How long does the Germany EU Blue Card take for Chinese citizens?

Typical processing time is 8–20 weeks after applying, plus the time needed to gather documents.

What does the EU Blue Card cost?

The government fee is approximately $80. Additional costs (translations, apostilles, insurance) vary by case.

Do Chinese citizens need a job offer for the EU Blue Card?

Yes. A job offer from an employer in Germany is required before applying.

Can I bring my family on the EU Blue Card?

Yes — this visa allows accompanying family members, with additional documentation.

What is the income requirement for the EU Blue Card for Chinese citizens?

The minimum income is about $56,000 a year, roughly $4,667 a month, expressed in US dollars. The official threshold is set in local currency and moves with exchange rates, so confirm the current figure with the official source.

Germany EU Blue Card for Chinese citizens

Last verified: September 2, 2026

Quick facts

Processing time: 8–20 weeks
Government fee: about $80
Start preparing: about 11 months before your move
Steps in the plan: 12
Need an apostille: None
Need a translation: None
Job offer: Required

“Start preparing” covers gathering documents, the 8–20 weeks decision wait and two weeks of slack. Add apostille and translation costs to the government fee.

Overview

Germany's premier route for graduates with a job offer. From 1 January 2026 you need a gross salary of at least €50,700, or €45,934.20 in a shortage occupation such as IT, engineering, natural sciences, mathematics, medicine and pharmacy, or if you graduated within the last three years. Your degree must be recognised: check the anabin database first, and obtain a ZAB Statement of Comparability (€208) if anabin does not clearly rate your institution and qualification. Chinese applicants must additionally hold an APS certificate from the Akademische Prüfstelle in Beijing — start this months ahead, because it involves an interview on your actual subject knowledge. Family join immediately with full work rights, and permanent residence comes in 21 months with B1 German or 27 months with A1.

This page covers Chinese citizens. For every nationality we track, see the Germany EU Blue Card overview.

Requirements for Chinese citizens

Minimum annual income	$56,000/year
Minimum savings	No requirement
Job offer required	Yes
Degree required	Yes
Family can join	Yes
Path to permanent residency	Yes

Processing time & costs

Typical processing takes 8–20 weeks after applying. The government fee is approximately $80. Difficulty: 3/5.

Documents you'll need

Check your university and degree in the anabin databaseGerman consulates need the institution rated H+ and the degree listed as equivalent.
Apply for the APS certificate at the Beijing officeIncludes document verification and a subject-knowledge interview; doctoral and postdoc candidates are exempt.
Obtain a ZAB Statement of Comparability if anabin is unclearApply at zab.kmk.org; the fee is €208.
Secure a job offer meeting the 2026 salary thresholdGross salary of at least €50,700, or €45,934.20 for shortage occupations and recent graduates.
Get the signed employment contract and Erklärung zum BeschäftigungsverhältnisThe embassy uses the declaration form to verify your job details.
Book your visa appointment at the German mission in ChinaMissions in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu or Shenyang.
Prepare passport, photos, insurance and application formsPhotos must be biometric to German specification; insurance must cover the gap until statutory cover starts.
Attend the visa appointment and submit biometricsBring originals and copies of all documents; the visa fee is €75.
Await approval from the AusländerbehördeApproval comes from the local immigration office in your destination city.
Register your address (Anmeldung) within two weeks of arrivalDone at the Bürgeramt; it is needed for your tax ID and bank account.
Collect your Blue Card and enrol in health insuranceDone at the Ausländerbehörde; join a statutory insurer such as TK or AOK.
Bring family and start German classes for permanent residenceSpouses need no German and can work immediately; permanent residence at 21 months with B1 or 27 with A1.

The full ordered checklist — with timing, dependencies, apostille and translation flags, and personalized due dates — is part of the paid plan.

Not moving yet?

The EU Blue Card takes about 11 months from first document to moving day. Tell us when you plan to move and we’ll email you once, on the day you should start.

Is the EU Blue Card right for you?

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Frequently asked questions

How long does the Germany EU Blue Card take for Chinese citizens?: Typical processing time is 8–20 weeks after applying, plus the time needed to gather documents.
What does the EU Blue Card cost?: The government fee is approximately $80. Additional costs (translations, apostilles, insurance) vary by case.
Do Chinese citizens need a job offer for the EU Blue Card?: Yes. A job offer from an employer in Germany is required before applying.
Can I bring my family on the EU Blue Card?: Yes — this visa allows accompanying family members, with additional documentation.
What is the income requirement for the EU Blue Card for Chinese citizens?: The minimum income is about $56,000 a year, roughly $4,667 a month, expressed in US dollars. The official threshold is set in local currency and moves with exchange rates, so confirm the current figure with the official source.

Other Germany visas for Chinese citizens

Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte)

Germany visas for other nationalities

Always confirm requirements with the official government source. This guide is general information, not legal advice.