Ukrainian citizens can obtain an EU Blue Card (Blaue Karte) for long-term residence and employment in Germany. It not only allows you to work and live in the country, but also gives you the opportunity to obtain a permanent residence permit and even citizenship. Find out what is required to obtain this document

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The EU Blue Card is a special residence permit for skilled professionals who wish to work in Germany. 

The EU Blue Card can be obtained in all EU countries except Denmark and Ireland. However, the requirements, such as the minimum annual salary, may differ from country to country.

You can apply for an EU Blue Card from within or outside Germany, regardless of whether you are in another EU country or a "third country". 

We will tell you how to apply for the document and what you need to know about the EU Blue Card further in the article.

EU Blue Card for Ukrainians in 2024

The EU Blue Card allows you to apply for a national residence permit. It is a good option for academic specialists, experienced IT professionals without a university degree, and graduates of tertiary education programs.

Who can apply for the EU Blue Card 2024?

A person can apply for a German Blue Card if he or she meets the following criteria:

• Academic and professional qualifications: you must have a university degree from a German university or a German-recognized institution. Some professions, such as healthcare, law, teaching, and engineering, require additional diploma recognition. Diplomas can now be recognized retroactively, and the specialization in the diploma does not necessarily have to match the specialization in the employment contract. IT specialists can obtain a Blue Card even without a university degree.

• Employment contract: you need to have an employment contract or a written confirmation from your employer of your intention to sign the contract after receiving the Blue Card.

Salary: your salary must be at least 1.5 times higher than the national average. For shortage industries (science, medicine, engineering, IT, architecture, etc.), the minimum salary is 39,682.80 euros per year. To obtain a Blue Card with a lower salary, you need the permission of the Federal Employment Agency. This preferential amount also applies to university graduates for three years after graduation.

• Documents: proof of education, employment contract, job invitation, etc. are required.

• Medical examination: you need to undergo a medical examination confirming your health.

Occupations eligible for a Blue Card

In Germany, the following professions can apply for a Blue Card:

- employees in the field of IT;

- mathematicians

- architects and interior designers;

- medical workers

- scientists

- specialists in banking;

- specialists in the field of financial analytics;

- engineers in various fields;

- lawyers (without reference to the field);

- specialists in urban planning and transportation planning;

- teachers.

Documents for applying for a Blue Card

The following documents are required to apply for a Blue Card:

• Foreign passport: must contain at least two free pages.

• Application in German: can be filled out directly at the Ausländeramt.

• Two completed questionnaires.

• Three color photographs: 3.5×4.5 cm in size, taken no later than 6 months before the application.

• Employment contract: for at least 12 months, indicating the specialty and salary level. Or confirmation that the job is yours.

• University or college diploma: if required, recognition of your degree by the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB).

• Curriculum vitae: Original and two copies.

• Proof of residence in Germany.

• Proof of German language proficiency: language certificate.

• Health insurance:

- For public insurance: electronic health record and proof of health insurance.

- For private insurance: certificate from the insurance company and proof of payment of premiums.

• Professional practice permit: For professions that require a professional license, such as medicine or law.

Additional documents may also be required, so you should contact the Ausländeramt or the German Embassy (if applying from Ukraine) before submitting your application.

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For how long is the Blue Card issued in Germany?

A German Blue Card can be obtained for the duration of the employment contract plus three months. The document is issued for a maximum period of four years. If your contract expires before you are eligible for settlement, you have three months to find a new job in order to extend your residence in Germany.

After 33 months of residence, you can apply for settlement in Germany, which allows you to live in the country for an unlimited period of time without the need to renew your Blue Card. If you have a good command of the German language, you can apply for settlement after 21 months of residence.

The process of applying for an EU Blue Card in Germany

Ukrainians residing in Germany can apply for a Blue Card, with the exception of refugees, including for political reasons. Other categories of specialists from Ukraine can apply without restrictions. The process should be started at least six weeks before the expiration of the current residence permit.

Steps to apply for a Blue Card:

• Preparation of documents: Prepare the required package of documents.

• Submission of documents: contact the Ausländeramt (Special Office for Foreigners) in Germany. Submit the application in German.

• Waiting for a decision: the application process can take from one to three months.

It is worth noting that the application can be submitted in Ukraine, but if you are already in Germany, you do not need to travel to Ukraine.

EU Blue Card for Ukrainians in Germany: price

The cost of applying for a Blue Card in Germany is 110 euros. However, in different federal states of Germany, this amount can vary from 100 to 140 euros.

Please note! Blue Card holders can invite their immediate family members, such as spouse and children, to Germany. Family members receive a German visa for family reunification and can enjoy healthcare, education and social benefits on an equal footing with the Blue Card holder. They are allowed to study and work in any profession.

In addition, you do not automatically lose your German Blue Card if you lose or change your job. If you change your job, you should inform the Federal Office for Foreigners (Ausländeramt) to adjust your Blue Card. If you lose your job, you have three months to find a new qualified position. During this time, you can continue to reside in Germany and exercise your rights as a Blue Card holder.

Once you have become a permanent resident, you no longer need to notify the BAMF of a change of employer or loss of employment.

If you need advice on the above issues, you can always contact Visit Ukraine's lawyers for advice. Our professional staff will be able to help you solve various problems using an individual approach. You can arrange a consultation by following the link.

We remind you! Ukraine and the European Commission have agreed to extend temporary protection for Ukrainians in the EU. The status will be reviewed only after the security situation in the country improves. Learn more about the changes to temporary protection for Ukrainians in the EU here.

Photo: picture-alliance/dpa/D. Karmann

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Ihor Usyk is the Head of Legal Department at Visit Ukraine

On the Visit Ukraine portal, you can get legal advice on migration law. Our lawyers will answer all your questions and, if necessary, help you collect, submit and receive the documents you need. You can order a specialist consultation or full legal support by following this link.