, Germany is actively using tools aimed at attracting highly qualified specialists from countries outside the European Union. One of the key mechanisms is the Blue Card, a work and residence permit that offers a number of advantages to its holders.

Target audience

The Blue Card is intended for highly qualified professionals with a university degree who offer their skills in areas with a skills shortage in Germany. The programme is particularly relevant for IT specialists, engineers, medical professionals and other professions where a high level of qualification is required.

Conditions of receipt

In order to obtain a Blue Card, applicants must provide proof of a university degree and a work contract from a German employer with an annual income of at least 56,800 euros in 2021. For certain professions where there is a particularly acute shortage of staff, the income threshold can be lowered to 44,304 euros.

Advantages

One of the significant advantages of the Blue Card is the possibility of obtaining permanent residence after 33 months of work in Germany. If the cardholder proves B1 level German, the period is reduced to 21 months. In addition, Blue Card holders can bring their spouses and children with them to Germany, and the spouse is also entitled to work.

Limitations and challenges

It should be noted that the Blue Card has high qualification and income requirements, which can be a barrier for many potential candidates. It is also worth considering the strict requirements for validation of diplomas and qualifications, which may require additional time and resources.

Blue Card Germany is an effective tool for strengthening the country’s economic and innovative potential by attracting highly qualified specialists. It not only contributes to the dynamic development of key industries, but also provides a qualitative improvement in the lives of the employees themselves and their families. The programme requires careful planning and preparation, but the opportunities offered far outweigh the initial costs and efforts.

Who can apply for a blue card for Germany?

In the context of the global competition for talent, Germany offers a tool to help attract and retain highly qualified people from outside the European Union – the Blue Card. This programme is designed to strengthen the country’s economic potential by attracting experts in the most sought-after fields.

Target audience

The German Blue Card programme is aimed at highly qualified professionals with a university degree who wish to pursue a professional career in Germany. The programme is particularly relevant for professionals from the IT sector, engineering, medicine and research.

Basic requirements for candidates

  1. Higher education: In order to apply for a Blue Card, you must have a university degree. This can be a bachelor’s or master’s degree, recognised or equivalent to a diploma issued by a German institution.
  2. Employment contract or job offer: The candidate must have a confirmed job offer in Germany with a salary that meets or exceeds the minimum salary threshold. For the year 2021, the minimum pay level is 56,800 euros per year, but the threshold is reduced to 44,304 euros for certain shortage occupations.
  3. Language skills: Although there are no official requirements for German language skills in order to obtain a Blue Card, language skills will be a significant advantage for integration into society and a successful professional life.

Benefits of Blue Card

  • Long-term residence: Blue Card holders can apply for permanent residence 33 months after receiving the card and 21 months afterwards if they have proven German language proficiency at B1 level.
  • Family reunification: Blue Card holders can bring their spouses and children and the spouses are also allowed to work in Germany.

Restrictions

Not all applicants who meet the above criteria will automatically receive a Blue Card. For example, applications may be rejected based on a lack of evidence of financial independence or if a diploma is found to be inadequate.

The German Blue Card represents an attractive opportunity for highly qualified non-EU professionals wishing to work and live in one of the world’s leading economies. However, successfully obtaining a card requires careful preparation and an understanding of all the requirements and procedures involved in the process.

Germany blue card requirements

In response to the shortage of highly qualified personnel on the German labour market, the German federal government is offering a tool to attract professionals from outside the European Union – the Blue Card. This programme aims to simplify the immigration process for certain professions, which stimulates economic development and strengthens the country’s innovative potential.

Basic requirements for candidates

The German Blue Card programme has the following key requirements for potential candidates:

  1. Higher education
    Candidates must have a university degree. Preference is given to diplomas in fields of study corresponding to professions in short supply on the German labour market. The diploma must be recognised or equivalent to a diploma issued in Germany.
  2. Employment contract or job offer with sufficient income
    Candidates must present a contract or job offer from a German employer with an annual income of at least €56,800 for most professions or €44,304 for professionals in fields such as natural sciences, mathematics, engineering, information technology and medicine.
  3. Health and insurance
    You must show proof of health insurance that covers risks throughout Germany.

Benefits of obtaining a Blue Card

The programme provides the following benefits to its holders:

  • Fast track to permanent residence: Blue Card holders can apply for permanent residence 33 months after starting work in Germany, or 21 months after proving B1 level German language skills.
  • Family reunification: Blue Card holders can bring their spouses and minor children to Germany. Spouses are also allowed to work without restrictions.

Procedural aspects

To apply for a Blue Card, the applicant must apply to the German consulate or embassy in the candidate’s country of residence. The process includes a preliminary document check, an interview and, if approved, the issuance of a visa allowing entry into Germany to start work.

The Blue Card Germany is a significant advantage for highly qualified professionals seeking to broaden their professional horizons and gain unique international experience. The programme not only opens up access to highly paid and promising jobs, but also provides social protection and opportunities for long-term residence in one of the world’s leading economies.

How do I get the blue card in Germany?

With increasing globalisation and the need for highly qualified personnel, Germany offers foreign professionals a unique opportunity to legalise their stay and employment through the Blue Card programme. This programme is part of the European Union’s efforts to attract talent to areas where local skills are in short supply. This article will provide a detailed guide to the process of obtaining a Blue Card in Germany.

Basic conditions for obtaining a Blue Card

First of all, candidates must fulfil the following criteria:

  1. Higher education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree recognised in Germany.
  2. Employment contract with a German employer: a confirmed job offer with a salary that is above the minimum threshold for obtaining a Blue Card. In 2021, this threshold is €56,800 for most occupations and €44,304 for shortage areas such as engineering, IT and natural sciences.

Step-by-step process for obtaining a Blue Card

Step 1: Diploma verification

The first step is to make sure that your degree is recognised in Germany. This can be done through the Central Agency for Education Abroad (ZAB), which will evaluate your education and determine whether it is equivalent to a German qualification.

Step 2: Finding an employer and obtaining a contract

You must find an employer in Germany who will offer you a position with an appropriate level of remuneration. The employer must confirm that the position matches your qualifications and that you are the most suitable candidate for the job compared to candidates from Germany or the EU.

Step 3: Applying for a visa

With proof of employment and recognition of your diploma, you can apply for a national visa at the German consulate or embassy in your country. You will need to provide documents proving your qualifications, employment, financial situation and health insurance.

Step 4: Arrival in Germany and registration

Once you arrive in Germany, you will need to register at the local resident registration office and apply for a Blue Card. You must also provide biometric data at this time.

Step 5: Obtaining a Blue Card

After your application has been processed, you will be issued a Blue Card, which allows you to work and live in Germany. The card is initially issued for a period of up to four years, or for the duration of the contract plus three months if the contract is less than four years.

Obtaining a German Blue Card is a great opportunity for highly qualified professionals to improve their career and life prospects. By following the above steps and requirements, you can simplify the application process and maximise your chances of success.

How much do I have to earn to qualify for a blue card in Germany?

The German Blue Card is an attractive immigration programme aimed at highly skilled professionals from countries outside the European Union. One of the key conditions for obtaining this status is the achievement of a certain income level. This criterion ensures that immigrants can support themselves in Germany and make a significant contribution to the German economy.

Minimum income threshold

The minimum income level for Blue Card candidates is regularly reviewed and adjusted to the economic conditions in Germany. In 2021, this threshold was set at 56,800 euros per year for most professions. However, the minimum threshold has been lowered to €44,304 per year for certain shortage occupations, such as natural sciences, maths, engineering, IT and medicine.

Income calculation

To determine income eligibility, the candidate’s annual gross income is taken into account. This includes the basic salary as well as any additional benefits or bonuses that can be reliably expected during the year. Proof of income in the form of an employment contract or a written job offer from a German employer must be provided.

Why is this threshold set?

The minimum income threshold for the Blue Card was introduced in order to ensure that foreign professionals are economically self-sufficient and can maintain a high standard of living in Germany without having to take advantage of state social support. It also helps to ensure that immigrants contribute to the country’s social systems and economy.

Impact on the Blue Card process

Meeting the minimum income level is one of the decisive factors for a successful Blue Card application. Insufficient income may be grounds for denial of the card, even if the applicant meets all other requirements.

The established minimum income level for obtaining a Blue Card in Germany is a key factor in ensuring the successful integration of highly skilled professionals into German society and economy. Applicants seeking this status should ensure that their income meets the requirements in order to maximise their chances of success in the immigration process.

What opportunities does the blue card offer in Germany?

Blue Card, or Blue Card, is one of the key instruments developed by the European Union to attract highly qualified specialists from non-EU countries. Germany, as one of Europe’s leading economies, actively uses this mechanism to attract talent to key sectors of its economy. The Blue Card offers its holders a wide range of opportunities for professional and personal growth in Germany.

Professional Opportunities

One of the main advantages of the Blue Card is access to highly paid and promising jobs in Germany. Blue Card holders can work in various sectors such as information technology, engineering, medicine, finance and many others. The programme is specially designed to attract specialists in scarce professions, which creates additional incentives for career growth and development.

  1. A quick route to permanent residence: One of the great advantages of the Blue Card is the possibility of obtaining a permanent residence permit in Germany. Blue Card holders can apply for permanent residence after 33 months of employment in the country. If the cardholder demonstrates a B1 level of German, this period is reduced to 21 months.
  2. Career prospects: Germany offers unique career opportunities, especially in high-tech industries such as IT, engineering and science. Blue Card holders have the opportunity to take up management positions, work in international teams and participate in innovative projects that shape the future of industries.

Social and family opportunities

The Blue Card provides not only professional but also significant social benefits.

  1. Family reunification: Blue Card holders are entitled to bring their spouses and minor children to Germany. In addition, spouses are also entitled to employment without additional permits, which greatly facilitates the integration process and creates favourable living conditions for the entire family.
  2. Access to social services: Blue Card holders and their families have access to the German health, education and social security system. This includes quality health care, educational opportunities at leading German universities and eligibility for social programmes including pensions and benefits.

Opportunities for international mobility

The Blue Card opens the door to working and living not only in Germany but also in other European Union countries. After 18 months of work in Germany, Blue Card holders can move to another EU country to work or continue their career, which significantly expands their international opportunities.

Germany’s Blue Card offers great opportunities for professional and personal growth, making it an attractive choice for highly qualified professionals from all over the world. This programme not only allows you to develop your career in one of the world’s leading economies, but also provides a high standard of living for the whole family. Thanks to its flexibility and prospects, the Blue Card remains one of the most sought-after tools for immigration to Germany.

Germany blue card application process

As one of the world’s leading economies, Germany actively attracts highly qualified professionals from outside the European Union through the Blue Card programme. This residence permit allows qualified foreign workers to legally work and reside in Germany. This article takes a closer look at the Blue Card application process to help potential candidates efficiently complete all stages of the procedure.

The main steps in applying for a Blue Card

Step 1: Assess compliance with requirements

Before you begin the application process, you need to make sure you meet all the requirements for a Blue Card:

  1. Higher education: You must have a university degree recognised in Germany. It is important that your education corresponds to the qualifications required for the job for which you are applying.
  2. Employment contract: You must have a valid employment contract with a German employer. The annual salary stated in the contract must fulfil the statutory minimum for the Blue Card. In 2021, this minimum is €56,800 and for shortage occupations it is €44,304.
  3. Health insurance: You must have health insurance that covers risks in Germany.

Step 2: Recognition of the diploma

Before you apply, you need to make sure that your degree is recognised in Germany. This can be done through the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB). If the diploma is not recognised, you may have to go through a recognition or equivalence procedure.

Step 3: Preparation of documents

Gather all the necessary documents you will need to submit with your application. A standard set of documents includes:

  • Valid passport.
  • A recognised degree in higher education.
  • Employment contract or proof of job offer.
  • Proof of health insurance.
  • Biometric photos.
  • A completed visa application form (if you are applying from outside Germany).

Step 4: Applying for a national visa (for those outside Germany)

If you are outside Germany, you need to apply for a national visa category D at the German consulate or embassy in your country. This visa will allow you to enter Germany to apply for a Blue Card.

Step 5: Applying for a Blue Card in Germany

After your arrival in Germany, you must register your place of residence at the local Bürgeramt (registration office) and apply for a Blue Card at the local migration office (Ausländerbehörde). You will also need to provide biometric data at this stage.

Step 6: Waiting for a decision

The Blue Card application process can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. During this time, your application will be checked to make sure it meets all the requirements, including verifying that your documents are genuine and your income level is appropriate.

Step 7: Obtaining a Blue Card

Once your application has been approved, you will be issued a Blue Card, which allows you to live and work legally in Germany. The card is issued for the duration of the employment contract plus three months, but for a maximum of four years. After this period, the card can be renewed.

The process of applying for a Blue Card in Germany requires thorough preparation and careful adherence to all steps. Successful completion of the process guarantees highly qualified professionals access to a wide range of opportunities in the German labour market and ensures stable residence in one of the most developed countries in Europe. By following all the steps and submitting all the necessary documents, you will significantly increase your chances of successfully obtaining a Blue Card and start a new stage of your career in Germany.

Where can I get Germany blue card?

The Blue Card programme in Germany is a unique opportunity for highly qualified professionals from countries outside the European Union to legalise their stay and employment in one of the most developed economies in the world. The process of obtaining a Blue Card requires compliance with a number of conditions and interaction with various government agencies. In this article we will look in detail at where and how you can obtain a Blue Card in Germany.

Main steps in obtaining a Blue Card

Step 1: Preparation and verification of documents

Before you begin the application process, you will need to prepare a complete set of documents to prove your eligibility for a Blue Card. These documents include:

  • A higher education diploma recognised in Germany.
  • An employment contract with a German employer with a specified income level that meets the minimum requirements.
  • Proof of health insurance.
  • Valid passport.

Step 2: Applying for a national visa (if you are outside Germany)

If you are not already in Germany, the first step is to obtain a national D visa, which will allow you to enter the country to obtain a Blue Card. To do this, you need to contact the German consulate or embassy in your country. At the consulate, you will need to provide the above documents as well as a completed application form and biometric data.

Step 3: Registering your place of residence in Germany

When you arrive in Germany, you must register your place of residence at the local Bürgeramt (citizens’ registration office). Registration is compulsory and must be completed within the first two weeks of your stay. To register, you will need to provide a rental agreement or a document proving your right to reside at the given address.

Step 4: Applying for a Blue Card at the Ausländerbehörde

The key step is to apply for a Blue Card at the local migration office, the Ausländerbehörde. The Ausländerbehörde deals with immigration and residence permits, including the Blue Card.

What must be submitted to the Ausländerbehörde:

  • A valid passport and national visa (if you applied outside Germany).
  • Confirmation of registration at the place of residence.
  • Confirmation of the recognition of your degree.
  • A contract of employment stating the salary.
  • Proof of health insurance.
  • Biometric photos.
  • Completed Blue Card application form.

Step 5: Obtaining a Blue Card

After submitting your application and checking all the documents provided, the Ausländerbehörde will proceed with the processing of your case. Depending on the complexity of the case and the region, the process can take from a few weeks to several months. Once your application has been approved, you will be issued a Blue Card, which allows you to live and work legally in Germany.

The process of obtaining a Blue Card in Germany involves liaising with several government agencies, both in your country of residence and in Germany itself. At every stage, it is important to comply with all requirements and submit the necessary documents in a timely manner. Obtaining a Blue Card opens up access to a wide range of opportunities in the German labour market and provides you and your family with a stable stay in one of the most economically developed countries in the world.

Germany blue card processing time

The introduction of the Blue Card in Germany was an important step in attracting highly qualified professionals from outside the European Union. This programme offers unique opportunities for professional growth and integration into one of the world’s leading economies. One of the critical aspects when applying for a Blue Card is to understand the processing times. In this article, we will look at all the key points related to the timeline, from applying to receiving the card itself.

Factors affecting processing times

1. Preparation of documents

The processing time of a Blue Card application depends to a large extent on how thoroughly the application package is prepared. Before submitting your application, it is important to make sure that all required documents have been collected and properly authenticated. This includes a high school diploma, employment contract, proof of recognition of the diploma in Germany, health insurance and biometric photographs.

2. Filing an application outside Germany

If you are applying for a Blue Card outside Germany, the first step is to obtain a national D visa. Applying for a visa can take between two and eight weeks, depending on the workload of the German consulate or embassy in your country. This process involves checking all documents submitted and may require additional steps such as an interview.

3. Applying for a Blue Card in Germany

Once you have arrived in Germany and registered at your place of residence, you apply for a Blue Card at the local migration office (Ausländerbehörde). It is important to note that the time frame for applying and receiving a decision may vary from region to region.

4. Processing time in the Ausländerbehörde

On average, it takes between 4 and 12 weeks for the Ausländerbehörde to process a Blue Card application. This time may vary depending on:

  • Congestion of migration services.
  • The complexities of your case (for example, if additional verification of diplomas or other documents is needed).
  • Completeness and accuracy of the documents provided.

5. Getting a Blue Card

Once your application has been approved, you will be issued a Blue Card. This document allows you to live and work legally in Germany. It is important to remember that the card itself is produced at the federal level and can take up to 4 weeks to issue.

Process acceleration

To speed up the process, it is recommended:

  • Prepare and check all documents in advance.
  • Ensure that diplomas and qualifications are recognised in Germany.
  • Carefully follow all instructions of the migration authorities and provide the requested information in a timely manner.

The processing time for a Blue Card application in Germany can vary depending on a number of factors, including the completeness and accuracy of the documents submitted and the workload of the migration authorities. Understanding these timelines and being thoroughly prepared for each step of the process can significantly reduce waiting times and speed up the Blue Card process, ensuring that you and your family have a stable and successful start to your new life in Germany.

Changing jobs with a blue card in Germany

The German Blue Card is a powerful tool for attracting highly qualified professionals from countries outside the European Union. It gives cardholders the right to legally reside and work in the country, offering many advantages. However, many Blue Card holders wonder how changing jobs affects their status and what procedures should be followed to avoid problems. This article looks at the main aspects of changing jobs for Blue Card holders in Germany.

Legal aspects of changing jobs

1. The first two years after you get your Blue Card

In the first two years after receiving the Blue Card, changing jobs requires special attention and prior approval from the migration authorities (Ausländerbehörde). This is because the Blue Card is issued on the basis of a specific employment contract and any change of employer must be officially approved.

Alignment Process:

  • You must notify the local migration office of your intention to change jobs.
  • Provide a new employment contract for review.
  • In some cases, proof that the new position meets Blue Card requirements, including income and qualifications, may be required.

Once all documents have been checked, the migration office will decide whether your Blue Card will be retained if you change jobs. This process can take several weeks, so it is important to plan your job change in advance.

2. After two years with Blue Card

After you have worked for two years with a Blue Card in Germany, you are given more flexibility. You are entitled to change employers without having to obtain prior approval from the migration authorities. However, you still need to notify the Ausländerbehörde of the change of employment and provide them with a copy of the new employment contract.

It’s important to remember that the new employment contract must meet the minimum income requirements for the Blue Card, or your eligibility to hold the card could be jeopardised.

3 Requirements for the new employer and the contract

When changing jobs, it is important that the new employment contract meets the following criteria:

  • Minimum income level: The annual salary must meet the established threshold for the Blue Card (in 2021, €56,800 or €44,304 for shortage occupations).
  • Eligibility: The new job must match your qualifications and educational background that led to the Blue Card.

If the new working conditions do not meet these requirements, the immigration office may review your status, which may lead to the cancellation of your Blue Card.

4. Additional responsibilities and rights

Blue Card holders, even if they change jobs, retain their rights to permanent residence in Germany, which is particularly important for planning a long-term career. You also retain the right to family reunification and access to social programmes.

However, it is important to keep up to date with changes in legislation that may affect your rights when you change jobs. For example, the introduction of new qualification or income requirements may affect the conditions for renewing your Blue Card.

Conclusion

Changing jobs for Blue Card holders in Germany is possible and even stipulated by law, but requires certain procedures to be followed, especially in the first two years. It is important to plan such changes in advance and comply with all requirements in order to avoid possible complications. Thanks to the flexibility and rights offered by the Blue Card, you can effectively manage your career in Germany, ensuring stability and a long-term perspective for both yourself and your family.