Are you considering moving to Germany and wondering how to make the transition easier? This guide is for you! By following the steps outlined here, you’ll discover a cost-effective, fast-track way to relocate without facing long embassy waits or expensive procedures. What’s more, you can bring your family along, and within two years, you’ll be eligible to apply for Permanent Residency (PR). This guide covers everything you need to know about applying for the Blue Card Work Visa and starting your life in Germany.
What is the Blue Card Visa?
The Blue Card Visa is a work visa aimed at highly skilled non-EU citizens who wish to work in Germany. To qualify, your salary must be higher than a specified threshold, and you must meet certain educational and experience requirements.
Salary Thresholds for Blue Card Visa
- STEM Fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics): €45,000 annually
- Non-STEM Fields: €58,000 annually
Even if your salary doesn’t meet the Blue Card threshold, you can still apply for a regular work visa, though it comes with fewer benefits. The Blue Card Visa is the better option due to its additional perks, which we’ll discuss below.
Who Can Apply for a Blue Card Visa?
This visa is designed for individuals who hold a degree and have work experience in a relevant field. If you don’t have extensive work experience, don’t worry – there’s an alternative route for you as well, which we’ll cover later.
Eligibility Criteria
- Degree Holder: You must have a recognized university degree.
- Relevant Work Experience: A few years of experience in your field is ideal.
- Job Offer: Securing a job offer from a German company is a crucial part of the application process.
Step-by-Step Process for Applying
Step 1: Obtain the Blue Card Checklist
Start by searching for the “Germany Blue Card Visa checklist” along with the name of your local embassy. This checklist outlines the documents and steps you’ll need to follow, including securing a work contract or job offer.
Step 2: Find Job Opportunities
You’ll need to apply for jobs in Germany through platforms like:
- LinkedIn: Ideal for English-speaking jobs.
- Stepstone: Useful for all sectors.
- Xing: A German professional networking platform.
- Indeed: Widely used for job searches.
Step 3: Customize Your Application
Before sending out applications, ensure that your resume and cover letter are tailored to each job posting. Incorporate keywords from the job description to improve your chances of passing initial screenings. Here’s why this step is crucial:
- Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS): Some companies use software to filter out resumes that don’t match the job description, so using relevant keywords is essential.
- Human Review: A well-customized resume leaves a strong impression on recruiters, showing them that your qualifications match the role.
The Alternative Route: Recruitment Agencies
If you’d like some help finding a job, you can work with recruitment agencies. These agencies submit your profile to multiple companies, increasing your chances of getting hired. Here’s how they work:
- Agencies refer your profile to employers.
- If you’re hired, the agency is compensated by the company, not by you.
- It’s a free service that can streamline your job search.
However, it’s still advisable to apply on your own via platforms like LinkedIn to develop the skill of job searching.
Completing the Application: Qualification Recognition
Once you’ve secured a job offer, you’ll need to ensure your qualifications are recognized in Germany. To do this, check the Anabin Database, which lists recognized universities and degree programs. If your degree isn’t listed, you can apply for recognition through ZAB.
How to Check Degree Recognition
- Visit the Anabin database and search for your university and program.
- If your degree isn’t listed, apply through ZAB for recognition.
- Your employer may assist with this process, as many companies offer visa and qualification support.
Why You Should Choose the Blue Card Visa: Key Benefits
There are several advantages to applying for a Blue Card over a regular work visa. These include faster PR eligibility, family benefits, and quicker visa appointments.
1. Fast-Track Permanent Residency (PR)
With a Blue Card, you can apply for PR much earlier:
- 21 months if you have B1-level German.
- 33 months if you have A1-level German.
2. Faster Visa Processing
Blue Card applicants generally receive faster appointments at the embassy. Even in countries with long wait times, such as Pakistan, Blue Card applicants can often secure an appointment within 2-4 weeks.
3. Family Benefits
Your family can join you in Germany, and your spouse doesn’t need to know German to come along. This is a significant advantage over other visa types, where spouses are required to have A1-level German proficiency.
4. No Need for German Language Skills
If you land a job in an international company or a sector where English is the primary working language, you won’t need to know German to work or apply for the Blue Card.
Why Germany is Offering These Benefits
Germany is facing a significant shortage of skilled workers, particularly in STEM fields. By offering fast-track visas, early PR, and other incentives, the country aims to attract international talent. Additionally, Germany’s recent changes to its nationality laws have made it easier for foreign workers to gain citizenship within 5 years. These incentives are all part of Germany’s strategy to fill its talent gap and bolster its industries.
English Job Availability in Germany
Although German is the dominant language in most workplaces, there are numerous opportunities for English-speaking professionals, especially in the IT sector. Large multinational companies operating in Germany often have entirely English-speaking work environments.
How to Find English-Speaking Jobs
When searching on LinkedIn or other platforms, look at the job description. If it’s written in English, chances are that the company operates in English. Many jobs in IT, engineering, and tech are open to non-German speakers.
Overcoming Challenges as an International Applicant
Location Matters
Being physically in Germany can increase your chances of getting hired. If you’re applying from abroad, companies may prefer local candidates to avoid the complexities of visas and relocation. However, Germany’s low unemployment rate (around 5%) means companies are actively seeking international talent.
Remote Work as a Stepping Stone
If you have limited experience or are struggling to secure a job offer, consider applying for remote jobs. After gaining some experience with a German company remotely, you can build trust and later request a relocation. Many companies are open to this approach.
My Experience in the German Job Market
As someone with experience in the IT sector, I’ve tested the waters in the German job market multiple times. Even with just one year of experience, I secured six job offers in the span of a few months. The market is thriving, especially for skilled workers in tech and STEM fields. While applying from abroad can be challenging, persistence pays off.
Alternative Routes for Low-Experience Candidates
If you don’t have extensive experience, it can be hard for companies to justify sponsoring your Blue Card. In this case, try applying for remote positions first. After proving your value, you can negotiate a move to Germany. I’ve seen this strategy work for people in fields like graphic design and software development.
Steps to Find Remote Work:
- Go to LinkedIn and enter your job title or role.
- Use the “Remote” filter to find jobs that can be done from anywhere.
- Apply and build a working relationship with the company.
- After some time, express your interest in relocating to Germany.
Final Thoughts: Stay Persistent
Moving to Germany through the Blue Card Visa process is a great option, but it can be challenging. Language barriers, long waits, and the need for specific qualifications can make the process feel daunting. However, there are countless examples of people who have successfully made the move, proving that with persistence, it’s entirely possible.
Good luck with your job search, and remember – if you truly want to make it to Germany, you can!
Resources to Help You
| Resource | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Finding English-speaking jobs | |
| Stepstone | General job search |
| Networking and job search in Germany | |
| Anabin Database | Checking degree recognition |
| ZAB | Application for qualification recognition |
Stay focused, stay persistent, and good luck on your journey to Germany!