Blue Card Visa

Apply for a Blue Card Visa in Germany (2025)

Here you learn ...

how to apply for a Blue Card in Germany
which documents you need for the EU Blue Card
how long it takes to apply for a Blue Card
which embassy is responsible for the Blue Card

1. Which embassy is responsible for my application?

2. Required documents Blue Card Visa

3. Blue Card Visa processing time (2024)

4. FAQ Blue Card Visa

5. Conclusion Blue Card Visa

1. Which embassy is responsible for my application?

If the requirements for the EU Blue Card are met, the visa can be applied for at the relevant German embassy abroad. Which embassy is responsible for your application depends on where you live . Many embassies provide infographics on their websites that can be used to determine which embassy is responsible if there are several German embassies in a country (see, for example, Overview of Responsibility of Embassies in India (Consulate Finder) , List of Responsibility in the USA , and Responsibility in Great Britain (Discrict Map) ).

Once the responsible embassy has been identified, you should check the website of the respective embassy for information on the specific application process, as the specific requirements vary depending on the embassy . A list of all German embassies in the world is published on the website of the Federal Foreign Office. For example, the following information websites are available for applying for a visa from the most common entry countries:

Apply for a Blue Card from India: Checklist Blue Card EU Germany India
Apply for a Blue Card from Turkey: Checklist Blue Card EU Germany Turkey
Apply for a Blue Card from China: Checklist Blue Card EU Germany China
Apply for a Blue Card from Russia: Checklist Blue Card EU Germany Russia
Apply for a Blue Card from Iran: Checklist Blue Card EU Germany Iran
Apply for a Blue Card from Pakistan: Checklist Blue Card EU Germany from Pakistan
Apply for a Blue Card from the USA: Checklist Blue Card EU Germany US Citizens
Apply for a Blue Card from the Philippines: Checklist Blue Card EU Germany Philippines

When using the websites, you should simply ensure that you select the correct visa type and that the jurisdiction of the respective embassy (or its service provider such as VFS Global ) is correctly determined. In principle, the embassy closest to the applicant's place of residence is always responsible (see, for example, the district division in the United Kingdom (UK) ). There are a few exceptions to this rule, particularly in countries where an application is currently not possible for political reasons. If in doubt, you can consult a lawyer specializing in immigration law .

2. Required documents Blue Card Visa

The following documents are usually required to apply for the EU Blue Card:

VIDEX application form including the corresponding declaration in accordance with Section 54 of the Residence Act,
valid passport,
Copy of the passport data page,
passport photos,
employment contract and job description,
completed and signed declaration of employment relationship,
certificates of university degrees,
Anabin extracts or certificate evaluation from the ZAB to prove recognition,
other educational certificates (e.g. language courses or further training),
proof of (travel) health insurance,
CV,
Proof of retirement benefits (if older than 45 years),
Permission to practice a profession (if a regulated profession (e.g. engineer) is practiced).

3. Processing time Blue Card Visa (2024)

If all the necessary documents are available, an appointment at the embassy can be booked via the RK-Visa. The availability of appointments varies greatly depending on the country in which the visa is applied for. It is now also possible to apply for the EU Blue Card online . However, this currently only applies to some countries.

As soon as the appointment has taken place, the embassy will process the visa application. If a Blue Card has been applied for for a job in a shortage of skilled workers, the embassy will involve the Federal Employment Agency (declaration of employment relationship). The length of the processing time basically depends on how busy the respective embassy is. In African and Asian countries in particular, extremely long processing times can be expected. However, the processing times can be significantly reduced if prior approval from the Federal Employment Agency and any required certificate evaluation from the Central Office for Foreign Education are already presented. It is also generally advisable to submit the documents in the correct order and well sorted . Legally, the embassy has 3 months to process applications for a Blue Card (Section 75 of the Administrative Court Act).

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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!

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In certain cases, the processing time can also be reduced by using the accelerated skilled worker procedure (see our VISAGUARD guide to the accelerated skilled worker procedure ). If the embassy continues to process the application slowly despite appropriate measures, it can help to appoint a specialist lawyer for migration law to enforce the application . Lawyers therefore have the opportunity to put pressure on the embassies and thus increase the processing speed.

Once the visa for the Blue Card has been issued, you can enter Germany. It is a good idea to check the passport number on the visa, as embassies often have problems issuing visas. This can have serious consequences when entering the country. After entering the country with the Blue Card, you must convert the Blue Card into a residence permit at the immigration office.

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4. FAQ

Which embassy is responsible for my Blue Card application?

The German embassy in the applicant's country of residence is generally responsible for applications for the EU Blue Card. The specific jurisdiction depends on the applicant's place of residence and can be determined using infographics or embassy overviews (e.g., jurisdiction finder for India, the USA, or the UK).

How long does it take to process the Blue Card visa?

The processing time for a Blue Card visa is usually up to three months (Section 75 of the Administrative Court Act), but varies greatly depending on the country and the workload of the embassy. This time can be significantly reduced if pre-approval from the Federal Employment Agency and a ZAB certificate evaluation are available. In addition, the accelerated skilled worker procedure can help expedite visa issuance.

What should I do after receiving my Blue Card visa?

Once the visa is issued, entry into Germany is permitted. Immediately upon entry, the residence must be registered and the visa converted into a residence permit for the EU Blue Card at the relevant immigration office.

5. Conclusion

The EU Blue Card can be applied for at the relevant German embassy abroad as soon as the requirements are met. The embassy in the applicant's place of residence is generally responsible; many embassies offer maps or lists of jurisdictions on their websites for guidance. Since requirements vary depending on the country and embassy, it is advisable to consult the respective website or seek legal advice before applying. It is also important to submit all documents completely and correctly, as this is the only way to ensure prompt processing. Otherwise, long waiting times can occur, particularly in Africa and Asia.