Apply for an EU Blue Card
Residence permit for highly qualified professionals from non-EU countries who hold a recognized university degree and have an employment contract.
Wo wohnen Sie?
Damit wir Apply for an EU Blue Card mit dem zuständigen Ausländerbehörde in Ihrer Stadt anzeigen können.
Oder Großstadt wählen:
Sie werden zur geführten Suche weitergeleitet – mit Kontaktdaten, Termin und nächsten Schritten für Apply for an EU Blue Card.
Quick answer
- 1
Documents you need
College degree, including recognition · Employment Contract
- 2
Responsible authority
The authority of your main residence
- 3
How to do it
In person or by post at the office
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Costs
100–110 € Aufenthaltstitel, sonst kostenlos
How to proceed
- 1
Check whether the degree is recognized
Check with the "anabin" database or the relevant accreditation offices.
- 2
Secure an employment contract with adequate pay
The minimum salary threshold is adjusted annually.
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Application at a diplomatic mission or immigration office
Apply for a visa or residence permit.
Responsible authority
The authority of your main place of residence is responsible.Find authority →
The essentials before applying
Who is eligible?
Graduates from non-EU countries with an employment contract that meets the minimum salary requirement.
Income limit
The minimum salary is adjusted annually; in 2024, it will be approximately €45,300 gross (approximately €41,000 for occupations facing labor shortages).
Processing time
Nationwide: approx. approx. 2 months
Success rate
approx. 85.0 % (estimate)
Most common mistakes
- •Foreign degree not recognized
- •The employment contract specifies a salary below the minimum threshold
Common reasons for rejection
- •Salary below the minimum threshold
- •Degree not recognized as equivalent
Alternatives
- Check related services in the application assistant
- Use social counselling before applying
If rejected
File a written objection within 30 days – with reasons why the decision is wrong and any missing evidence.
Related services
Questions & Answers
How quickly can a residence permit be obtained with a Blue Card?▼
With B1-level German proficiency after 21 months; otherwise after 33 months.
Freshness & source
- Maintenance
- Continuously reviewed & updated
- Source
- Bundesamt für Migration und Flüchtlinge
- Data quality
- 100 %