The 'Blue Card' (EU Blue Card) is an opportunity to get a high-paying job in Germany
In Germany, 'Blue Cards' began to be issued after August 1, 2012, when a law came into force that simplified the conditions for employing specialists from non-EU countries in Germany. As Deutsche Welle notes, the number of 'Blue Cards' issued in Germany is growing every year. The list of those who most often apply for this type of work permit includes specialists from India, China, Russia, Ukraine, and Syria. Compared to other EU countries, the Blue Card program is most widely used in Germany.
Who can apply
Specialists from non-EU countries can apply for a German 'Blue Card' provided they have a higher education diploma obtained in Germany or abroad. The second important requirement is the existence of an employment contract with an employer in Germany or a specific offer confirming the employer's intention to conclude an employment contract.
The minimum annual income must be 53,600 euros (before tax) or 4,466 euros per month. For specialists in fields where there is a particular shortage of personnel, 41,808 euros per year (before tax) or 3,448 euros per month is sufficient. These include doctors (except dentists), engineers, specialists in information and communication technologies, specialists in natural sciences and mathematics. The applicant must find an employer themselves.
Where to apply for a Blue Card
'Blue Cards' are issued by the foreigners' registration office at the place of residence in Germany. Those living outside Germany must apply for a national visa at the German consulate. The package of documents must include an employment contract, a tabular CV in German, and a higher education diploma with a transcript translated into German.
A higher education diploma obtained from a non-German university must be recognized in Germany or checked for compliance with German standards. This can be done while abroad. The Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB) conducts an individual expert assessment on a fee basis. Its result must be presented at the embassy to obtain a visa. You can preliminarily check whether your education is recognized in Germany on the website www.anabin.kmk.org.
There are no general requirements for knowledge of German or English for obtaining a Blue Card. It all depends on the employer and the profession. For example, doctors must have German language skills at level B2-C1.
Validity period of the Blue Card
The 'Blue Card' is issued for a period of one to four years, depending on the employment contract. If the contract is concluded for a period of less than four years, three more months are added to this period in the residence permit in Germany.
Anyone who has been a holder of a 'Blue Card' of another EU state for at least six months can apply for a German Blue Card within one month after moving to Germany.
Residence permit and other benefits
Under the Blue Card program, if the employment relationship is maintained, after 33 months the specialist can obtain a permanent residence permit. If they have German language skills at level B1, they can apply for a permanent residence permit after 21 months of stay in Germany.
The holder of a 'Blue Card' can stay up to 90 days in any six-month period without a visa in any EU country (except the United Kingdom and Ireland). In addition, they have the right to spend up to 12 months in a non-EU country without their residence permit in Germany being revoked.
The 'Blue Card' facilitates the move to Germany not only for the specialist themselves but also for their spouse and children. They are issued a residence permit without knowledge of German. The spouse also receives a work permit.
Job search visa
According to the law adopted in 2012, foreigners who have graduated from German universities have the right to stay in Germany for up to 18 months to find a suitable job. During this period, they can work part-time without any restrictions and without special permission from the foreigners' registration office, even as self-employed individuals. However, this activity must be related to the education received at the university.
Foreigners living outside Germany can obtain a six-month visa to enter the country for the purpose of finding a job. However, they are not allowed to work part-time or engage in entrepreneurial activities in Germany during this period.