Germany: Blue Card News and Brief Primer on the Directive

Local German immigration offices are now accepting Blue Card applications for non-EU nationals. The Blue Card provides expedited application processing for highly skilled, non-European Union nationals seeking to live and work in Germany.

The Blue Card was introduced by Council Directive 2009/50/EC of May 25, 2009. Its intent is to improve the European Union’s ability to attract highly qualified workers from third countries, aiming not only to enhance competitiveness, but also to limit brain drain. The Directive is designed to facilitate the admission of these persons by harmonizing entry and residence conditions throughout the EU, to simplify admission procedures, and to improve the legal status of those already in the EU.

The EU Blue Card Directive applies to highly qualified third-country nationals seeking to be admitted to the territory of a Member State for more than three months for the purpose of employment, as well as to their family members.

Blue Card eligibility requirements include a confirmed job offer or valid work contract with a sponsoring employer, a university degree, and a minimum annual salary, which will be subject to change each year. After 18 months of legal residence, Blue Card holders may move to another Member State to take up highly qualified employment (subject to the limits set by the Member State on the number of non-nationals accepted).