EU BLUE CARD
The Blue Card is a unique visa designed for highly skilled individuals from non-EU countries, allowing them to work and reside in an EU member state, such as Germany. This visa is typically temporary and valid for the length of the employment contract plus an additional three months, with a maximum duration of four years. This visa is typically temporary and valid for the length of the employment contract plus an additional three months, with a maximum duration of four years. After 33 months or upon demonstrating language proficiency at the B1 level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), you can apply for a settlement permit after 21 months.
From November 2023 onwards, the German legislature, in adherence to the provisions of Directive (EU) 2021/1883, has overhauled and expanded the migration opportunities associated with the EU Blue Card:

• The upcoming changes involve substantial reductions in salary thresholds for both regular occupations and bottleneck professions under the EU Blue Card. The minimum salary is 45.3% of the annual pension contribution ceiling (in 2023: 39,682.80 euros) for professions facing labor shortages and newcomers to the job market. Additionally50% is applied (in 2023: around 43,800 euros) for all other professions.

• A broader category of individuals, including recent university graduates within the last three years, will now have the opportunity to acquire an EU Blue Card. To qualify, their employment in Germany must yield a minimum salary of 45.3% of the annual assessment ceiling for pension insurance (€39,682.80 in 2023). This criterion is applicable to both bottleneck professions and regular occupations.

• IT specialists will now be eligible for an EU Blue Card even without a university degree, provided they can demonstrate a minimum of three years of equivalent professional experience. In such instances, the lower salary threshold for bottleneck professions will be applicable, set at 45.3% of the annual assessment ceiling (€39,682.80 in 2023).

• The range of bottleneck professions eligible for the EU Blue Card will undergo a substantial expansion. Alongside the current bottleneck professions (mathematics, IT, science, engineering, and human medicine), skilled workers in additional occupations will qualify for an EU Blue Card, provided they fulfill the other stipulated requirements:

Managers in manufacturing, mining, construction, or distribution roles, Managers in professional services, including roles like child care or health services managers, Veterinarians, Dentists, Pharmacists, Nursing or midwifery professionals, School and out-of-school teachers and educators

Similarly, the reduced salary threshold for bottleneck professions will be applicable here as well, set at 45.3% of the annual assessment ceiling (€39,682.80 in 2023).

● Holders of an EU Blue Card issued by another EU Member State will have the privilege of both short-term and long-term mobility in Germany. For up to 90 days, Blue Card holders from different EU nations can visit Germany for business activities linked to their employment without needing a visa or work permit from the Federal Employment Agency (BA). Following a minimum twelve-month stay with an EU Blue Card in another EU country, these individuals can establish long-term residence in Germany without a visa. Upon arrival in Germany, they must apply to the foreigners authority for a German EU Blue Card.

● EU Blue Card holders who have previously resided in another EU Member State with their families will benefit from streamlined family reunification processes. If the nationality of these family members necessitates a visa, they can enter and live in Germany as dependents of an EU Blue Card holder, utilizing the residence permit issued in the preceding Member State, without undergoing a visa procedure in advance. Upon the issuance of a residence permit in Germany, the stipulations regarding sufficient living space (Section 29 para. 1 no. 2 of the Residence Act [AufenthG]) and the requirement to ensure one’s livelihood (Section 5 para. 1 no. 1 of the Residence Act [AufenthG]) will no longer be applicable.

To enter Germany with a Blue Card, you must meet specific requirements which include:

● Having a completed and recognized university degree.

● Securing an employment contract or a confirmed job offer in Germany that is valid for at least one year.

● Meeting the minimum salary requirement of at least 58,400 euros per year or 45,552 euros per year in certain fields like STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). In this case, your employment must be approved by the Federal Employment Agency.

● Possessing health insurance that covers medical emergencies and hospitalization expenses.

● Holding a valid passport.