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Blue Card Visa
Apply for a Blue Card visa in Germany. Information from a lawyer.
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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. Use the EU Blue Card in the accelerated skilled worker procedure
5. FAQ Blue Card Visa
6. 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 responsible German embassy abroad. Which embassy is responsible for your application generally depends on your place of residence . Many embassies provide infographics on their websites that can be used to determine which embassy is responsible if there are multiple German embassies in a country (see, for example, the overview of embassies responsible for India (Consulate Finder) , the list of embassies responsible in the USA , and the district map of embassies responsible in Great Britain ).
Once you have identified the responsible embassy, you should check the respective embassy's website for information on the specific application process, as specific requirements vary from embassy to embassy . The Federal Foreign Office website publishes a list of all German embassies worldwide . For visa applications from the most common entry countries, the following information websites are available:
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 for a Blue Card EU Germany from Pakistan
Apply for a Blue Card from the USA: Checklist Blue Card EU Germany US Citizen
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. The embassy closest to the applicant's place of residence is generally the one 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. Blue Card Visa processing time (2024)
If all the necessary documents are available, an appointment at the embassy can be booked using the RK visa application . Appointment availability 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 certain 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 profession in which there is a shortage of skilled workers, the embassy will involve the Federal Employment Agency (declaration of employment relationship). The length of processing time generally depends on the workload of the respective embassy. In African and Asian countries in particular, extremely long processing times can be expected. However, processing times can be significantly reduced if prior approval from the Federal Employment Agency and, if necessary, the certificate evaluation from the Central Office for Foreign Education are already submitted. It is also generally advisable to submit the documents in the correct order and well sorted . Legally, the embassy has three months to process applications for a Blue Card (Section 75 of the Administrative Court Act).
In certain cases, the processing time can be further reduced by using the expedited procedure for skilled workers (see our VISAGUARD Guide to the expedited procedure for skilled workers ). If the embassy continues to process the application slowly despite appropriate measures, it may be helpful to engage a specialist immigration lawyer to enforce the application . In this way, lawyers have the opportunity to exert pressure on embassies and thus increase processing speed.
Once the Blue Card visa has been issued, you can enter Germany. It's a good idea to check your passport number on the visa, as embassies often encounter problems issuing visas. This can have serious consequences upon entry. After entering the country with the Blue Card, you must convert the Blue Card into a residence permit at the immigration office.
4. Use the EU Blue Card in the accelerated skilled worker procedure
The EU Blue Card is not only an attractive residence permit for qualified professionals, but is also expressly permitted under the accelerated skilled worker procedure ( Section 81a (1) of the Residence Act ). Those who choose this route benefit from shorter processing times – especially when applying for a visa through a German diplomatic mission abroad. This is because, under the accelerated procedure, embassies are required to schedule appointments more quickly, which can significantly accelerate the entire immigration process (see Section 31a of the Residence Ordinance ).
Another key advantage for Blue Card holders: The Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB) must decide on the qualification assessment within three weeks of the visa application process. This shortened deadline applies exclusively to applications related to the EU Blue Card – a privileged, special route not offered by other residence permits. VISAGUARD will be happy to advise you on whether the accelerated skilled worker procedure makes sense for your Blue Card application and will guide you through the process step by step.
5. 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 typically 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 shortened with prior approval from the Federal Employment Agency and a ZAB certificate evaluation. 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.
6. Conclusion
The EU Blue Card can be applied for at the responsible 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 jurisdiction on their websites for guidance. Since the 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 the 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.
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List of Sources (Paywall)
[1] Timmermann/Uznanski/Mävers/Klaus, Employment of foreign workers, 2nd ed. 2025
[2] Vorreuter, Academic Skilled Immigration: A Practical Guide, 1st edition 2024
[3] Sebastian Klaus: The Highly Qualified Directive 2.0: Planned amendment of the European legal requirements for the EU Blue Card, ZAR 2017, 60
[4] Visa Handbook, Employment (Introduction), 73rd Supplement, as of May 2021