Residence

Applying for the EU Blue Card

The EU Blue Card is a residence permit for university-qualified or IT-experienced professionals from non-EU countries; it is handled by German missions abroad and the local immigration office.

Last updated: 5 October 2026 · Draft – not yet editorially reviewed.

The EU Blue Card (Blaue Karte EU) is a residence title for university graduates and certain other highly qualified workers from non-EU countries. It is intended to make immigration for skilled workers to Germany easier, and it can also simplify family reunion and mobility within the EU. 1

Who needs this

You need this procedure if you want to live in Germany and work in a qualified job with the EU Blue Card. 1 4
As a rule, people coming from outside the EU need an employment visa first, then apply for the EU Blue Card after arrival in Germany. 1
Some people can apply after visa-free entry, including citizens of Australia, Israel, Japan, Canada, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States. 1
People who already hold an EU Blue Card from another EU member state can also apply in Germany under the conditions named in the sources. 1 4
In Berlin, the application can also be made by people already holding another German residence title, such as a national D visa or a residence permit. 2

Step by step

Check that you have a qualified job offer or employment contract, valid health insurance, and the required qualification. 2 4 6 7
If required, secure approval from the Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit). 2 4 6 7
Submit the application online where the city service offers this option. Berlin, Köln and Stuttgart state that the process can be done online. 2 3 5 6 7
Wait for the authority to review your documents. If the application is successful, you will receive an appointment for an in-person visit. 2 3 5 6 7
Bring the required originals and copies to the appointment. After approval, the EU Blue Card is issued. 3 5 6 7

Documents

Valid passport or passport substitute. 5 6 7
Passport copies, and for first-time applicants after entry, entry stamp and visa or another EU residence title if available. 2 3
University degree or other proof of qualification; if you do not have a university degree, CV and other diplomas or certificates. 2 3 5 6 7
Employment contract or concrete job offer. 2 3 5 6 7
Proof of residence, such as registration confirmation (Melde-Bestätigung) or landlord confirmation (Wohnungsgeber-Bestätigung), and proof of housing costs. 2 3 5 6 7
Proof of health insurance. 2 3 5 6 7
For some cases: certificate of equivalence or Zeugnisbewertung from the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB), Berufsausübungserlaubnis, or the form “Erklärung zum Beschäftigungsverhältnis.” 2 3 5
In Stuttgart, a digital photo is listed; in Köln, a biometric photo in electronic form is listed as required. 5 6

Cost and time

Berlin lists fees of 56.00 euros for a sticker label or 100.00 euros for an electronic residence permit (eAT) for initial issue, and the fee must be paid before you send the online application. 3
Berlin also lists 49.00 euros for renewal as a sticker label or 93.00 euros for renewal as an eAT, and 27.60 euros or 46.00 euros for Turkish nationals depending on age. 3
Köln lists 100 euros for initial issue and 93 euros for extension. 5
Stuttgart also lists 100 euros for first issue, 93 euros for extension of more than 3 months, and 96 euros for extension up to 3 months; minors pay half. 6 7
Berlin states that an eAT takes 4 to 6 weeks to be collected after issuance; Köln and Stuttgart say processing can take several weeks or that you will receive an appointment after review. 2 3 4 5

Deadlines

Outside Germany, you normally apply before your visa expires after arrival. 1
In Berlin, you can apply up to 4 months before the end of your current national D visa or Blue Card. 2
Visa-free applicants in Germany must apply within 3 months, and holders of an EU Blue Card from another EU member state must apply within 1 month after entry, according to the BAMF. 1
The Blue Card is generally issued for up to 4 years, or for the duration of the employment contract plus 3 months if the contract is shorter. 1 4 6 7

City by city

Berlin: The service lists specific rules for visa-free applicants, documents such as housing proof and the ZAB Zeugnisbewertung, and a 4- to 6-week collection time for the eAT. 2
Köln: The city states that you can apply online, lists specific job-change reporting rules in the first 12 months, and gives fee amounts of 100 euros or 93 euros. 5
Hamburg: The city says the Blue Card can be extended if the job continues and the conditions still apply, and it notes that job changes in the first 12 months must be reported. 4
Stuttgart: The city lists online application, different salary thresholds for certain professions, and fees of 100 euros, 93 euros, or 96 euros depending on the case. 6 7