What is the Blue Card?
VISAGUARD: All information from a lawyer on the definition of the EU Blue Card in Germany.
Share:
Here you learn ...
what the EU Blue Card is (definition)
everything about the EU Blue Card and European law
the legal basis of the EU Blue Card
Statistics on the issuance of the Blue Card in Germany
Table of contents
1. What is the EU Blue Card?
2. Blue Card Definition
3. EU Blue Card validity in Europe
4. European law and the Blue Card (Directive (EU) 2021/1883)
5. FAQ Definition EU Blue Card
6. Conclusion Definition of the EU Blue Card
1. What is the EU Blue Card?
The EU Blue Card is a temporary residence permit and visa that allows highly qualified third-country nationals to work and live in Germany . The legal basis is Section 18g of the Residence Act , which, since the reform of November 18, 2023, no longer covers only academics, but also professionally qualified individuals such as IT specialists without a university degree. With this expansion, the legislature aims to specifically alleviate the shortage of skilled workers and ensure Germany's competitiveness in the global talent market.
Around 70 percent of all foreign academics in Germany hold an EU Blue Card. The concept is rhetorically similar to the US Green Card , but differs fundamentally because the EU Blue Card does not provide permanent status. A particularly high number of cardholders live in Munich, Berlin, and Frankfurt; in Berlin alone, the State Office for Immigration operates its own specialist departments to handle the high volume of applications.
2. Blue Card Definition
The exact definition of the EU Blue Card depends on whether a visa or a residence permit is being applied for. Therefore, the regulations for the Blue Card visa differ from those for the Blue Card residence permit (e.g., regarding the exact application procedure). However, the rights and obligations are the same for both versions of the EU Blue Card, regardless of how the EU Blue Card residence permit is defined.
The validity of the Blue Card depends on the term of the employment contract plus three months, but may not exceed four years. A change of job during the first twelve months only requires official notification. These factors make the Blue Card a very popular residence permit in Germany and the best temporary residence permit overall (see also our article " Advantages of the EU Blue Card ").
Contact us
Are you looking for a lawyer specializing in German immigration and visa law? We are happy to assist you with residence procedures before embassies, immigration authorities, and administrative courts. Our specialised attorneys are always by your side. Contact us to book an online appointment with a German immigration lawyer!
3. EU Blue Card validity in Europe
The EU Blue Card is only valid in the member state that issued it . However, thanks to the mobility rules (Sections 18h and 18i of the Residence Act), holders can move to another EU country after just one year of legal residence without having to go through the entire process again. However, a new (simplified) application must be submitted in the destination country. Germany leads the EU in issuing the EU Blue Card, thus securing long-term ties to internationally sought-after skilled workers.
A key advantage of the Blue Card program is the rapid prospect of permanent settlement . Almost half of all cardholders successfully apply for a settlement permit, thus obtaining permanent residency. Anyone planning to take this step will find all the practical details for a smooth transition in the VISAGUARD Settlement Permit Guide .
4. European law and the Blue Card (Directive (EU) 2021/1883)
With Directive (EU) 2021/1883, the European Union modernized the Blue Card to make the single market more attractive to top international talent. The new regulation combines a lower salary threshold with expanded mobility rights: After twelve months, cardholders can work in a second member state and start working there just 30 days after applying. Family members can join them at the same time and receive their residence permits within one month.
The EU Blue Card also offers stability in times of crisis. If a job is lost, the status is retained for up to six months, provided the skilled worker has been employed for at least two years beforehand. The residence permit thus provides planning security for both companies and talented individuals. However, the rights under Directive 2021/1883 (Highly Qualified Workers Directive) do not apply directly , but only indirectly influence Sections 18 et seq. of the Residence Act.
Contact us
Are you looking for a lawyer specializing in German immigration and visa law? We are happy to assist you with residence procedures before embassies, immigration authorities, and administrative courts. Our specialised attorneys are always by your side. Contact us to book an online appointment with a German immigration lawyer!
5. FAQ Definition EU Blue Card
What is the EU Blue Card?
The EU Blue Card is a temporary residence permit pursuant to Section 18g of the Residence Act (AufenthG), which was created specifically for highly qualified third-country nationals.
Who can apply for the EU Blue Card?
Eligible are academic specialists with a recognized university degree and – since the reform of November 18, 2023 – also certain professionally qualified persons, such as IT specialists without a degree, provided they have relevant professional experience (cf. Section 18g Paragraph 2 of the Residence Act).
Is the EU Blue Card valid throughout Europe?
No. The EU Blue Card only entitles you to work in the country that issued it. However, under certain conditions, short-term (Section 18h of the Residence Act) or permanent (Section 18i of the Residence Act) mobility to other EU countries may be possible.
How long is the Blue Card valid?
The Blue Card is generally issued for the duration of the employment contract plus three months, but for a maximum of four years (Section 18g Paragraph 1 Sentence 3 of the Residence Act).
How does the Blue Card differ from the US Green Card?
Unlike the permanent Green Card, the EU Blue Card is temporary. However, it can serve as a stepping stone to permanent residency in Germany.
6. Conclusion Definition of the EU Blue Card
The EU Blue Card is a powerful tool for attracting highly qualified professionals to Germany long-term. It combines attractive residence rights with flexible employment opportunities and offers clear prospects for permanent settlement. Thanks to EU Directive 2021/1883, the system has been modernized and made more internationally competitive – with advantages for employees, employers, and Germany as a business location. Qualified individuals benefit from rapid entry, a stable legal framework, and real future prospects. The EU Blue Card is a highly privileged residence permit for qualified third-country nationals and not only enables rapid integration into the German labor market, but also offers numerous advantages over other residence permits: unlimited residence after just 21 months, simplified family reunification without language skills, unbureaucratic change of employer, and extended stays abroad without loss of status. Since the reform of November 18, 2023, IT specialists without a university degree and young professionals can now also benefit from the Blue Card. Germany is the EU leader in issuing it, particularly in Berlin, Munich, and Frankfurt.
This might also interest you
List of sources
[1] Timmermann/Uznanski/Mävers/Klaus, Employment of foreign workers, 2nd edition 2025
[2] Sebastian Klaus, The new Highly Qualified Directive: Legal and practical classification for the migration of qualified workers to the EU, Nomos, 2022
