Germany: Blue Card Applications Now Being Accepted
Local German immigration offices have begun accepting Blue Card applications on behalf of non-EU nationals scheduled to start assignments in Germany on or after August 1, 2012. The Blue Card provides expedited application processing for highly skilled, non-European Union nationals seeking to live and work in Germany.
To be eligible for a Blue Card, a non-EU national must have a confirmed job offer or valid work contract with a sponsoring employer, hold a university degree, and earn a minimum annual salary, which will be subject to change each year. The minimum salary for the first year is €44,800, or €34,944 if the applicant will work in a shortage occupation. Employers sponsoring applicants who will work in a shortage occupation and earn less than €44,800 will be required to obtain the consent of local labor authorities, unless the applicant holds a degree from a German university.
Blue Card holders will enjoy a streamlined path to German permanent residence. Spouses of Blue Card holders qualify for a dependent permit without having to meet German language requirements and are entitled to work incident to their dependent status, without the need to apply for employment authorization.
After residing in Germany for 18 months, cardholders may enter other EU countries visa-free and apply for Blue Cards in those countries, subject to local rules.
Fragomen Webinars on the German Blue Card
Fragomen will host two informational webinars to discuss Germany’s new Blue Card program on Wednesday, August 1, 2012. The first session will be at 11:00am CEST and the second at 6:00pm CEST. For more information or to RSVP, please email ukcomms@fragomen.com.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen Global or send an email to emea@fragomen.com.
Source: Fragomen