Check requirements
- Job offer in Germany or valid employment contract
- Equivalence or comparability of the foreign qualification (university degree or vocational qualification)
- Language level of at least B1 in German
- Professional licence, if applicable
- For EU Blue Card: gross annual salary of at least EUR 56,800 or EUR 44,304 in MINT* occupations (as of 2021 – the salary thresholds are readjusted for each calendar year)
- Persons over 45 years of age without Blue Card EU*: check current salary limit for “Make it in Germany” or prove adequate pension provision
- Appointment request to the German embassy
- Prepare the necessary documents: for example, employment contract, passport, proof of recognised university or professional qualifications, visa application form
- Applying for a visa in the country of residence
Entry to Germany
- Issue of an entry visa for the purpose of qualified employment
- Book flight ticket or trip to Germany
- Applying for a residence permit
- Booking appointments with the responsible immigration authorities
- Apply for a residence permit for the purpose of qualified employment (Sections 18a, 18b (1) of the Residence Act (AufenthG)), for Blue Card EU: Section 18b (2) of the Residence Act (AufenthG)
- Obtain and prepare a list of the required documents from the Immigration Registration Office
- Fees can be up to EUR 100 (Section 45 and following of the Residence Ordinance (AufenthV)
*The „EU Blue card“ paves the way to the European Union as a work and residence permit for highly qualified specialists from non-EU countries.
*„MINT“ is the abbreviation for mathematics, information technology, natural sciences and technology.