Blue Card connection qualifications

Everything about the necessary connection between profession and training for the EU Blue Card (qualification connection).

Here you learn ...

what the qualification context (Blue Card) is
how job and training must be linked with the Blue Card
when the qualifications are related
what alternatives there are to the Blue Card

1. Blue Card Connection Job Training

2. What is the qualification context?

3. When is there a qualification connection?

4. Alternative Blue Card

5. FAQ

6. Conclusion

1. Blue Card: Combining job and training

The EU Blue Card is a residence permit for highly qualified professionals from third countries. A key requirement for its issuance is the so-called " qualification link " – that is, proof that there is a connection between the academic education and the desired employment . This link is more strictly regulated for the Blue Card than for other residence permits for skilled workers, such as those under Section 18a or Section 18b of the Residence Act. In these cases, any qualified activity is often sufficient, whereas the Blue Card requires a specific content-related connection to the education.

However, this connection is not understood narrowly or formally: A job is considered appropriate to the qualifications if the skills acquired during the course of study are at least partially or indirectly required for the job. This means that interdisciplinary knowledge, methodological skills, and professional experience can also play a role. Authorities and courts also recognize that career paths are not always straightforward. This ensures a certain degree of flexibility in recognizing the connection.

2. What is the qualification link for the EU Blue Card?

The qualification context describes the relationship between the university degree and the specific job for which a Blue Card is applied for. According to Section 18g of the Residence Act and EU Directive 2021/1883, the employment must be highly qualified and commensurate with the academic qualifications. It is important that the job generally requires a university degree and the activity requires skills that can be derived from the degree program .

The legal requirements have been relaxed in recent years. The previous requirement for a "reasonable and specific" connection has been dropped. Today, it is sufficient to have higher professional qualifications – not necessarily a close professional connection. This also allows for assignments in related industries or activities that rely more on interdisciplinary skills such as analysis, communication, or project management.

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3. When is the qualification connection given?

A connection between qualification and activity exists when the job is at a level that typically requires a university degree. What matters is not just the job title, but whether the skills associated with the degree are required in practice . For example, a computer scientist can be just as recognized in a data-driven company as a biologist in a pharmaceutical company. Interdisciplinary roles, such as those in management or research, are also considered appropriate to the qualifications.

Courts and authorities apply a generous standard. Even substandard jobs can be temporarily accepted, provided they serve as an entry point into a career commensurate with the applicant's qualifications. The connection must be interpreted broadly, particularly in non-regulated professions. However, in regulated professions —such as doctors—the activity must be more closely aligned with the applicant's field of study. In any case, applicants and employers should be able to clearly demonstrate the connection between training and the activity. In cases of doubt, a letter from the employer confirming the connection can be helpful.

4. What alternatives are there to the EU Blue Card?

Not every highly qualified third-country national meets the requirements for a Blue Card – for example, if there is no formal connection between studies and employment or if the employment contract does not meet the minimum requirements. In such cases, a residence permit under Section 18a or Section 18b of the Residence Act may be considered. These also allow qualified professionals access to the German labor market, even if there is no qualification connection.

Alternatively, individuals with relevant professional experience but without an academic degree can enter the country through other channels, such as through the Employment Ordinance or through recognition of their professional experience. It is important to determine which residence permit best suits their individual qualifications and employment. VISAGUARD supports them in finding the right strategy – even in complex cases involving atypical career paths or employment outside their field of study.

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5. FAQ

Does the degree have to exactly match the job?
No. It is not necessary for the university degree to exactly match the job profile. It is sufficient if there is an indirect or partial connection—that is, if the job requires skills that are typically acquired through university study. However, a formal connection to the field of study may be mandatory for regulated professions.

Can I get a Blue Card without a direct connection?
In exceptional cases, yes—especially if the position is highly qualified and relies on academic skills. However, the connection to the qualification should be demonstrable in some way. If this connection doesn't exist, other residence permits such as Section 18a or Section 18b are a better choice.

How strictly do the authorities examine the qualification context?
The authorities now apply a generous assessment standard. Interdisciplinary activities and modern careers that cannot be clearly assigned to a specific field of study are also recognized – as long as the qualification is clearly applicable. However, the connection must be documented and substantiated.

6. Conclusion

The qualification context is a key criterion for granting the EU Blue Card – but it is assessed much more flexibly today than in the past. It's no longer a question of a narrow professional connection, but rather whether the desired profession requires skills typically taught in a university degree. Therefore, those who work with analytical knowledge, scientific methodology, or project management often already meet the requirements.

Despite the legal opening, it remains important to clearly justify the connection between training and employment – especially in complex or unrelated cases. Those unsure should seek professional advice. VISAGUARD supports skilled workers and employers in finding the right residence permit and preparing the application in a legally compliant manner – for a successful start with the EU Blue Card in Germany.