Who can apply?

All academics with a recognised university degree or one which is comparable with a German university degree can apply for the “EU Blue Card” residence and work Permit.

To obtain an EU- Blue Card Visa you need to prove that you have a job in Germany which corresponds to your qualification. The condition is that you must earn an annual gross salary of at least 58400 Euros.

Specialists in the fields of mathematics, IT, life sciences and engineering as well as doctors may be entitled to an EU Blue Card if they earn the same amount as comparable German workers, but no less than 45552 Euros gross per year. In this case, the  Federal Employment Agency  (Bundesagentur für Arbeit) must approve your employment. This approval is not required if you earned your university degree in Germany.

Where and how to apply?

Visa applications can only be lodged in person by prior appointment with the German Embassy in Wellington. Honorary Consuls do not handle any visa applications.

Appointments have to be booked via our online appointment booking system

What do I need to fill out and provide?

Please prepare  for your interview:

• Two completed application forms  for a residence permit
• Two recent biometric passport photos
• Completed and signed form “Erklärung zum Beschäftigungsverhältnis”  by your employer plus two plain copies
•  Original of German university degree or recognized foreign degree comparable to a German degree plus two plain copies
• Provided you have a foreign degree, two printouts each of confirmation on recognition of thedegree as well as the University from ANABIN website (see  information confirmation on recognition of the degree below)
• Two copies of your employment contract / binding job offer with details of gross annual salary
• Visa fee payable  cash or credit card;  NO EFTPOS!
• Applicant’s valid passport and two photocopies of the data page
• Curriculum vitae of professional career, including certificates, diplomas, etc. (2 copies)
• A self-addressed and  prepaid courier envelope

• Please read the data protection regulation
  

• Please print out and sign the data protection signature sheet
  

Please note:

• Documents in a foreign language other than English must include a certified Translation. In individual cases, you may be required to provide additional information
• Please ensure that your application documents are complete. Incomplete applications may result in rejection of the visa

Information confirmation on recognition of the degree

You can check whether your foreign university degree is recognized or comparable by consulting

the Anabin database: http://anabin.kmk.org

All academics with a recognised university degree or one which is comparable with a German university degree can apply for the “EU Blue Card” residence and work permit. If your degree is a foreign degree, you can check on the following website whether it is recognised in Germany.

https://www.kmk.org/zab/central-office-for-foreign-education/statement-of-comparability-for-foreign-higher-education-qualifications/eu-blue-card.html

If your degree is not listed on this website, you can apply for a  “Statement of Comparability for Foreign Higher Education Qualifications” on the following website:

https://www.kmk.org/zab/central-office-for-foreign-education/statement-of-comparability-for-foreign-higher-education-qualifications.html

What happens after your application?

The Embassy reserves the right to request further documents or information deemed necessary for processing your application at any time and assumes no responsibility for applications submitted too close to your planned departure.
Applying for a visa does not guarantee that a visa will be issued! Once you have obtained your visa please check carefully that all entries are correct and in accordance with your application.
Upon your arrival the border authorities may examine whether the requirements for your entry continue to be valid. Entry may be refused by the border authorities although you are in possession of a valid visa. We advise you carry with you documents giving evidence to the purpose of your stay.

For the time being, it is not possible to pick up your passport in person. As soon as your application has been processed, the passport will be sent to you, using the prepaid and self-addressed courier envelope provided by you at the time of your application.

Helpful information/ links:

Information leaflet about EU Blue Card

Make it in Germany

Your guide for the first weeks in Germany: Arrival App

Bundesagentur für Arbeit