Apply for an EU Blue Card
Find out how to apply for the EU Blue Card with a university degree or IT work experience.
At a glance
How do you get an EU Blue Card?
You have a university degree, a comparable level of education or work in the IT sector? Then you can get an EU Blue Card for working in Germany. The authority decides on your application.
The EU Blue Card is valid for a maximum of 4 years. For a fixed-term employment contract, it is generally valid 3 months longer than your contract. After one year of employment in the same position, you may pursue any employment.
The EU Blue Card has several advantages over a residence permit for employment. You can obtain an indefinite right of residence more quickly.
Note: Your spouse and your child live with you in Berlin and need a residence permit? Simply include them in your online application. They do not need to submit a separate application.
Requirements
Who qualifies?
- You have a recognised university degree (German or recognised/comparable in Germany), an equivalent tertiary education programme (at least 3 years) or at least 3 years of IT work experience (ISCO-08 groups 133/25) in the last 7 years
- You have an employment contract or a concrete job offer in Germany with a place of business in Germany. The employment must be for at least 6 months.
Additional requirements
- You require a lawful stay (EU Blue Card, residence permit, national D visa or visa-free entry). The application can be submitted at the earliest 4 months before your residence title expires.
- For 2026, a minimum salary applies: in shortage occupations and for degrees obtained within the last 3 years at least 3,827.85 euros gross per month (45,934.20 euros per year). Otherwise at least 4,225.00 euros gross per month (50,700.00 euros per year). Performance bonuses and variable special payments are not counted.
- For a salary below 4,225.00 euros gross per month, you need approval from the Federal Employment Agency. You need German health insurance, your main residence in Berlin, and there must be no indications of a threat to public safety.
- For some professions you need a professional practice licence (e.g. in human medicine). Ask your employer.
How to apply
Gather all necessary documents: passport copies, employment contract, university diploma, proof of residence, health insurance and the declaration on the employment relationship
Submit the online application and pay the processing fee
Save the confirmation of your application as a PDF -- this means your current residence title remains valid beyond its previous expiry date
Wait for the review by the State Office for Immigration and submit any additionally requested documents
Attend the appointment in person and bring all documents in original
Done! You will receive your EU Blue Card
First issuance as sticker
- Extension as sticker49,00 EUR
- First issuance as electronic residence title100,00 EUR
- Extension as electronic residence title93,00 EUR
- Turkish nationals up to age 24 (issuance/extension)22,80 EUR
- Turkish nationals from age 24 (issuance/extension)37,00 EUR
- Digital passport photo at self-service terminal on site (additional)6,00 EUR
Good to know
With the EU Blue Card, you may also work on a self-employed basis. This is stated as an ancillary provision on your card. You do not need any extra permission for this.
selbstständige Tätigkeit erlaubt
VAB A.18g, S. 208-212
Are you receiving parental allowance or short-time work allowance? This is not a problem for your EU Blue Card. Even if your salary temporarily falls below the minimum threshold.
Der zwischenzeitliche Bezug von Lohnersatzleistungen, insbesondere Elterngeld oder Kurzarbeitergeld, ist unschädlich, selbst wenn sie zu einer zeitweisen Unterschreitung der Mindestgehaltsgrenze führten.
VAB A.18g, S. 208-212
Have you been in employment subject to social insurance contributions for one year? Then the authority MUST enter "Employment permitted" upon extension. This is not a discretionary decision.
ist regelmäßig zu prüfen, ob der Betroffene bereits ein Jahr versicherungspflichtig beschäftigt war. Ist dies der Fall, ist zwingend die Nebenbestimmung Erwerbstätigkeit erlaubt auf der verlängerten Blauen Karte EU zu verfügen.
VAB A.18g, S. 208-212
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Apply for an EU Blue Card
If your application is approved, you will receive an appointment. An EU Blue Card as a sticker can be issued on site at the appointment. If issued as an electronic residence title (eAT), it takes 4 to 6 weeks until it can be collected.