EU Blue Card

Overview

The EU Blue Card (Blaue Karte EU) is a residence and work permit for highly qualified non-EU workers. It offers one of the fastest pathways to permanent residence in Germany and grants mobility rights across EU member states. Germany issues the vast majority of EU Blue Cards in the entire European Union, making it the primary destination for this route.

The Blue Card is a good fit for Israeli tech workers, engineers, doctors, and other highly qualified professionals who have secured a job offer in Germany above the salary threshold.

Who qualifies

To obtain an EU Blue Card in Germany you must meet all of the following:

• Recognized degree: University degree (at least 3 years of full-time study) from an institution recognized in Germany. Israeli degrees from recognized universities are generally accepted; check the anabin.kmk.org database.
• Job offer: A concrete job offer (or employment contract) in Germany in a profession that corresponds to your qualifications.
• Salary threshold:
  • General threshold: €48,300/year gross (as of 2024)
  • Shortage occupations (STEM, doctors, IT professionals): €37,440/year gross
• The position must be in a field related to your qualification.

Benefits over the standard skilled worker visa

• Faster permanent residence: After 21 months with German language skills B1 (or 27 months without), you can apply for permanent residence. This is faster than the 4 years required for a standard work permit.
• EU mobility: After 18 months in Germany, you can move to another EU country with your Blue Card (specifics vary by country).
• Family reunification: Spouse can join immediately and has unrestricted work authorization from day one.
• No labor market test: No proof is required that a German candidate was not available.

Steps

1. Verify your degree at anabin.kmk.org. If your university or degree is not listed (H+/A or H+), apply for a Statement of Comparability through the anabin process or via uni-assist.de.
2. Secure a job offer from a German employer. The offer must specify a salary above the applicable threshold.
3. Gather documents:
   • University degree certificate (original + certified German translation)
   • Employment contract or binding job offer
   • Passport
   • Proof of health insurance (public or private covering Germany)
   • Proof of accommodation in Germany (employer letter or lease)
   • Biometric passport photo
4. Apply at the German Embassy or Consulate in Tel Aviv. Book through the VIDEX appointment system. Waiting times can be 6–12 weeks, so apply as early as possible.
5. Receive your national visa (D-visa) and enter Germany.
6. Register at the Einwohnermeldeamt within 14 days of arrival.
7. Collect your EU Blue Card at the local Ausländerbehörde (immigration office). The card is valid for 4 years (or until the end of the employment contract + 3 months if shorter).

Costs

• Visa application fee at embassy: €75
• EU Blue Card issuance at Ausländerbehörde: €100–€140
• Degree evaluation (if needed): €150–€600
• Certified translations: €50–€200 per document

Shortage occupations (lower salary threshold)

The following fields qualify for the lower €37,440 threshold:

• IT professionals and software engineers
• Natural scientists and mathematicians
• Engineers (mechanical, electrical, civil)
• Medical doctors and veterinarians
• Pharmacists

Path to permanent residency

• 21 months of Blue Card employment + German B1 language certificate → Niederlassungserlaubnis (permanent residence)
• 27 months of Blue Card employment without B1 → permanent residence
• Citizenship possible after 5 years (or 3 years for exceptional integration achievements)