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Apply for a Blue Card
How do you get the EU Blue Card? All the answers from a lawyer about the process.
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How to get the EU Blue Card in Germany
where to apply for the EU Blue Card
how to apply for the EU Blue Card online
how long the Blue Card application takes
1. How to get a Blue Card in Germany
2. Application form for EU Blue Card residence permit
3. Where to apply for a Blue Card
4. Apply for Blue Card Duration
5. FAQ
6. Conclusion
1. How do I get the EU Blue Card?
Anyone who wants to work in Germany and has a qualified vocational training or university degree can apply for an EU Blue Card under certain conditions . This residence permit offers highly qualified professionals from third countries attractive benefits – such as a faster path to a permanent residence permit . Among other requirements, an employment contract in Germany with a certain minimum salary is required. The exact amount depends on whether you work in a so-called shortage occupation and how long ago you graduated.
Applying for the EU Blue Card requires legal residence – for example, through a national visa or an existing residence permit . Visa-free entry may also qualify for application under certain nationalities. Applying for the EU Blue Card directly in Germany is generally only possible for Best Friends nationals (especially US and British citizens). Exceptions apply, however, if you already have an EU Blue Card from another EU country (so-called Europe-wide mobility).
2. Application form for EU Blue Card residence permit
The Blue Card application process is entirely digital at most major authorities. In Berlin, for example, you can use the online form provided by the State Office for Immigration (LEA) . There you must enter your personal information, details of your employment status, and qualifications. You must also upload all required documentation – ideally in PDF format. JPG, PNG, or JPEG are also permitted. Your employer must also complete and sign a special employment form. After submitting the application, you will receive a PDF as confirmation. This document serves as proof that your current residence permit remains valid until a decision is made on your application (so-called "fiktionswirkung "). The application fee must be paid directly on the portal. In Berlin, it is 100 euros for the first application. Payment can be made by credit card or PayPal.
At many smaller immigration offices, the EU Blue Card cannot be applied for online. Instead, applications are submitted using physical application forms that must be completed and signed manually. The completed forms must either be sent to the responsible immigration office by mail or submitted in person at an agreed appointment. If your responsible immigration office does not provide the Blue Card form online, you must actively inquire with the office. If you are unsure about which forms are required, you should check the respective office's website in advance or inquire by phone.
3. Where do I apply for the EU Blue Card?
In Berlin, the State Office for Immigration (LEA) on Keplerstrasse is responsible. The process is entirely digital, including payment and appointment scheduling. Once all documents have been reviewed, you will receive an appointment for an interview, where you must submit your original documents. Spouses and children can also be considered using the same online form, without the need for a separate application. In other federal states, the regionally responsible immigration authorities are responsible. In Hamburg, the application is submitted through the Hamburg Welcome Center, while in Bavaria, it is submitted through the local immigration authorities. It is important that your primary residence is already in the respective federal state.
If you are entering the country from abroad , the application is usually first submitted through the German diplomatic mission (embassy or consulate) in your country of origin. There, you must then apply for the EU Blue Card as a visa, rather than as a residence permit, at the immigration office. Instructions for applying for the EU Blue Card can usually be found on the embassy website. In most countries, the EU Blue Card can now also be applied for as a visa through the Federal Foreign Office's online portal for the EU Blue Card .
4. How long does the application for an EU Blue Card take?
The processing time for the EU Blue Card also depends heavily on the individual case and the location. In Berlin, it takes an average of four weeks after a successful interview until you receive the electronic residence permit (eAT) . This is provided that all documents have been submitted in full and there are no queries. Submitting your application early can help avoid delays. An extension is usually possible at the earliest eight weeks before the expiration date.
Please note that the immigration authorities may also request additional documents, for example, if the university degree is not listed in the "anabin" database, requiring a certificate evaluation. Approval from the Federal Employment Agency may also be required if the salary is below the regular minimum wage. Such checks lengthen the process. All of these factors can affect the processing time for the Blue Card.
5. FAQ
How do you get the EU Blue Card?
The EU Blue Card can be applied for either as a visa (Blue Card visa) at the embassy abroad or as a residence permit (Blue Card residence permit) at the immigration office in the country.
Where do I apply for the EU Blue Card (residence permit)?
Usually at the local immigration office, in Berlin online via the State Office for Immigration.
How long does the application take?
From the initial consultation, the process takes approximately four weeks, assuming all the documents are complete. Delays are possible if documents are missing or if there are queries.
How much does the application cost?
The initial fee is €100, and renewals cost between €93 and €96, depending on the duration. Reduced fees apply to Turkish citizens.
Can I submit the application online?
Yes – especially in Berlin, a completely digital application with ePayment is possible.
6. Conclusion
The EU Blue Card is the central residence permit for qualified professionals from non-EU countries who wish to work in Germany. Thanks to digital procedures, the application process has become simpler and faster – especially in cities like Berlin. Those who meet the requirements can apply for the Blue Card entirely online. A timely application, complete documentation, and a concrete job offer are essential. With the Blue Card, you not only secure access to the German labor market but also benefit from shortened paths to permanent settlement.