EU Blue Card
Overview page for the EU Blue Card according to Section 18g of the Residence Act (AufenthG).
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About this page
The EU Blue Card is an important part of skilled immigration law and the most commonly used academic qualification for skilled workers . On this overview page, you'll find a list of all VISAGUARD articles on the requirements for the EU Blue Card and the EU Blue Card application process. These step-by-step guides will help you apply for the EU Blue Card yourself. Our Anabin Guide may also be relevant to you, as an Anabin extract is (usually) required when applying for the EU Blue Card.
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EU Blue Card (Residence Act)
The EU Blue Card is a residence permit for highly qualified professionals from third countries who wish to take up skilled employment in Germany or another EU member state. The Blue Card offers attractive conditions for long-term living and working in Germany, especially for academics and IT specialists.
Advantages of the EU Blue Card
The EU Blue Card is very popular because, in terms of the legal rights of the EU Blue Card holder, it is the best temporary residence permit in Germany. Only the EU permanent residence permit (which, however, is a permanent and not a temporary residence permit) offers more advantages. With the EU Blue Card, you benefit from faster procedures, an uncomplicated change of employer, lower salary requirements in occupations with a shortage of workers, and the possibility of obtaining a permanent residence permit after just 21 months. In addition, your family members can come to Germany with you without a waiting period and can work without restrictions, without having to provide proof of language skills ( Section 30 (1) Sentence 3 No. 5 of the Residence Act ).
Mobility with the EU Blue Card
Many people wonder whether they are allowed to work and live in Germany with an EU Blue Card from other EU countries. Unfortunately, mobility with an EU Blue Card is not as easy as the name "Blue Card" suggests. Anyone who wants to move to Germany from another EU country with a Blue Card (so-called long-term mobility) must generally apply for a new German Blue Card or another residence permit in order to be allowed to work here. However, various simplifications in the administrative procedure apply (e.g., regarding the recognition of qualifications, see Section 18h of the Residence Act ).
For short-term stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period (so-called short-term mobility ), holders of an EU Blue Card from another member state may work in Germany – but only under certain conditions (see Section 18h of the Residence Act). In particular, the activity performed must be contractually identical to that in the sending country. Whether there is a sufficient connection between the activities should be carefully examined, as impermissible deviations between the job descriptions can lead to illegal employment.
In individual cases, the regulations regarding short-term and long-term mobility under the Blue Card can be quite complex. This is especially true since the mobility regulations for the Blue Card are closely linked to the regulations for the ICT Card. A VISAGUARD lawyer will be happy to advise you on this topic regarding worker mobility within the European Union .
FAQ EU Blue Card
Can I be self-employed or a freelancer with the Blue Card?
No, the EU Blue Card is intended for dependent employment (i.e., an employment relationship). If you want to start a business, you generally need to apply for a residence permit to pursue self-employment. However, in some federal states, the Blue Card also entitles you to a freelance permit. This is the case if your Blue Card includes the additional condition "Gainful employment permitted."
How long can I stay abroad with the Blue Card?
Residence permits generally expire after an absence of six months. The Blue Card has the special exception that an absence of 12 months is possible.
How long is the Blue Card valid?
The Blue Card is generally issued for the duration of the employment contract plus three months. However, the maximum duration is four years.
Is my Blue Card from another country also valid in Germany?
No, the Blue Card is generally only valid in the country in which it was issued. However, it is possible to enter Germany with the Blue Card and have the EU Blue Card recognized there.
