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Visa for the Blue Card (EU) - Tertiary Educational Qualifications
Skilled workers applying to take up employment in Germany can apply for a visa for the Blue Card (EU) online through the foreign portal.
General Information
Requirements for the Blue Card (EU) for Individuals with a Tertiary Educational Qualification
To apply for the Blue Card (EU) in Germany, you need:
- Formal Qualification
This education must be classified under subgroup “65 vocationally oriented” of level 6 of the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED). Programs in this subgroup last at least three years. Some examples of professions that can be attained through a tertiary educational program include technical specialist, business specialist, certified master craftsman, educational specialist, and therapeutic specialist. More information: ISCED 2011 - An Employment Relationship in Germany Corresponding to Your Qualification
- A Minimum Gross Salary of €3,420.15 per month / €41,041.80 per year (2024). In these cases, approval from the Federal Employment Agency is required.
Required Documents
To apply, you will need the following documents:
In your application form (VIDEX), you provide all information regarding your entry and stay in Germany. You must complete this form and print it out once.
If you are a minor, your legal guardians must sign the application and give their consent.
A current biometric photo (3.5 x 4.5 cm front facial view with a light background), stamped, not older than 3 months. Digitally altered pictures will not be accepted.
Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of visa issuance. Please note that the document must have at least two blank pages (your visa will be affixed here upon a positive decision).
If you do not possess Canadian citizenship, please provide us with your Canadian residence permit.
Please also provide the original residence permit in Canada on the day of your appointment.
Proof of your residence in Canada can be, for example, your Canadian driver's license, electricity bill, water bill, or gas bill.
Please sign the following declaration and bring the original with you to the appointment:
Please have this form filled out by your future employer. The information about the job description must clearly indicate the intended activity!
Form: download here
Please submit a certificate confirming that you have completed a tertiary education program.
The program must be classified under subgroup “65 vocationally oriented” of level 6 of the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED). Programs in this subgroup last at least three years. More information: ISCED 2011
Documents not issued in German or English must be submitted with a translation into German or English. The translator must be recognized in Germany or in the country where you are applying.
The translation of your tertiary education degree must be done by a sworn translator.
If you completed your education outside Germany, you must submit a written recognition notice from the responsible German authority. You can find out which authority is responsible for recognition at www.Anerkennung-in-Deutschland.de.
It is important that the recognition notice states that your education is classified at level 6 of the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED). If this note is missing, you will need to withdraw your application and instead apply for a work visa with vocational training.
Individuals with statutory health insurance coverage are adequately insured from the first day of employment. Please provide proof of your statutory health insurance coverage.
If you enter the country before your statutory health insurance coverage begins, you must obtain appropriate supplemental insurance.
If you are planning a long or permanent stay, some travel health insurances may exclude coverage in their terms. This limitation may also apply to “incoming” insurance, so please ensure you have sufficient coverage with your supplemental insurance.
Please sign the following declaration and bring the original with you to the appointment:
Optional application documents:
This document is only required for practicing a regulated profession in Germany, such as in the fields of medicine and law. You will receive this document from the relevant recognition authority in Germany. Please check the information portal “Recognition in Germany” (Anerkennung in Deutschland) to find out if your profession is regulated.
Employers in Germany can apply for an accelerated skilled workers procedure before applying for the visa. If you have this document, please submit it.
For more information, please visit here.
Employers in Germany can apply for preliminary approval from the ZAV (Central Foreign and Specialized Placement) before applying for a visa. If you have this document, please submit it.
For more information, please visit here.
If you have reached the age of 45 and do not have an annual gross salary of at least €49,830 (2024), you must provide proof of adequate pension provision.
You can submit various types of assets as proof for additional pension provision. These include statutory, state-regulated pension insurances, already accrued claims from private pension or life insurance policies, real estate, and other assets.
In certain cases, additional documents may be required. During the preliminary review of the online application, you will receive a notification directly through the foreign portal regarding this.
Processing Time
Due to the regular need for approval from authorities in Germany, you should generally allow 4 weeks for the processing of your visa application (calculated from the submission of the complete application documents at the foreign representation).
Fees
See Fees for Visa applications at the Consulate General Toronto
Online Application and Appointment Booking via the Consular Services Portal
You can apply for the EU Blue Card visa online through the Consular Services Portal of the Federal Foreign Office. After uploading your application and documents, your information will be checked for completeness. Any ambiguities will be clarified directly through the Portal. Once all documents have been verified online, you will receive an invitation link for appointment booking via the Portal.
During the subsequent appointment at the foreign representation, only your identity will be verified, your biometric data (fingerprints and photo) will be collected, and the fee will be paid. Please also make sure to provide the original documents (listed in the checklist which is provided to you along with the appointment booking invitation link).
Click here for online application via the Consular Services Portal