The European and German economies are dependent on highly qualified personnel from abroad. Particularly in areas such as digitalisation or highly specialised cutting-edge research, the demand is higher than can be met by Germany itself. It was therefore necessary to create a European regulation for this problem. The result is the EU Blue Card, which is a residence permit based on the US "green card". The blue is intended to symbolise the blue European flag.
What is the EU Blue Card?
The plastic card serves as official proof of a residence permit for highly qualified skilled workers from abroad and is valid throughout the EU. They are also issued by the EU member states. However, there may be other requirements for obtaining an EU Blue Card in the respective countries.
How do you get the EU Blue Card?
The requirements for an EU Blue Card when applying in Germany are explained below. The regulations can be found in Section 18g of the Residence Act (AufenthG).
The EU Blue Card is generally only issued to skilled workers with an academic qualification. No further approval from the Federal Employment Agency is required for this. Skilled workers with an academic qualification are skilled workers from abroad who have obtained a university degree. You can find out more about skilled workers with an academic qualification here here read more.
The EU Blue Card is also issued (at least when it is issued) for the purpose of employment appropriate to the qualification of the skilled worker. This means that the well-qualified skilled worker should work in a profession in which they have a university degree. For example, a computer scientist with a degree should work as a programmer and not as a waiter. An employment contract or a binding job offer must therefore be submitted as proof of this.
What types of EU Blue Card are there?
Furthermore, you can only successfully apply for an EU Blue Card if you have a certain minimum annual salary (Section 18g (1) sentence 1 AufenthG) = 50% of the annual income threshold for general pension insurance (Blue Card for regular occupations in accordance with Section 18g (1) sentence 1 AufenthG) . In professions where there is a particular shortage, such as mathematics, computer science, natural sciences, engineering and human medicine, a slightly reduced annual minimum salary of 45.3% of the annual contribution assessment ceiling for the general pension insurance applies (Blue Card for shortage occupations pursuant to Section 18g (1) sentence 2 no. 1 AufenthG).
New is the Blue Card for young professionals according to § 18g para. 1 sentence 2 no. 2 AufenthG and the EU Blue Card for graduates of tertiary (third-level) education programmes (e.g. technical specialist, commercial specialist, specialist with a master craftsman's certificate, educational specialist and therapeutic specialist) in accordance with Section 18g (2) AufenthG.
Not proven However, certain German language skills are required for the issue of the EU Blue Card.
In addition, some general requirements must be met. The EU Blue Card will only be issued if
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- The livelihood is secured
- The identity is clarified
- A passport is available
- The entry to Germany with a visa has taken place
- The above information has already been provided in the visa application
- And there is no interest in expulsion
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Not granted However, the EU Blue Card is issued to groups of people listed in Section 19f of the Residence Act, such as refugees or seasonal workers.
Where can I get the EU Blue Card?
The EU Blue Card must be applied for at the local immigration office. If you entered Germany with a visa, the EU Blue Card must be before the visa expires must be applied for. If no visa is required to enter Germany (USA, Canada, Japan, etc.), the EU Blue Card must be applied for before starting work.
How long is the EU Blue Card valid for?
In accordance with Section 18 (4) sentence 2 AufenthG, the EU Blue Card is issued for 4 years or, in the case of a shorter-term employment contract, for the duration of the contract plus 3 months.
With an EU Blue Card, it is also easier to obtain a Settlement permit in Germany. It is also part of the Family reunification For example, it is easier for the spouse to obtain a residence permit in Germany, as he or she does not have to provide proof of language skills.
Important Note: The content of this article has been prepared to the best of our knowledge and belief. However, due to the complexity and constant evolution of the subject matter, we must exclude liability and warranty. Important Notice: The content of this article has been created to the best of our knowledge and understanding. However, due to the complexity and constant changes in the subject matter, we must exclude any liability and warranty.
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