Working in Germany — A visa and blue card guide to Laptop & Lederhosen
Getting the right people for your team is increasingly difficult. We have put together a guide for employers and employees how to get non-EU talents into Germany and help you 🚀.
If you want to work in Germany, you will have to apply for a visa and once you are in Germany for a blue card.
What is a blue card?
EU blue cards are issued by EU member states like Germany to non-EU nationals. It entitles you to take up residence in the EU to work.
Who can apply for the blue card?
A citizen of a non-EU country, you can apply for the EU blue card if
a) you have a German or an accredited foreign or a university degree that is comparable to a German one.
b) you have a working contract with a gross annual earning of at least €50.800 (€4.134 per month), a contract in the so-called shortage occupation (scientists, mathematicians, engineers, doctors and IT- skilled workers) with the amount of €39.624 (€3302 per month).
How can I apply?
Before you can come to Germany, you need to apply for a visa. It enables you to travel to Germany, and once you are here, you can apply for a blue card.
- You successfully master a job interview
- And receive a German contract with the required compensation level.
- You have to contact the German embassy in your country and arrange an interview. For the interview, you will need to bring several documents (application form, proof of health insurance during your stay, your passport, your work contract, invitation letter by the company, travel documents and more). The documents vary in each country, so double check on the embassy’s website. Alternatively, there are local agencies who help you with the application.
- If granted, you will receive the visa within 6 to 8 weeks.
- Plan your trip to Germany, find a flat and start working.
- Once you have a permanent address in Germany and are registered at the “Einwohnermeldeamt”, you can apply for a blue card. You will need to submit the following documents:
a) Form “Antrag auf Erteilung eines Aufenthaltstitels”
b) Form “Antrag auf Erlaubnis einer Beschäftigung” (filled out by you)
c) Form “Stellenbeschreibung” (completed by your employer)
d) Your passport
e) Proof of your residence (“Meldebestätigung” from “Einwohnermeldeamt” or written confirmation from your landlord)
f) Current Biometric photo
g) University or university college qualification (Original)
h) “Zeugnisbewertung” (If your foreign degree is not evaluated in the “anabin” database, please submit a certificate assessment to the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB))
i) Your employment contract or job offer (Original)
j) Proof of your health insurance - After 6–8 weeks you should receive your blue card.
How long is the blue card valid?
The EU blue card is at first valid for 4 years. If the working contract covers a period of fewer than 4 years, meaning it is limited, the EU blue card will be valid for the time of the working contract plus 3 months. It can be extended, or establishment permission can be given.
When can I qualify for a permanent right of residence?
You can apply for permanent residence after 33 months. If you have German language knowledge at level B1, you can apply after 21 months.
Will the EU card be invalid if I stay in a non-EU country for long time?
You can stay out of the EU up to 12 months without losing the right of staying in Germany or the EU.
Is it necessary to get a visa to move around in the EU?
If you want to travel within the EU, you do not need a visa.
Useful links for more information
Blue Card
http://www.bluecard-eu.de/eu-blue-card-germany/
Job Seeker Visa
https://www.germany-visa.org/job-seeker-visa/
Federal Foreign Office
https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/de/ReiseUndSicherheit/uebersicht/199290
Information portal of the German government for the recognition of foreign professional qualifications
https://www.anerkennung-in-deutschland.de/html/en/index.php
Online database “anabin” by the Central Office for Foreign Education Affairs http://www.anabin.kmk.org/
Certificate evaluation for foreign university qualifications https://www.kmk.org/zab/central-office-for-foreign-education/statement-of-comparability-for-foreign-higher-education-qualifications/eu-blue-card.html
