How to apply for a German Blue Card with success
Securing a German Blue Card involves a series of steps, comprising the gathering of necessary documents, submission to relevant authorities, and potentially attending a visa interview. To ensure a seamless process, understanding the optimal approach is crucial. Let's explore the key steps for obtaining a German Blue Card:
Application Options:
a. Direct Application in Germany (for citizens of the US, Canada, Israel, South Korea, Japan, the UK, New Zealand, and Australia):
Citizens of the mentioned countries can enter Germany on a tourist visa and apply for a Blue Card upon arrival.
b. Application from Abroad (for citizens of other countries):
Citizens of other countries must apply at the nearest German embassy in their country of residence.
c. Accelerated Procedure (applicable to all nationalities):
An alternative is applying for a Blue Card at the foreigners' hall in Germany, known as the accelerated procedure.
Application Processes:
a. Direct Application in Germany (for specified nationalities):
Nationalities mentioned earlier can apply directly in Germany after entering on a tourist visa.
The Anmeldung process (residence registration) is crucial before proceeding with the Blue Card application.
After registration, submit required documents to the foreigners' office responsible for your case.
b. Application from Abroad:
Citizens not covered by the direct application option must apply from their residence country at the nearest German embassy.
Schedule an embassy appointment promptly and gather necessary documents.
Upon approval, a D-Visa is granted, which needs to be converted into a Blue Card upon arrival in Germany.
c. Accelerated Procedure Application:
If embassy appointment slots are challenging to secure, consider the accelerated procedure.
Submit the Blue Card application directly at the foreigners' office associated with your prospective employer.
Upon approval, schedule an appointment at the German Embassy for the D-Visa.
Recommended Approach:
If prompt work authorization is a priority, applying from abroad through a German embassy is recommended, regardless of nationality. German embassies are generally better equipped, expediting the process and allowing an early start to employment.
An exception is for individuals in countries where embassy appointments are challenging, where the accelerated procedure may be a viable alternative.
Blue Card Issuance Period:
The German Blue Card is typically issued for four years.
The duration may be influenced by the employment contract; if shorter than four years, the Blue Card is issued for the contract duration plus three months.
Christine is a co-founder of Jetztpat. She was raised in the so-called Schwabenländle but fell in love with travelling to random places very early in life. After living in Japan and Taiwan for several years, she finally went back home to stay in the German beer capital (where she survives by drinking wine). If she is not watching her favorite Japanese Netflix show aggretsuko, you can find her Googling answers to the real questions in life.