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Expiry of the Blue Card
Lawyer: All information on when the EU Blue Card expires or can be revoked.
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how long the EU Blue Card remains valid
when the EU Blue Card expires
when the EU Blue Card can be withdrawn or revoked
everything about the subsequent limitation of the Blue Card
1. Blue Card Validity
2. Expiry of the Blue Card
3. Withdrawal & Revocation of Blue Card
4. Subsequent limitation of Blue Card
5. FAQ
6. Conclusion
1. EU Blue Card: Validity and Duration
The EU Blue Card is a temporary residence permit for highly qualified professionals from third countries. Its validity is generally linked to the duration of the employment contract plus three additional months, but is limited to a maximum of four years (see Section 18, Paragraph 4 of the Residence Act ). It can be extended before expiration if the requirements continue to be met.
Family members also receive residence permits linked to the Blue Card. They generally have the same validity periods. A timely application for an extension is essential to ensure uninterrupted residence and avoid problems with securing residency.
2. When does the EU Blue Card expire?
The EU Blue Card expires automatically upon expiration of its validity period. It can also expire in certain other cases, such as if the holder leaves the country for a reason that is not merely temporary or does not return to Germany for more than twelve months (see Section 51, Paragraph 10 of the Residence Act ). This extended period applies exclusively to EU Blue Card holders and their family members. The six-month period applies to all other foreign nationals with a residence permit (see the VISAGUARD article on the expiration of residence permits ).
An expulsion or deportation order after the Blue Card has been issued can also lead to the expiration of the permit. The legal basis for this is Section 51 of the Residence Act. In practice, however, this occurs very rarely, as skilled workers are rarely expelled or deported.
3. Withdrawal and revocation of the Blue Card
In addition to automatic expiration, the EU Blue Card can also be withdrawn or revoked ( Section 52 of the Residence Act ). Withdrawal occurs if the title was unlawful from the outset – for example, due to false information provided when applying . Revocation is possible if circumstances subsequently arise that would have led to rejection, such as losing a job without finding new employment within the permitted period. Revocation is also possible if the conditions essential for residence no longer apply. This applies, for example, to the loss of qualifications or not earning enough to meet the minimum salary. The responsible immigration authorities examine these cases individually and must also comply with EU law.
Another specific reason for revoking the EU Blue Card is failure to report job loss . According to Section 82, Paragraph 6 of the Residence Act, foreign nationals with an EU Blue Card must report job loss. If they fail to do so, the immigration authorities may revoke the EU Blue Card (Section 52, Paragraph 2b of the Residence Act).
4. Subsequent limitation of the Blue Card
In special cases, an originally permanent or longer-term EU Blue Card can also be subsequently limited to a fixed term . This happens, for example, if there are doubts about the long-term commitment to the German labor market or if the applicant's employment is at risk. Such a subsequent limitation is legally permissible, but must be justified and proportionate.
Even if new information about the employer or the activity emerges that casts doubt on the authenticity of the employment relationship, the Blue Card can be limited in time. Those affected should seek legal advice early on to protect their rights and respond to potential restrictions in a timely manner.
5. FAQ Blue Card Expiration
When exactly does the EU Blue Card automatically expire?
The EU Blue Card expires automatically when its validity period expires, a person leaves the country for a reason other than temporary, or if the holder does not re-enter Germany for more than twelve months. Job loss does not automatically result in expiration, but it can be grounds for revocation if a new job is not found promptly.
What happens if I lose my job?
Losing employment does not automatically lead to revocation. There is generally a transition period of three months during which a suitable new job can be found. If this period is exceeded, the Blue Card can be revoked.
Can I lose my Blue Card during a longer stay abroad?
Yes, if you stay outside Germany for more than twelve months, your EU Blue Card will expire unless a longer period is approved by the immigration authorities. This also applies to accompanying family members.
6. Conclusion: EU Blue Card – Validity with conditions
The EU Blue Card is an attractive residence permit for highly qualified professionals, but it also comes with a clear legal framework. In addition to expiration dates, aspects such as the place of residence, the duration of the stay abroad, and the continuation of the employment relationship also play a key role. VISAGUARD supports you with all questions relating to the validity, extension, or revocation of your EU Blue Card. Those who act early and protect themselves legally can avoid risks such as expiration or revocation and work and live successfully in Germany in the long term.
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List of Sources (Paywall)
[1] Timmermann/Uznanski/Mävers/Klaus, Employment of foreign workers, 2nd ed. 2025
[2] Administrative instructions for residence in Berlin (VAB), as of 18.02.2025, § 51
[3] Directive (EU) 2021/1883 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 October 2021 on the conditions of entry and residence of third-country nationals for the purposes of highly qualified employment and repealing Council Directive 2009/50/EC [4] (Highly Qualified Workers Directive)