EU Blue Card
A job offer alone is not enough. The EU Blue Card requires a recognised university degree, a qualifying salary, and the right position — everything must align precisely. From over 2,000 cases we know exactly where applications stall and how to prevent it from the start.
EU Blue Card — what really matters
The Blue Card is a powerful tool — but only when all requirements are met exactly. In practice, many applications fail not because of qualifications themselves, but because of details: salary thresholds, recognition procedures, job descriptions and the match between degree and position.
How every package is structured
All 5 phases are included in every package. What differs: the level of personal support and how long we stay by your side after arrival.
Phase 1
Analysis & Strategy
Individual case analysis: goals, education, work experience, family situation, risk assessment, and suitable visa options.
Phase 2
Visa Planning
A concrete roadmap with a personalised document package, timeline, authority requirements, and Anabin / ZAB review.
Phase 3
Document Preparation
CV and cover letter — not just translated, but strategically optimised. Review and correction of all documents.
Phase 4
Application Submission
Final check of all documents, preparation for the consular interview. Appointment booking (from Package 2). Strategy for queries.
Phase 5
Welcome to Germany
Registration, health insurance, first steps — depending on the package with welcome consultation, chat support for up to 6 months, and residence-permit assistance.
Phase 1
Analysis & Strategy
Individual case analysis: goals, education, work experience, family situation, risk assessment, and suitable visa options.
Phase 2
Visa Planning
A concrete roadmap with a personalised document package, timeline, authority requirements, and Anabin / ZAB review.
Phase 3
Document Preparation
CV and cover letter — not just translated, but strategically optimised. Review and correction of all documents.
Phase 4
Application Submission
Final check of all documents, preparation for the consular interview. Appointment booking (from Package 2). Strategy for queries.
Phase 5
Welcome to Germany
Registration, health insurance, first steps — depending on the package with welcome consultation, chat support for up to 6 months, and residence-permit assistance.
Your Secure Start
Gain clarity about your path — in a personal conversation.
Starter Consultation
150 €For individuals — the first step
- Analysis of your situation
- Review of suitable visa categories
- Basic document checklist
- Next steps clearly defined
- How to avoid typical mistakes
Result: You know exactly which visa type works for you and what to do next.
Final Check Consultation
199 €Critical review before submission
- Identifying critical errors
- Concrete feedback for optimisation
- Assessment of your success chances
Result: You go through the process with confidence
Perfect for:
Independent applicants, hand-off clients, people close to submission
Our consulting is based on publicly available information on visa and residence law and does not constitute legal advice within the meaning of the German Legal Services Act (RDG). For a legally binding assessment of your individual case, please consult a lawyer or the responsible immigration authority.
Choose your level of support
All 3 packages include complete visa preparation. What differs: how much we handle for you — and how long we stay by your side after arrival.
Paket 1
Visa Standard
Complete guidance through the visa process. Professional, structured — by email.
one-time · all visa types · incl. 19% VAT
- ✓Personal case analysis & visa strategy
- ✓Individual document checklist
- ✓CV — career-optimised & in German
- ✓Cover letter — corrected & translated
- ✓Visa form — filled out together
- ✓Document review & correction
- ✓Consular interview preparation
- ✓Travel insurance — guidance & completion
- ✓Blocked account — guidance & support
- ✓Health insurance — selection & sign-up
- ✓Registration — step-by-step guide
- ✗No WhatsApp contact
- ✗No priority processing
- ✗No free 2nd attempt
- ✗No welcome service after arrival
Paket 2
Visa Priority
Everything in Standard — plus: direct contact, priority, security & post-arrival support.
one-time · all visa types · incl. 19% VAT
Priority & Full Service only
- ✓Priority processing & fast response
- ✓WhatsApp chat with a dedicated personal advisor
- ✓Communication with authorities & embassy
- ✓Free 2nd attempt if needed
- ✓German language test & certificate for consulate
- ✓Preparation for recognition procedure (ZAB)
- ✓Safe Money — insurance & financial advice
- ✓Embassy appointment booking (where possible)
After arrival (active)
- ✓Welcome consultation — tips & first steps
- ✓Registration — actively supported + Tax ID
- ✓Bank account — advice & support
- ✓Residence permit renewal — support
- ✓Flat-hunting & rental checklist
- ✓Welcome chat Mon–Fri · 3 months
Paket 3
Visa Full Service
Visa, recognition, residence permit, first formalities — all from one source. 6 months by your side.
one-time · all visa types · incl. 19% VAT
In addition to Priority
- ✓VNJ document package fully prepared
- ✓Document list requested from the authority
- ✓Foreigners' office form completed
- ✓Appointment booking or letter to authority
- ✓Renewal of residence & work permit
- ✓Welcome chat Mon–Fri · 6 months (instead of 3)
- ✓Advice on schools & kindergartens
- ✓Driving licence advice (conversion / new)
- ✓Initial tax consultation
- ✓Flat search — advice, tips & templates
+ Everything from Standard & Priority included
Not included in the package
Health Insurance for Your Blue Card
Apply quickly, easily and free of charge.
Apply for your statutory health insurance directly with Nexstorya. We guide you from registration to receiving all the documents required for your Blue Card and your employer.
Your benefits with Nexstorya
- ✓Fast certificates for immigration offices and employers
- ✓Free support with registration
- ✓Fast processing and prompt delivery of insurance certificates
- ✓Personal contact person — even after your insurance is finalized
- ✓Support with questions about your health insurance and benefits
- ✓Everything from one source — from your Blue Card to health insurance
Changelog
2026
From 1 January 2026 new minimum salary thresholds apply to the EU Blue Card in Germany. Thresholds are adjusted annually to the contribution assessment ceiling of statutory pension insurance (50% and 45.3% respectively). For 2026: general minimum €50,700 gross/year; for shortage occupations (medicine, engineering, IT, nursing) and new entrants with a degree from the last 3 years: €45,934.20 gross/year.
2023
With the Skilled Immigration Act 2023, Germany transposes EU Directive 2021/1883 and fundamentally reforms the Blue Card. New salary threshold: €45,552 gross/year (previously €56,400); for shortage occupations €35,100. Permanent residence (Niederlassungserlaubnis) is now possible after just 27 months — with B1 German even after 21 months. The previous rule required 33 months. Additionally: Blue Card now also accessible to third-country graduates with a degree from abroad; EU-wide mobility after 12 months without a new visa procedure.
2021
The Council of the European Union adopted the revised EU Blue Card Directive 2021/1883. It fundamentally replaces the predecessor directive 2009/50/EC. Core changes: lower salary thresholds (120% instead of 150% of average national salary), expanded intra-EU mobility after 12 months, access for holders of national residence permits and an explicit ban on dual-nationality discrimination. Member states had 24 months to transpose it into national law.
2020
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the BAMF ordered that expiring EU Blue Cards and residence permits are automatically extended by up to six months if a renewal application had been filed. In-person attendance requirements were suspended until further notice. This replaced the previously applicable obligation to appear in person on time and remained in effect until 31 December 2020.
FAQ: EU Blue Card
Salary, recognition, employer change and more.