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EU Blue Card
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EU Blue Card

Work PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa. Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

2 weeks – 3 months

Estimated Cost

EUR €175

Stay Duration

4 years

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

Job offer required

Work

Remote not required

Apply Now Official Information
Germany flag

Living in Germany

Cost of Living
2% cheaper than United States
Avg Salary€36,000
Quality of Life
195/200
Full Country Guide

Overview

Highly skilled employment with a recognized degree and salary above the member state threshold. Portable across EU after 12 months.

The EU Blue Card is Germany's residence permit for highly skilled non-EU professionals with a recognized degree (or equivalent IT experience) and a gross annual salary of at least €50,700 (€45,934 for shortage occupations or recent graduates).

Issued for up to 4 years and renewable. PR access is accelerated — 27 months with basic German, or 21 months at B1 level. Spouses get unrestricted work rights. After 12 months portable across EU states. Entry visa €75; residence permit up to €100.

This visa is ideal for highly skilled non-EU professionals with a German job offer who want fast-track PR, EU mobility, and family work rights.

Germany

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Cost Breakdown

Entry Visa feeEUR €75
Residence Permit feeEUR €100
TotalEUR €175

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant4 years

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

EU Long-Term Residence Permit
Germany flagGermany

EU Long-Term Residence Permit

Validity5 years
Processing4 weeks – 3 months
View Visa Details
Settlement Permit (Permanent Residency) / Niederlassungserlaubnis
Germany flagGermany

Settlement Permit (Permanent Residency) / Niederlassungserlaubnis

ValidityIndefinite
Processing2–6 months
View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Valid work contract or binding job offer from a German employer for at least 6 months

Academic degree (German or recognized foreign equivalent)

Minimum gross annual salary threshold (e.g., €50,700 for 2026, or €45,934.20 for shortage occupations/young professionals)

Job must be commensurate with the applicant's qualifications

For regulated professions, proof of permission to practice in Germany

Valid health insurance coverage

KEY CRITERIA

Education

bachelor or higher

Min. Income

50,700 EUR/yr

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport

Completed visa application form

Biometric passport-sized photos

Signed employment contract or job offer

Declaration of employment (Erklärung zum Beschäftigungsverhältnis) signed by employer

Proof of academic qualifications (degree certificates, transcripts)

Proof of recognition of foreign degree (e.g., Anabin database printout or ZAB Statement of Comparability)

Proof of health insurance

Proof of accommodation (if applying in Germany)

Application Process

1

Secure job offer

Meeting minimum salary requirement of EUR 50,700

2

Prepare documents

University degree, job offer, passport

3

Apply for visa

At German consulate

4

Pay visa fee

EUR 75

5

Receive entry visa

Valid for 12 months

6

Register in Germany

Convert to EU Blue Card residence permit

Application Forms

Go to application portal
Erklärung zum Beschäftigungsverhältnis—
VIDEX National Visa Application Form—

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