Advantages of the EU Blue Card

Why you should apply for the Blue Card: All the advantages.

Here you learn ...

why the Blue Card is the best (temporary) residence permit
why Blue Card holders are privileged
why you should apply for the Blue Card
Blue Card comparison to other residence permits

1. Advantages of the EU Blue Card in Germany

2. Fast track to a settlement permit

3. More security and flexibility in your job

4. Family-friendly regulations and EU-wide mobility

5. FAQ Blue Card Benefits

6. Conclusion Blue Card Benefits

1. Advantages of the EU Blue Card in Germany

The EU Blue Card is the best temporary residence permit available in Germany. The reason for this is primarily that the legislature was particularly interested in privileging academic professionals in order to attract as many skilled workers as possible to Germany. The Blue Card is also attractive due to its European legal foundation, which, for example, enables Europe-wide mobility.

The EU Blue Card enjoys priority in administrative processes, for example, at the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB) or the Immigration Office. Accelerated skilled worker procedures further shorten waiting times, allowing contracts to start sooner and companies to plan more efficiently. Lower salary caps in occupations with a shortage of skilled workers also reduce barriers to entry and increase the chances of filling qualified positions quickly. All of these factors can be a decisive advantage in global recruiting.

2. Fast track to a settlement permit

Another advantage of the EU Blue Card is the rapid settlement permit process . The EU Blue Card offers a significantly shortened path to permanent residence. Holders can apply for a settlement permit after just 21 months with B1 language skills or after 27 months with A1 language skills. Thanks to Section 18c Paragraph 2 of the Residence Act, the waiting time is reduced by years compared to other residence permits, making the Blue Card one of the most attractive options for highly qualified professionals.

The transition to German citizenship is also made easier. Those who meet the required residency requirements can become citizens directly without first having to apply for a settlement permit (see Section 10 of the German Settlement Act ). This combination of rapid permanent residence and simplified naturalization provides skilled workers with long-term planning security for their careers and families.

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3. More security and flexibility in your job

Another advantage of the Blue Card is the ease of changing employers . Since the reform of November 18, 2023, a simple notification to the immigration authorities is sufficient to change employers (Section 18g, Paragraph 4 of the Residence Act); a complex application is no longer necessary. This gives holders of the EU Blue Card much more flexibility in their professional lives compared to other foreign skilled workers. Many skilled workers also appreciate the stability of the Blue Card: Even if they are dismissed, the EU Blue Card remains valid for another three months (Section 18, Paragraph 4 of the Residence Act). This leaves enough time to find a new employer without jeopardizing their residence status.

In addition, Blue Card holders may spend up to 12 consecutive months outside of Germany without their permit expiring ( Section 51, Paragraph 10 of the Residence Act ). This facilitates international projects, extended periods of working from home abroad, or family stays in their home country. The combination of job flexibility and residence stability makes the Blue Card the first choice for globally mobile professionals.

4. Family-friendly regulations and EU-wide mobility

Family reunification is also quick and easy with the Blue Card: Spouses do not need to know German, and they are immediately allowed to work without restrictions (Section 30, Paragraph 1, Sentence 2, No. 5 of the Residence Act). Children also benefit from seamless access to education and healthcare. This makes Germany attractive for the entire family, and the move remains free of language barriers.

The EU Blue Card is also particularly advantageous for skilled workers who want to bring their parents to Germany . Since a reform of the Skilled Immigration Act, holders of the EU Blue Card (and other skilled workers) have been able to obtain a long-term D visa for their parents. The parents of EU Blue Card holders can then live permanently in Germany. However, this requires that the Blue Card was issued after March 1, 2024, and that the parents have health insurance. Further information can be found in our VISAGUARD guide to parental reunification with the EU Blue Card .

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5. FAQ Blue Card Benefits

What are the main advantages of the EU Blue Card?
The main advantages are: quick access to a settlement permit (after 21 or 27 months), no language test for spouses when joining their families, unrestricted employment opportunities for spouses, simplified changes of employer and longer stays abroad without losing the residence permit.

Can I work in other EU countries with the Blue Card?
This is possible for short assignments of up to 90 days – but only under certain conditions. For longer stays in other EU countries, a new Blue Card must usually be applied for there.

When can I get a permanent residence permit?
With the Blue Card, you can apply for a settlement permit after just 21 months (with B1 German) or after 27 months (with A1 German).

6. Conclusion Advantages of the Blue Card

The EU Blue Card is the most attractive temporary residence permit for highly qualified professionals from third countries. It not only offers a quick perspective for permanent residency, but also legal stability when changing jobs, generous provisions for family reunification, and increased mobility within the EU. Those who want to work in Germany and stay long-term benefit from simplified procedures, preferential treatment by authorities, and a host of other legal advantages. VISAGUARD provides you with expert support on your path to obtaining a Blue Card and ensures that you make the most of all the opportunities available.