Was bedeutet die Blaue Karte EU?

Die Blaue Karte EU (EU Blue Card) ist ein spezieller Aufenthaltstitel für hochqualifizierte Fachkräfte aus Nicht-EU-Staaten (§ 18g AufenthG). Sie soll die Zuwanderung von Akademikern und Personen mit vergleichbarer Qualifikation nach Europa erleichtern (Fachkräfteeinwanderung). Sie wird befristet erteilt (meist für die Dauer des Arbeitsvertrags plus drei Monate, maximal vier Jahre) und bietet einen schnellen Weg zur dauerhaften Niederlassungserlaubnis. Die Blaue Karte EU ist aufgrund zahlreicher Privilegierungen der beste befristete Aufenthaltstitel, den es gibt.

Wie viel Gehalt braucht man für eine Blaue Karte?

Die Gehaltsschwellen für die Blaue Karte werden jährlich angepasst und basieren auf der “Sozialversicherungsrechengrößenverordnung”. Für das Jahr 2026 gelten in Deutschland folgende Bruttojahresgehälter: Standard-Berufe mindestens 50.700 Euro, Mangelberufe & Berufseinsteiger mindestens 45.934,20 Euro (dies gilt z. B. für IT-Fachkräfte, Ingenieure, Ärzte und Naturwissenschaftler sowie für Personen, die ihr Studium vor weniger als drei Jahren abgeschlossen haben). Das Gehalt muss nicht zwingend in einem Vollzeitjob erworben werden, auch eine Teilzeittätigkeit reicht aus, wenn diese so gut bezahlt wird, dass die Gehaltsschwellen erreicht werden.

Ist eine Blaue Karte eine EU-Arbeitserlaubnis?

Nicht direkt für die gesamte EU gleichzeitig. Die Blaue Karte berechtigt lediglich zur Arbeit in dem EU-Land, das sie ausgestellt hat. Die Blaue Karte kann jedoch unter Umständen für kurzfristige Arbeitseinsätze in anderen EU-Ländern genutzt werden (sogenannte kurzfristige Mobilität für Inhaber einer Blauen Karte EU, § 18h AufenthG) und auch in anderen EU-Ländern anerkannt werden, wenn die entsprechenden Voraussetzungen dafür vorliegen (sogenannte langfristige Mobilität für Inhaber einer Blauen Karte EU, § 18i AufenthG). Die langfristige Mobilität spielt allerdings kaum eine praktische Rolle, da das Anerkennungsverfahren fast genauso kompliziert ist, wie einfach eine neue Blaue Karte EU zu beantragen.

Ist die Blaue Karte EU an einen Arbeitgeber gebunden?

Ja, in den ersten 12 Monaten der Beschäftigung ist die Blaue Karte an den konkreten Arbeitgeber gebunden (§ 18g Abs. 4 AufenthG). Ein Wechsel des Arbeitsplatzes innerhalb dieses ersten Jahres muss der Ausländerbehörde mitgeteilt werden, wobei allerdings keine Genehmigungspflicht, sondern nur ein Widerspruchsrecht der Ausländerbehörde besteht. Nach Ablauf der ersten 12 Monate ist ein Arbeitgeberwechsel in der Regel ohne vorherige Genehmigung möglich, sofern die Voraussetzungen (insbesondere hinsichtlich des Gehalts) weiterhin erfüllt bleiben. Die Blaue Karte EU hat also nur eine “Arbeitgeberbindung light”.

Ist es erlaubt, mit der Blauen Karte EU einen Nebenjob zu haben?

Ob ein Nebenjob mit der Blauen Karte EU erlaubt ist hängt davon ab, ob in der Nebenbestimmung zur Blauen Karte (siehe Zusatzblatt) die Beschäftigung “nur” für einen bestimmten Arbeitgeber oder allgemein für alle Arbeitgeber erlaubt ist (z.B. in der Form “Erwerbstätigkeit erlaubt” wie es in Berlin häufig verfügt wird). Wichtig ist, dass die Haupttätigkeit, für die die Blaue Karte erteilt wurde, weiterhin den Schwerpunkt bildet und die Gehaltsschwellen allein durch den Hauptjob erreicht werden. Eine Kombination der Gehälter ist nicht möglich.

Glossary: EU Blue Card

Category: Visa & Residence Permits (Residence title as a temporary visa sui generis and temporary residence permit sui generis according to § 4 para. 1 sentence 2 no. 2a AufenthG )

Author: Mirko Vorreuter , LL.B. , Attorney at Law and Specialist Attorney for Immigration Law (License examination via the Federal Official Directory of Lawyers possible)

The image shows an official/formal legal template of a residence permit/eAT ("electronic residence permit") in the form of a plastic card. The plastic card is the physical document with which foreigners prove their residence status in Germany.

Image description (Issuance of the Blue Card in Germany as a residence permit): The image shows a binding template of an EU Blue Card in the form of a so-called " electronic residence permit (eAT) " as defined in Section 78 of the German Residence Act (AufenthG ) (applicable when issued in Germany by the immigration authorities). The template is based on Council Regulation (EC) No. 1030/2002 of 13 June 2002 on the uniform format of residence permits for third-country nationals , which is regularly updated. In exceptional cases, the EU Blue Card residence permit can also be affixed to the passport by the immigration authorities as an adhesive label ("visa sticker") in accordance with Section 78a of the German Residence Act . The corresponding pattern of the adhesive label is not regulated under European law in Regulation (EC) No. 1030/2002, but nationally in Annex D14 of the Residence Ordinance (AufenthV) (residence permit pursuant to Section 4 Paragraph 1 Nos. 2 to 4 of the Residence Act ).

If the EU Blue Card is not issued as an electronic residence permit by the immigration authorities in Germany, but rather as a visa by German diplomatic missions abroad, the Blue Card design must comply with Regulation (EC) No. 1683/95 on a uniform format for visas . This regulation has been transposed into German law by Section 59 of the Residence Ordinance (AufenthV ). The visa stamp is shown in Annex D13a of the Residence Ordinance .

Under “Remarks” (or on the supplementary sheet ), the employment conditions (“Employment permitted as … for …”) and “Section 18g” must be entered in the case of an EU Blue Card. It must also be entered under “Remarks” that after one year of employment, an application for a change of employer is no longer necessary ( Section 18g Paragraph 4 of the German Residence Act ). The substantive validity period of the Blue Card must also be entered under “Remarks” if it differs from the formal validity period (e.g., due to an expiring passport (“Title substantively valid until …”)). In some cases, further supplementary provisions are entered under “Remarks” at the discretion of the case worker (e.g., conditions for termination in the case of receiving social benefits).

1. What does an EU Blue Card look like (image)?

2. Definition of EU Blue Card

3. Who needs an EU Blue Card?

4. Example: EU Blue Card

5. Important information about the EU Blue Card

5.1 Duration of the Blue Card

5.2 Extension of the Blue Card

5.3 Cost of the Blue Card

5.4 Processing time for EU Blue Card

5.5 Competent authority for the EU Blue Card

6. Rights and opportunities of the EU Blue Card

6.1 Work permit with EU Blue Card

6.2 Study, school, language course with EU Blue Card

6.3 Family reunification with a Blue Card

6.4 Travel and stays abroad with a Blue Card

6.5 Eligible group of people Blue Card

7. Requirements for the EU Blue Card

8. Required documents for EU Blue Card

9. Apply for the Blue Card online

10. Advantages of the Blue Card

11. Permanent residence permit with the EU Blue Card

11.1 Path from EU Blue Card to Permanent Residence Permit

11.2 Path from the EU Blue Card to naturalization

11.3 Next Steps Blue Card

12. Legal basis for the EU Blue Card

13. Important Laws EU Blue Card

14. Important rulings on the EU Blue Card

15. Frequently Asked Questions about the EU Blue Card

16. Further information

16.1 EU Blue Card in other glossaries

16.2 Related Topics

16.3 Blog posts EU Blue Card

16.4 Glossary entries EU Blue Card

16.5 Sources and References Blue Map

Definition of the EU Blue Card

The Blue Card/EU Blue Card pursuant to Section 18g of the German Residence Act (AufenthG ) is a temporary residence permit for the purpose of employment ( Sections 18 , 18g AufenthG ) for entry into and residence in Germany. The Blue Card is based on the European Directive on Highly Qualified Workers ( Council Directive 2009/50/EC of 25 May 2009 on the conditions of entry and residence of third-country nationals for the purposes of highly qualified employment) . The Blue Card is initially issued for specific employment with a specific employer . After 12 months, any employment with a domestic employer is permitted without authorization from the immigration authorities, provided the requirements for the EU Blue Card continue to be met ( Section 18g, Paragraph 4 AufenthG ).

The Blue Card has the following name in other EU countries:

Estonian: ELi sinine kaart
French: carte bleue européenne
Italian: Carta blu UE
Croatian: plave map EU
Latvian: ES zil karte
Lithuanian: ES mlynoji kortel
Maltese: Karta Blu tal-UE
Dutch: Europese blauwe kaart
Polish: niebieska karta UE
Portuguese: Cartão Azul UE
Romanian: Cartea Albastr a UE
Slovak: modrá karta EU
Slovenian: modra karta EU
Swedish: EU-blåkort
Spanish: tarjeta azul UE
Czech: modrou kartou EU
Hungarian: EU kék kártya

A complete list of all Blue Cards in Europe can be found on the EU website .

Who needs an EU Blue Card?

Foreigners who wish to pursue highly qualified and permanent employment in their profession in Germany require an EU Blue Card . Alternatively, a residence permit can be applied for in accordance with Section 18b of the German Residence Act (AufenthG) , although the EU Blue Card is more advantageous .

Example: A US-American human resource manager wants to manage the German branch of a US-American company and therefore applies for an EU Blue Card at a German foreign mission in the USA .

Important information about the Blue Card

Duration of EU Blue Card

The Blue Card is issued for a period of four years or, if the employment relationship or the approval of the Federal Employment Agency is limited to a shorter period, for that shorter period plus three months, but not for longer than four years ( § 18 para. 4 of the Residence Act ). The minimum duration of the employment contract (and thus the minimum validity period) must be six months ( § 18g para. 3 of the Residence Act ).

EU Blue Card renewal

An extension of the Blue Card is possible as long as the employment contract remains valid. The extension application can simply be submitted to the immigration office.

Cost of the EU Blue Card

The EU Blue Card costs €100 for initial issuance ( § 45 No. 1 AufenthV ). Renewal of an EU Blue Card costs €96 ( § 45 No. 2 AufenthV ). Legal fees, potential court costs , and translation and authentication costs are not included.

EU Blue Card processing time

The processing time for a Blue Card depends on the application location and the authorities involved. A key factor is whether approval from the Federal Employment Agency is required (for a "small" Blue Card) or not (for a "large" Blue Card). According to the Highly Qualified Directive , an application for a Blue Card must be processed within 90 days (Article 11 of the Directive ). Processing time can be expedited if the application is well-prepared and the case worker is efficient and effective. Applicants may file an action for failure to act 90 days after submitting their application ( Section 75 of the German Administrative Court Procedure Act ).

Competent authority for EU Blue Card

If the Blue Card is applied for abroad , the German missions abroad (embassies and consulates) are responsible (Blue Card as a visa ). If the Blue Card is applied for domestically , the immigration authorities are responsible (Blue Card as a residence permit ). If the Blue Card is applied for under the accelerated skilled worker procedure pursuant to Section 81a of the German Residence Act (AufenthG ), the central immigration authorities are responsible. In all cases, local jurisdiction for the Blue Card is determined by the applicant's habitual residence ( Section 3, Paragraph 1, No. 3a of the German Administrative Procedure Act (VwVfG )). This is usually their place of residence.

Rights and opportunities of the EU Blue Card

Work permit Blue Card EU

The EU Blue Card entitles the holder to the employment for which it is issued (so-called employer binding). The scope of permitted employment is defined in the supplementary provisions (“Remarks” on the plastic card or in the so-called supplementary sheet). Other employment is generally not permitted with the EU Blue Card (see Section 4a Paragraph 2 of the German Residence Act ). However, this is of relatively minor relevance with the EU Blue Card, as changing employers is very straightforward (no permit is required, only notification is necessary; Section 18g Paragraph 4 of the German Residence Act). Self-employment is generally not permitted with the EU Blue Card, unless it is allowed in the supplementary provisions (“Remarks” on the plastic card or in the supplementary sheet) (this is, for example, common practice in Berlin ).

Studies , school , language course , EU Blue Card

Attending university, school, and language courses is possible with any residence permit, including the EU Blue Card. No separate permit is required.

Family reunification EU Blue Card

Family reunification with the holder of an EU Blue Card is generally always possible ( § 29 para. 1 no. 1 of the German Residence Act ). In particular, spousal reunification with an EU Blue Card holder is very straightforward, as no German language skills are required ( § 30 para. 1 sentence 3 no. 5 of the German Residence Act ) and the high salary requirements of the Blue Card usually ensure a secure livelihood. Reunification of minor children with an EU Blue Card holder is almost always possible (see § 32 para. 1 no. 5 of the German Residence Act ). With an EU Blue Card, even parental and stepparent reunification with an adult child is possible if the EU Blue Card was issued after March 1, 2024 (see § 36 para. 3 of the German Residence Act ).

Travel and stays abroad EU Blue Card

Entry to and exit from Germany is straightforward with an EU Blue Card, as long as the card is valid . A certificate of fictitious residence is required for travel with an expired Blue Card. Stays abroad are permitted for up to 12 months with the Blue Card ( § 51 para. 10 of the German Residence Act ). However, the Blue Card expires even before the 12-month period if the departure is for a non-temporary reason (§ 51 para. 1 no. 6 of the German Residence Act). The strongest indication of a non-temporary reason for departure is the deregistration of one's residence (so-called registration gap).

Eligible group of people for the EU Blue Card

All highly qualified non-European foreign nationals (third-country nationals) are eligible to receive a Blue Card . For the EU Blue Card, it is mandatory to either hold a recognized university degree (academic EU Blue Card) or to have worked for at least three years within the last seven years in a shortage occupation at an academic level (especially IT professions ) ( § 18g para. 2 of the German Residence Act ). Furthermore, the EU Blue Card requires that the applicant earns the necessary salary and that there is aconnection between their qualifications and the employment they hold . German and other European citizens cannot receive an EU Blue Card, as the Residence Act does not apply to them ( § 1 of the German Residence Act ).

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. Contact us to book an online appointment with a German immigration lawyer!

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Requirements for the Blue Card

The requirements for the Blue Card differ depending on the type of Blue Card being applied for. The "full" Blue Card (i.e., with the approval of the Federal Employment Agency ) has the following requirements :

Recognized university degree
Employment contract/employment contract offer from a company with a German branch with a minimum contract duration of 6 months
Salary amounting to at least 50 percent of the annual contribution assessment ceiling in the general pension insurance scheme
Qualification context : Relationship between studies and current occupation
Applicants and employers confirm that the activity will actually be carried out (avoidance of sham employment, Section 18 Paragraph 2 No. 4a of the Residence Act )
For regulated professions : possession of a professional license ( § 18 para. 2 no. 3 AufenthG )
Fulfillment of the general requirements for granting a residence permit in accordance with Section 5 of the Residence Act.

Secure livelihood or financial resources (§ 5 para. 1 no. 1 AufenthG)
Valid passport and verified identity (§ 5 para. 1 no. 1a, no. 3 Residence Act)
No ongoing investigations/no pending criminal proceedings against the applicant (see Section 79 Paragraph 2 of the Residence Act )
No grounds for deportation (no negative AZR/SIS/VIS entries ), no security risk, no criminal record (§ 5 para. 1 no. 2, no. 3 AufenthG) and no entry ban ( § 11 AufenthG )
Entered Germany with a long-term D visa (i.e., not entry with a short-term Schengen visa and not illegal entry (so-called visa requirement ; Section 5 Paragraph 2 of the Residence Act)); exception: nationals of countries closely associated with Germany as defined in Section 41 of the Residence Ordinance
No specific grounds for rejection ( § 10 AufenthG (previous asylum application) or § 19f AufenthG (in particular previous international protection)) and no grounds for expiry ( § 51 AufenthG ) exist.

The “small” Blue Card (i.e., with a salary of 45.3% instead of 50% of the annual contribution assessment ceiling in the general pension insurance scheme ) for recent graduates or applicants from shortage occupations requires additional approval from the Federal Employment Agency . Otherwise, the requirements are the same as for the “large” EU Blue Card.

Required documents for EU Blue Card

The documents required for an EU Blue Card depend on the responsible immigration office or embassy/consulate and the type of Blue Card. The required documents are usually listed on the website of the immigration office or embassy/consulate.

In most cases, the following documents are required to apply for the Blue Card :

1. Proof of employment and minimum salary in Germany: Employment contract (for a “small” EU Blue Card, additionally a declaration of employment relationship )

2. Proof of personal data: Application form ( VIDEX form or online form in the foreign portal when applying for a visa abroad; when applying for a residence permit at the immigration office , the specific form depends on the authority (e.g. contact form or appointment booking))

3. Proof of required qualifications: University degree certificate and proof of recognition of the degree ( Anabin extracts ); if no university degree is available (“small” Blue Card with work experience): CV and employer references to prove work experience; for training through a tertiary education program: certificate of equivalence to a university degree; for regulated professions, additionally a license to practice ; ifthe qualification relationship is problematic: overview of completed courses in the course of study (Diploma Supplement)

4. Proof of identity and nationality: passport copy or photo of passport

5. Proof of residence for the jurisdiction of the immigration office or the foreign mission: registration certificate (application within Germany) or driver's license/rental agreement/utility bill (application abroad)

6. Proof of sufficient means of subsistence ( housing ): Rental agreement stating the size of the apartment and, if applying within Germany, additional proof of payment of rent (e.g., bank statements); for condominiums, the rental agreement must be replaced by an excerpt from the land register and the purchase agreement.

7. Proof of sufficient means of subsistence ( health insurance ): Health insurance certificate and, if requested by the case worker, also a description of benefits and confirmation from BaFin that the health insurance provides sufficient coverage.

8. If applying in Germany for a residence permit - proof of legal first entry (copy of the visa used for first entry (if not visa-free entry for nationals of countries with which the applicant is a member of the EU under Section 41 of the Residence Ordinance )) and proof of the entry date (photo of the entry stamp)

9. Only for renewals: old residence permit and proof of income

10. Other formalities:

Only required if applying through an authorized representative (e.g., a lawyer ): Power of attorney
When applying for a visa in a country other than the country of origin: a valid residence permit from the respective country.
Fees for the residence permit
Photograph (passport photo) that complies with the standards of Regulation (EC) No 1683/95 ; see also sample photos of the Federal Foreign Office
Depending on the authority: Data protection declaration/Consent to data processing
If the foreigner's name in the submitted documents differs from the name in the passport: Certificate of name change

Apply for the Blue Card online

The Blue Card can be applied for online at the relevant German embassy or consulate (Blue Card as a visa) or immigration office (Blue Card as a residence permit ). The Blue Card visa can be applied for online via the Federal Foreign Office's online portal for visa applications . If you live in a country for which this portal is not available, the Blue Card cannot be applied for online abroad, but only through the regular visa application process .

Within Germany, the EU Blue Card can be applied for at the immigration offices of the 10 largest cities as follows:

Benefits of the EU Blue Card

A Blue Card has the following advantages :

Fast track to a permanent residence permit after just 21-27 months ( § 18c para. 2 AufenthG )
Uncomplicated change of employer possible without permission from the immigration authorities ( § 18g para. 4 AufenthG )
Direct naturalization without the detour via a settlement permit is possible ( § 10 para. 1 no. 2 StAG )
The EU Blue Card remains valid for 3 months even after cancellation ( § 18 para. 4 AufenthG )
The Blue Card can be used to apply for family reunification with parents ( § 36 para. 3 AufenthG )
Family reunification is possible without German language skills ( § 30 para. 1 sentence 2 AufenthG )
The Blue Card can be recognized in other EU countries (short-term and long-term mobility with the Blue Card, §§ 18h , 18i AufenthG )
The blue card expires after 12 months instead of 6 months ( § 51 para. 10 AufenthG )
Faster administrative processes and preferential processing compared to other residence permits

From the Blue Card to a permanent residence permit

The path from a Blue Card to a permanent residence permit depends on language proficiency (see Section 18c Paragraph 2 of the German Residence Act). A permanent residence permit can be applied for with a Blue Card after 21 months with B1 level German language skills and after 27 months with A1 level German language skills. However, obtaining a permanent residence permit with a Blue Card requires passing an integration course certificate or a naturalization test (proof of basic knowledge of the legal and social system in Germany). In many cases, applying for a permanent residence permit with a Blue Card also requires successful completion of the probationary period and a valid employment contract .

From the EU Blue Card to naturalization

Naturalization is possible with an EU Blue Card (see Section 10 Paragraph 1 Sentence 1 No. 2 of the German Nationality Act ). In practice, naturalization with an EU Blue Card is relatively easy, as the high salary of the card usually ensures a secure livelihood.

Next steps Blue card

First, check whether your university degree is recognized ( anabin ) and whether you meet the salary requirements for the EU Blue Card. Next, research which authority abroad ( visa ) or in your home country ( residence permit ) is responsible for your application for an EU Blue Card. Then, check the authority's website to find out which documents are required for the application. Finally, submit the documents and book an appointment . Our lawyers will be happy to advise you on the specific requirements and assist you with your application. → Book an appointment

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Legal basis for the EU Blue Card

The national legal basis for the EU Blue Card is Section 18g of the German Residence Act (AufenthG ). Furthermore, the rules of Sections 18 and 18c of the German Residence Act also apply to the EU Blue Card. Section 19f of the German Residence Act provides a further legal basis when grounds for refusal are concerned. The legal basis for short-term and long-term mobility with the EU Blue Card is Sections 18h and 18i of the German Residence Act. The European legal basis for the EU Blue Card is the Highly Qualified Workers Directive (Council Directive 2009/50/EC of 25 May 2009 on the conditions of entry and residence of third-country nationals for the purposes of highly qualified employment) . At the regulatory level, the German Residence Ordinance (AufenthV) applies to the EU Blue Card.

Important laws regarding the Blue Card

The most important laws regarding the Blue Card are the following:

Important rulings on the Blue Card

The most important rulings regarding the Blue Card are the following:

The EU Blue Card and the residence permit are not mutually exclusive, but can be issued concurrently ( VG Dresden, judgment of 19 November 2020 - 3 K 1477/18 ).
For training to be appropriate to their qualifications, it is sufficient if the skilled worker with academic training, regardless of the field of study, needs the knowledge acquired through university education at least partially or indirectly for their employment ( OVG Bautzen, judgment of 11.02.2021 - 3 A 973/19 ).
The profession of dentist is a suitable qualification for a position as authorized signatory ( Saxony Higher Administrative Court, judgment of 11.2.2021, 3 A 973/19, juris, para. 27 ff ).

Frequently asked questions about the EU Blue Card

What does the EU Blue Card mean?

The EU Blue Card is a special residence permit for highly qualified professionals from non-EU countries (Section 18g of the German Residence Act). It aims to facilitate the immigration of academics and individuals with comparable qualifications to Europe (skilled worker immigration). It is issued for a limited period (usually the duration of the employment contract plus three months, with a maximum of four years) and offers a fast track to permanent residency. Due to its numerous privileges, the EU Blue Card is the best temporary residence permit available.

How much salary is needed for a Blue Card?

The salary thresholds for the Blue Card are adjusted annually and are based on the "Social Security Calculation Parameters Ordinance". For 2026, the following gross annual salaries apply in Germany: Standard occupations at least €50,700, shortage occupations and entry-level positions at least €45,934.20 (this applies, for example, to IT specialists, engineers, doctors, and scientists, as well as to individuals who completed their studies less than three years ago). The salary does not necessarily have to be earned through full-time employment; part-time work is sufficient if it is well-paid enough to meet the salary thresholds.

Is a Blue Card an EU work permit?

Not directly valid for the entire EU at once. The Blue Card only entitles the holder to work in the EU country that issued it. However, the Blue Card can, under certain circumstances, be used for short-term work assignments in other EU countries (so-called short-term mobility for holders of an EU Blue Card, Section 18h of the German Residence Act) and can also be recognized in other EU countries if the corresponding requirements are met (so-called long-term mobility for holders of an EU Blue Card, Section 18i of the German Residence Act). Long-term mobility, however, plays hardly any practical role, as the recognition procedure is almost as complicated as simply applying for a new EU Blue Card.

Is the EU Blue Card tied to a specific employer?

Yes, for the first 12 months of employment, the EU Blue Card is tied to a specific employer (§ 18g para. 4 of the German Residence Act). A change of employer within this first year must be reported to the immigration authorities, although they do not require approval, but rather have the right to object. After the first 12 months, a change of employer is generally possible without prior approval, provided the requirements (especially regarding salary) continue to be met. The EU Blue Card therefore only has a "light" employer tie-in.

Is it permitted to have a part-time job with an EU Blue Card?

Whether a secondary job is permitted with an EU Blue Card depends on whether the supplementary provisions of the Blue Card (see the additional sheet) stipulate that employment is permitted "only" for a specific employer or generally for all employers (e.g., in the form "gainful employment permitted," as is often the case in Berlin). It is crucial that the primary occupation for which the Blue Card was issued remains the main focus and that the salary thresholds are met solely through the primary job. Combining salaries from the two jobs is not permitted.

EU Blue Card in other glossaries

The EU Blue Card can also be found in the following glossaries:

Quellen und Einzelnachweise zur Blauen Karte EU

(Behördenressourcen und Literatur)

[1] Visumhandbuch, Fachkräfte (einschließlich Blaue Karte EU) und sonstige (fachkraftunabhängige) Beschäftigungen, Stand: 06/2024

[2] Bundesministerium des Innern M. Migration, Integration; Flüchtlinge; Europäische Harmonisierung, Allgemeine Verwaltungsvorschrift zum Aufenthaltsgesetz vom 26. Oktober 2009, § 18g AufenthG

[3] Aufenthaltserlaubnis in den Verfahrenshinweisen zum Aufenthalt in Berlin (VAB), Stand: 23.12.2025, § 18g AufenthG

[4] Anwendungshinweise des Bundesministeriums des Innern und für

Heimat zum Fachkräfteeinwanderungsgesetz (BGBl. I 2019, S. 1307) unter

Berücksichtigung des Gesetzes und der Verordnung zur Weiterentwicklung der

Fachkräfteeinwanderung (BGBl. I 2023, Nr. 217, S. 1 bzw. BGBl. I 2023, Nr. 233, S. 1), § 18g

[5] Bundesagentur für Arbeit, Fachliche Weisungen Aufenthaltsgesetz und Beschäftigungsverordnung, BA Zentrale, 5731, INT 24, Stand: 06/2024, § 18g AufenthG

[6] Timmermann/Uznanski/Mävers/Klaus, Beschäftigung ausländischer Mitarbeiter, 2. Auflage 2025

[7] Sebastian Klaus, Die neue Hochqualifiziertenrichtlinie Rechtliche und praktische Einordnung für die Migration von qualifizierten Beschäftigten in die EU, Nomos, 2022

[8] Klaus/Mävers/Offer in Klaus/Mävers/Offer FachkräfteeinwanderungsR | C. Verwaltungsverfahren im Ausbildungs- und Arbeitsmigrationsrecht Rn. 128-323 | 1. Auflage 2020

[9] Gunther Mävers, Gesetz zur Weiterentwicklung der Fachkräfteeinwanderung – Neuregelungen zum 1.6.2024, ArbRAktuell 2024, 562

[10] Bettina Offer, Das Fachkräfteeinwanderungsgesetz 1.1, ZRP 2023, 101

[11] Dippe in Huber/Mantel, Aufenthaltsgesetz/Asylgesetz, 4. Aufl. 2025, AufenthG, § 4a

[12] Hofmann (Hrsg.): NK-Ausländerrecht, 3. Aufl. 2023, AufenthG § 4a

[13] Ponert/Tollenaere in v. Harbou/Weizsäcker EinwanderungsR | B. Migration zum Zweck der Erwerbstätigkeit Rn. 1-130 | 2. Auflage 2020

[14] Vorreuter, Akademische Fachkräfteeinwanderung: Ein Praxisleitfaden, 1. Auflage 2024

[15] BeckOK AuslR/Breidenbach, 46. Ed. 1.10.2024, AufenthG § 18g Rn. 1-30

[16] BeckOK MigR/Ewald/Werner, 24. Ed. 1.1.2026, AufenthG § 18g Rn. 1-147

[17] Bergmann/Dienelt/J. Nusser, Kommentar zum Ausländerrecht, 15. Aufl. 2025, AufenthG § 18g

[19] Melms/Felisiak in Münchener Anwaltshandbuch Arbeitsrecht, 6. Aufl. 2025, § 11 Rn. 48-57

[20] Schaub ArbR-HdB/Koch, 21. Aufl. 2025, § 27. Rn. 22

[21] Küttner Personalbuch 2025, Fachkräfteeinwanderung, 32. Auflage 2025, Stand: 01.01.2025

[23] Offer/Mastmann: Aktuelle Fragestellungen zur Blauen Karte EU nach den Rechtsänderungen am 18.11.2023, ZAR 2024, 16

[24] Beismann: Das reformierte Recht der Fachkräfteeinwanderung, ArbRAktuell 2023, 613

[25] FAZ: Mehr Fachkräfte für die EU. 16. September 2021, abgerufen am 15. November 2023

[26] Empfehlung der Kommission vom 29. Oktober 2009 über die Verwendung der Internationalen Standardklassifikation der Berufe (ISCO-08), abgerufen am 16. November 2015

[27] Immer mehr kommen per Blue Card nach Deutschland. In: FAZ. 12. Januar 2018, abgerufen am 23. Dezember 2018.

[28] Albrecht Meier: Blaue Karte für Zuwanderung. In: Euractiv. 7. November 2017, abgerufen am 13. Januar 2019.

[29] Richtlinie 2009/50/EG des Rates vom 25. Mai 2009 über die Bedingungen für die Einreise und den Aufenthalt von Drittstaatsangehörigen zur Ausübung einer hochqualifizierten Beschäftigung

[30] Richtlinie (EU) 2021/1883 des europäischen Parlaments und des Rates vom 20. Oktober 2021 über die Bedingungen für die Einreise und den Aufenthalt von Drittstaatsangehörigen zur Ausübung einer hoch qualifizierten Beschäftigung und zur Aufhebung der Richtlinie 2009/50/EG des Rates (Hochqualifizierten-Richtlinie)

[31] § 18g Gesetz über den Aufenthalt, die Erwerbstätigkeit und die Integration von Ausländern im Bundesgebiet (Aufenthaltsgesetz - AufenthG) vom 25. Februar 2008 (BGBl. I S. 162), zuletzt geändert durch Artikel 3 des Gesetzes vom 25. Oktober 2024 (BGBl. 2024 I Nr. 332)

[32] § 19f Aufenthaltsgesetz in der Fassung der Bekanntmachung vom 25. Februar 2008 (BGBl. I S. 162), das zuletzt durch Artikel 3 des Gesetzes vom 25. Oktober 2024 (BGBl. 2024 I Nr. 332) geändert worden ist

Last updated: March 7, 2026

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