EU Blue Card Wizard - Application Guide

💼 Salary Check

The Blue Card requires a minimum gross annual salary:

Your Job Category

Your Gross Annual Salary (€)

2024 thresholds:
Regular: €45,300/year (€3,775/month)
Shortage occupations: €41,042/year (€3,420/month)

You need ONE of these:

1.
Recognized university degree
Check on anabin.kmk.org if your degree is recognized
2.
3+ years professional experience
In IT sector only - no degree needed if you have experience

IT professionals: Since 2024, experienced IT workers can get Blue Card without a degree if they have 3+ years of relevant work experience.

🏠

Fast permanent residence
After 21-33 months

👨‍👩‍👧

Family reunification
Easier than other visas

🌍

EU mobility
Work in other EU countries

💼

Job change freedom
After 12 months, change freely

Valid Passport At least 6 months validity beyond planned stay
University Degree Original + certified translation if not in German/English
Degree Recognition Check on anabin.kmk.org or get official recognition
Employment Contract Signed, showing salary meets minimum threshold
Biometric Photos 35x45mm, recent, white background
Health Insurance For visa: travel insurance. For permit: German health insurance
CV/Resume Showing work experience relevant to position
Visa Application Form If applying from abroad at German embassy

From Abroad: Apply at German Embassy

Book appointment, submit documents, wait 2-8 weeks for visa

Enter Germany

With visa or visa-free (for some nationalities)

Register Address (Anmeldung)

Within 14 days of moving in

Apply at Ausländerbehörde

For Blue Card residence permit, before visa expires