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Residence & Migration

Apply for an EU Blue Card

Residence permit for highly qualified third-country nationals with an academic degree and an employment contract offering a salary above the minimum threshold.

Processing: approx. 1 months
Success rate: 90.0 %

How to proceed

  1. 1

    Have a foreign college degree recognized

    Through the anabin database or formal recognition by the competent authority.

  2. 2

    Submit an application to the Office of Immigration and Naturalization

    Including an employment contract, proof of graduation, a biometric photo, and health insurance.

  3. 3

    Obtain an EU Blue Card

    Eligible for employment and expedited family reunification.

Required documents

  • Employment contract with salary detailsMandatory

    Proof that the salary exceeds the minimum salary threshold.

  • Certificate of Recognition of Higher Education QualificationsMandatoryOften forgotten

    Certificate of Equivalence for Foreign Degrees.

Responsible authority

The authority of your main place of residence is responsible.Find authority →

Fees

Varies by case

Processing time

approx. 1 months

Official: max. approx. 1 months

Online application

In person or by post

Common mistakes

  • • Did not bring the certificate of completion
  • • Employment contract is only provisional (not a legally binding contract)

Common reasons for rejection

  • • Salary below the threshold
  • • Foreign college degree not recognized

You can usually file an objection against a rejection.

The essentials before applying

Who is eligible?

Graduates from non-EU countries with a concrete job offer in Germany that pays above the minimum salary (approx. €45,300 gross per year; approx. €35,700 for occupations facing labor shortages).

Income limit

The limit varies by household and region – see the table at the responsible authority or in the application assistant.

Processing time

Nationwide: approx. approx. 1 months

Success rate

approx. 90.0 % (estimate)

Most common mistakes

  • •Did not bring the certificate of completion
  • •Employment contract is only provisional (not a legally binding contract)

Common reasons for rejection

  • •Salary below the threshold
  • •Foreign college degree not recognized

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.

Read more