What advantages does the EU Blue Card offer?

• Planning security

The EU Blue Card offers planning security for immigrants and companies, as there is a legal entitlement to the issue of an EU Blue Card if the requirements are met. Such an entitlement also exists for family reunification and the granting of a settlement permit if the requirements are met.

• Facilitation of family reunification

Holders of an EU Blue Card can bring their family members to Germany under simplified conditions. This means that spouses are entitled to a residence permit even if they do not speak German. This also authorises them to take up gainful employment.

• Faster way to the permanent residence permit

People who have an EU Blue Card and basic German language skills (level A1) will receive a permanent residence permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis) in Germany after 33 months if they have been in highly qualified employment during this time and have made contributions to a pension scheme.
If you have sufficient knowledge of German (level B1), the period is reduced to 21 months.

• Facilitated mobility

Persons who have been in possession of an EU Blue Card in another EU member state for at least 18 months can enter Germany without a visa for the purpose of employment. The EU Blue Card must then be applied for at the relevant Aliens' Authority within one month of entering the country.

How can I apply for an EU Blue Card?

You apply for a visa for gainful employment as a skilled worker. The embassy will then automatically check whether you fulfil the requirements for an EU Blue Card. If you fulfil the requirements, the embassy can issue you with an EU Blue Card. If you do not fulfil the requirements, the embassy in Dakar will check whether you can be issued a visa as a skilled worker with an academic qualification.