Why Germany?

Germany issues more EU Blue Cards than all other EU countries combined, making it the most popular destination for highly skilled international workers. With Europe's largest economy, a strong job market, and excellent quality of life, Germany offers tremendous opportunities for professionals.

🏭 Strong Economy

Europe's largest economy with leading automotive, engineering, and tech sectors

💻 Tech Hub

Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg are major tech hubs with thousands of startups

🎓 Research & Innovation

World-class research institutions and R&D investment

🌍 Central Location

Easy access to travel throughout Europe

Eligibility Requirements for Germany

Qualification Requirements

You must have one of the following:

  • A recognized university degree (at least 3 years of study)
  • Or 5 years of relevant professional experience (3 years for shortage occupations)

Diploma Recognition in Germany

Germany requires degree recognition through the anabin database or evaluation by KMK (Kultusministerkonferenz). Many degrees from accredited universities are automatically recognized. Check your university at anabin.kmk.org.

Salary Thresholds (2024)

Standard Occupations €45,300/year €3,775/month gross
Shortage Occupations €41,042/year €3,420/month gross

Shortage Occupations in Germany

These professions qualify for the lower salary threshold:

  • IT specialists (software developers, data scientists, cybersecurity)
  • Engineers (mechanical, electrical, civil, chemical)
  • Medical professionals (doctors, nurses, pharmacists)
  • Natural scientists (physicists, chemists, biologists)
  • Mathematics professionals

Application Process

1

From Outside Germany

Apply for a national visa at the German embassy/consulate in your country:

  1. Schedule a visa appointment (can take 2-8 weeks for availability)
  2. Submit application with all required documents
  3. Wait for processing (usually 4-8 weeks)
  4. Receive entry visa valid for 6 months
  5. Enter Germany and register your address
  6. Apply for Blue Card at local Ausländerbehörde (foreigners office)
2

Already in Germany (with valid residence)

Apply directly at the local Ausländerbehörde:

  1. Book an appointment (online in most cities)
  2. Prepare all required documents
  3. Attend appointment and submit application
  4. Wait for processing (2-4 weeks typically)
  5. Collect your Blue Card

Required Documents

Identity Documents

  • Valid passport (with at least 2 blank pages)
  • 2 biometric passport photos (35x45mm)
  • Completed application form (available at embassy/Ausländerbehörde)

Employment Documents

  • Signed employment contract or binding job offer
  • Job description confirming qualification requirements
  • Employer declaration (Arbeitgebererklärung) - some cities require this

Qualification Documents

  • University degree certificate (original + certified copy)
  • Certified German translation of degree
  • Transcript of records (recommended)
  • Degree recognition document (if university not in anabin)

Additional Documents

  • Health insurance confirmation (travel insurance for visa, then German insurance)
  • Proof of accommodation (rental contract or hotel booking)
  • CV/Resume
  • Previous residence permits (if applicable)

Document Tips for Germany

  • All documents must be translated into German by a certified translator
  • Documents from non-EU countries need apostille or legalization
  • Bring both originals and copies to all appointments
  • Some Ausländerbehörden accept English documents - check in advance

Costs & Fees

National Visa (from abroad) €75
Blue Card Residence Permit €100
Total Official Fees €175

Additional costs may include: document translations (~€20-50 per document), apostille fees, credential evaluation (~€100-200 if needed), and travel expenses.

After Receiving Your Blue Card

✓
Register Your Address (Anmeldung)

Within 2 weeks at the local Bürgeramt. You'll need your rental contract.

✓
Get Health Insurance

Mandatory in Germany. Your employer typically enrolls you in statutory insurance (gesetzliche Krankenversicherung).

✓
Get a Tax ID (Steuer-ID)

Automatically sent by mail after Anmeldung, or apply at Finanzamt.

✓
Open a Bank Account

N26, Commerzbank, and Deutsche Bank are popular options for expats.

✓
Apply for Family Visa (if applicable)

Your spouse and children can apply for residence permits to join you.

Path to Permanent Residence & Citizenship

21 months

Permanent residence with B1 German language skills

33 months

Permanent residence without language requirement

6-8 years

Eligible for German citizenship (reduced with good integration)

Germany offers one of the fastest paths to permanent residence in the EU. Blue Card holders can apply for a Niederlassungserlaubnis (permanent settlement permit) after meeting residence and pension contribution requirements.

Top Cities for Blue Card Holders

🏙️ Berlin

Startup capital, diverse international community, affordable compared to Munich

Tech, Startups, Media

🏔️ Munich

Highest salaries, BMW & Siemens HQ, beautiful Bavaria region

Automotive, Engineering, Finance

🌊 Hamburg

Port city, growing tech scene, good work-life balance

Logistics, Media, Aerospace

💹 Frankfurt

Financial capital, ECB headquarters, international environment

Banking, Finance, Consulting

Useful Resources

Ready to Apply?

Check out our complete application guide and document checklist.

Application Guide Document Checklist