EU Blue Card

• a higher education qualification acquired in Germany or a foreign recognized or comparable higher education qualification or
• a tertiary educational qualification acquired in Germany or a foreign recognized or comparable tertiary educational qualification with a duration of at least three years (at least level 6 of the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED 2011) or level 6 of the German Qualifications Framework),
• a concrete offer of qualified employment corresponding to the qualification
• a planned period of employment of at least six months,
• Presentation of a professional license when applying for a visa for regulated professions,
• Gross salary in 2025 of at least 48,300 euros; in shortage occupationsat least 43,759.80 euros; if the last university or comparable degree was obtained no more than three years ago, at least 43,759.80 euros.
• Only in shortage occupations and for career starters: approval from the Federal Employment Agency.

There are special features when changing jobs with an EU Blue Card:

You can start your new job with the EU Blue Card that is still valid. However, you must inform the relevant immigration authority about the new job if you change jobs within the first year of employment. The foreigners authority will check again whether you still meet the requirements for the EU Blue Card with the new job.

If you do not meet the above requirements for the EU Blue Card, you can apply for a visa for skilled workers with academic vocational training.

The EU Blue Card is a residence permit for academic specialists and is associated with special benefits. These include

• simplified mobility within the EU

• a permanent settlement permit after a shorter period of time (after 27 months if your German language skills are at A1 level or after 21 months at B1 level)

• Facilitated family reunification

To apply for the Blue Card (EU) as an IT specialist without formal qualifications, you need

• Proven professional experience of at least three years in the IT sector at a comparable university level, acquired within the last seven years,
• a concrete employment relationship in Germany in the field of information or communication technology,
• a minimum annual gross salary of 43,759.80 euros (as of 2025),
• Approval from the Federal Employment Agency.

As an IT specialist without a formal educational qualification, you can also enter Germany to take up employment via the special regulation for persons with practical professional knowledge (experienced professionals).