EU Blue Card (Germany)

Who it’s for

Graduates with a German job offer above the Blue Card salary threshold.

Key requirements

• Recognised or comparable university degree (or 3 yrs IT experience)
• Job offer meeting the annual salary threshold (lower for shortage occupations and new graduates)
• Employment contract or binding offer

Step by step

1. 1
   Get a job offer

   Check the current year’s salary threshold for standard and shortage occupations.
2. 2
   Confirm degree recognition

   anabin “H+” institution and equivalent degree, or ZAB statement.
3. 3
   Apply for the visa / residence permit

   Fast-track procedure via the employer is available.

Document checklist

Start the application to track these, set due dates and attach files.

• Valid passport
  Bio page scan. Check it is valid for the whole planned stay (6+ months beyond travel is safest).
• Digital photo to specification
  Recent passport-style photo meeting the destination’s size and background rules.
• Job offer or employment contract
  Signed offer showing role, salary, hours and start date.
• Degree certificates and transcripts
  All post-secondary qualifications, with certified translations if not in English/French.
• Qualification recognition (anabin / ZAB / recognition notice)
  Shows your degree is recognised, partially recognised or comparable in Germany.
• CV / résumé
  Up-to-date, with dates in month/year and no unexplained gaps.
• Health / travel insurance
  Coverage meeting the visa requirement for the whole stay.
• Completed application forms
  All forms signed and dated; double-check names and dates match your passport.
• Government fees paid
  Keep the receipt. Check the current fee on the official site before paying.