EU Blue Card
The fastest work route for university graduates with a qualifying job offer. Higher salary, fast-tracked permanent residence, easy family reunification, and mobility across the EU.
Key facts
EU Blue Card at a glance
Practical guide, not legal or immigration advice. The salary threshold changes yearly — confirm the current figure with the German mission or the official Make it in Germany portal.
Who it's for
Is the Blue Card right for you?
Graduates with an offer
You hold a university degree and have (or can get) a job offer in Germany above the salary threshold.
IT professionals
In IT, several years of relevant experience can substitute for a formal degree.
Long-term settlers
You want the fastest route to permanent residence and easy family reunification.
Requirements
What you need
- A university degree recognised or comparable to a German one (check via anabin / ZAB)
- A concrete job offer or contract in Germany
- Salary at or above the Blue Card threshold (lower for shortage occupations)
- Valid passport and health insurance
- IT: relevant experience can replace a formal degree
- No German required to get the card — but B1 speeds up permanent residence
- Shortage occupations (IT, engineering, health, science…) get the lower threshold
- Family can join and your spouse can work
Steps
From job offer to Blue Card
- 1
Confirm your degree is recognised or comparable (anabin, or a ZAB Statement of Comparability).
- 2
Secure a job offer that meets the salary threshold for your occupation.
- 3
Apply for the EU Blue Card at the German mission (or in Germany if you're already there).
- 4
Arrive, register (Anmeldung), health insurance and residence permit — then start work.
- 5
Reach B1 German to fast-track permanent residence at ~21 months.
No offer yet?
Routes that lead to a Blue Card
No job offer yet? Come on the Opportunity Card to job-hunt on the ground, then switch to the Blue Card once you're hired. And if your profession is regulated, sort out recognition first.
FAQ
Common questions about the EU Blue Card
Who is the EU Blue Card for?
University graduates (or, in IT, people with equivalent experience) who have a job offer in Germany that pays above the Blue Card salary threshold. It's the fastest work route for qualified professionals.
What salary do I need for a Blue Card?
You need a job offer above the annual salary threshold, which is set each year — roughly €48,300 in 2025, with a lower threshold (around €43,760) for shortage occupations and recent graduates. Always check the current figure, as it changes annually.
How fast can I get permanent residence with a Blue Card?
Quickly — after about 27 months of Blue Card employment, or about 21 months if you reach B1 German. That's much faster than most other permits.
Do I need my degree recognised for the Blue Card?
Your degree must be recognised or comparable to a German one — you can check this via anabin or request a Statement of Comparability from the ZAB. In IT, several years of relevant experience can substitute for a formal degree.
Can my family come with me?
Yes. Blue Card holders get favourable family reunification — your spouse can join and work in Germany without their own separate qualification requirements.
Amtly app
Track blue-card pathway in your pocket
Amtly turns this checklist into a tracked appointment, reminds you what to bring, and keeps your documents private on your phone.
Get Amtly →