Factsheet for measure
DE-2012-31/3784
– measures in Germany
EU Blue Card
Blaue Karte EU
Background information
The EU Blue Card is a residence permit for foreign university graduates, individuals with a comparable qualification level, and third-country nationals with specific professional experience. It is intended to facilitate and promote the long-term immigration of highly qualified individuals from non-EU countries to the EU. Following the EU Directive 2009/50/EC, Germany implemented the Blue Card system in August 2012 through amendments to its Residence Act (Aufenthaltsgesetz). The objective is to counter the existing shortage of skilled workers in many employment sectors, to attract highly qualified workers from non-EU countries to the EU and to make the EU more competitive in the global labour market. Easier rules to become an EU Blue Card holder took effect on 18 November 2023. They are part of the amendments of the Skilled Immigration Act.
Content of measure
The EU Blue Card is a temporary residence permit that is generally issued for a period of four years. Applicants must have a valid employment contract or binding job offer for at least six months. To qualify for the Blue Card, applicants for shortage occupations or recent graduates must earn a minimum salary of €43,759.80 (2025). For applicants for jobs not listed as a shortage occupation the threshold is €48,300 (2025). For IT specialists, two years of professional experience is considered equivalent to a vocational/university degree, and the lower threshold applies to them.
Blue Card holders can obtain a permanent residence permit in Germany after 27 months if they meet the following criteria:
- being employed in a highly qualified job,
- have made pension insurance contributions during their time of employment,
- are able to communicate in basic German.
If Blue Card holders applying for a permanent residence permit have acquired sufficient German language skills (level B1), the waiting period is reduced to 21 months.
Blue Card holders from another EU member state may stay in Germany for up to 90 days without a visa. After residing in another EU country with a Blue Card for at least one year, they may move to Germany without needing a visa.
Use of measure
In 2023, more than 41,000 EU Blue Cards were issued in Germany for the first time (not including extensions). Around half of their holders had already been issued with another residence title in Germany, for example as students. The number of first-time issuances of the EU Blue Card increased by 5 percent in comparison to 2022.
Target groups
Actors and funding
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Actors
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Funding
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National government
EU (Council, EC, EP)
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No special funding required
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Social partners
Social partners' role in
designing the measure
and form of involvement:
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Trade unions
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Employers' organisations
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Role
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Consulted
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Consulted
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Form
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Direct consultation outside a formal body
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Direct consultation outside a formal body
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Social partners' role in the
implementation, monitoring and assessment phase:
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No involvement
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Main level of involvement: Peak or cross-sectoral level
Involvement
Social partners are usually asked to comment on draft legislation or amendments of existing legislation that deal with labour market, wage or related social issues.
Views and reactions
The employer umbrella organisation BDA welcomed the reform of the EU Blue Card, especially as the reform lowered the salary thresholds for applicant. Union umbrella organisation DGB also welcomed the changes to the EU Blue Card, such as the lowering of salary thresholds, simplified employer changes within the first 12 months, and facilitated entry for Blue Card holders from other EU member states.
Sources
