Economy of Germany

Germany is the largest national economy in Europe and the fourth-largest by nominal GDP in the world. The service sector contributes around 70 percent of the total GDP, industry 29.1 percent, and agriculture 0.9 percent. Most of the country's products are in engineering, especially in automobiles, machinery, metals, and chemical goods. Exports account for more than one-third of national output.

To continue to develop the country's exports, German needs to keep developing it's work force. There is a shortage of skilled workers and the country, along with other countries in Europe, is seeking professionals in mathematics, IT, natural sciences, and technology/engineering.

Blue Card

The Blue Card is an approved EU-wide work permit that allows highly-skilled non-EU citizens to work and live in any country within the European Union (excluding Denmark, Ireland and the United Kingdom). The visa seeks to create a more unified immigration structure and solve the issues of a shrinking labor force and ageing population by recruiting highly skilled workers with specialized skills.

The EU Directive on the Blue Card became part of German law on August 1st, 2012.

Benefits

The card offers a one-track procedure for non-EU citizens to apply for a work permit. It is given a priority review so that the process is considerably accelerated.

Benefits
• Smoothest way to gain a Permanent Residence from the country you live in (after completing a 5 years residence within the EU)
• Favorable family unification rules
• Allows for greater mobility within the EU
• Same labor-related rights that EU citizens enjoy (like receiving tax benefits, social assistance, and payment of pensions)
• Free Education in Government Institutes

The visa is renewable and valid for two years, depending on the country of issue and other factors. It has a multitude of other unique benefits. After 18 months, Blue Card holders may move to another country within the EU. After two years, Blue Card holders hold equal status with citizens and long-term residents of the EU in regard to access to well-paid jobs.

Qualifications

• Non-EU Citizen
• German or recognized Foreign University Degree AND
• Employment with an annual salary of at least €44,800 OR
• Work in shortage occupations (scientists, mathematicians, engineers, doctors and IT professionals) with an annual salary of at least €34,944

If you don't have a position in Germany, the International Placement Service (ZAV) is a part of the Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit, BA) provides a site to search for jobs. E-mail to: workingermany@arbeitsagentur.de or contact the service by phone on +49 (0) 228 - 713 1313.

To see if you qualify, fill out the Quick Check.

How to Apply?

Applications should be made at the Ausländerbehörde.

The EU Blue Card Network also provides information on the process. Applicants can register online and list their credentials and CV for free.

EU Blue Card Network
Address: Square de Meeûs 38/40
1000 Brussels Belgium
Tel: 00 800 6 7 8 9 10 11
E-mail: support@apply.eu