EU Blue Card; Application

The EU Blue Card can be applied for by non-EU nationals with an academic or equivalent level of qualification who intend to take up employment in Germany.

The EU Blue Card offers a number of advantages over other residence permits for employment. For example, shorter deadlines apply until a permanent right of residence (settlement permit) can be applied for. Changing employer and family reunification are also easier.

Please use our online service via the button above for the "Antrag auf Erteilung eines unbefristeten Aufenthaltstitels (Niederlassungserlaubnis) - Application for a permanent residence permit (settlement permit)".

In the Forms section you will find the "Application for the issue or extension of a residence permit" as a PDF.

The most important requirements include having an academic qualification or a tertiary educational qualification if it meets certain requirements. In addition, a certain minimum salary must be achieved. Comprehensive information on the requirements for obtaining a permit and the simplifications in certain cases (shortage occupations, young professionals) can be found at Make it in Germany

The EU Blue Card must be applied for at the relevant immigration authority.

• Application for the issue or extension of a residence permit

  Please fill out the application form in block letters or on a typewriter or computer in German.

  Please check or complete as appropriate. Please do not fill in blank fields.

   

• Valid for up to one year: EUR 100
• Valid for more than one year: EUR 100
• Extension up to three months: EUR 96
• Extension by more than three months: EUR 93

• § Section 18g Act on the Residence, Employment and Integration of Foreigners in the Federal Territory (Residence Act - AufenthG)

  Specialists with an academic education

• § Section 45 Residence Ordinance (AufenthV)

  Fees for the residence permit, the EU Blue Card, the ICT Card and the Mobile ICT Card

• Make it in Germany - EU Blue Card

Many immigration authorities already offer an online service for submitting applications. Please check this option for your foreigners authority. If your foreigners authority does not offer an online service, please contact the foreigners authority by e-mail or speak to them in person.

• Residence permit; general information
• National visa; application and extension
• Settlement permit; application
• Residence permit; application for gainful employment in Germany
• Residence permit; application for the issue of an electronic residence permit
• EU permanent residence; applying for a permit
• Integration of foreigners; information