Germany EU Blue Card for Indians
Last verified: August 31, 2026
Quick facts
- Processing time
- 8–12 weeks
- Government fee
- about $87
- Start preparing
- about 6 months before your move
- Steps in the plan
- 10
- Need an apostille
- None
- Need a translation
- 1 document
- Job offer
- Required
“Start preparing” covers gathering documents, the 8–12 weeks decision wait and two weeks of slack. Add apostille and translation costs to the government fee.
Overview
Residence permit for university graduates with a qualified job offer. 2026 salary threshold: €50,700 gross/year, or €45,934 for shortage professions including IT, engineering and healthcare (also for graduates within 3 years of their degree). Permanent residency after 27 months, or 21 with German B1.
This page covers Indians. For every nationality we track, see the Germany EU Blue Card overview.
Requirements for Indians
| Minimum annual income | $58,800/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 8–12 weeks after applying. The government fee is approximately $87. Difficulty: 3/5.
Documents you'll need
- Secure a qualifying job offerA written contract or binding offer from a German employer meeting the Blue Card salary threshold.
- Get your degree recognized (Anabin / ZAB)Check the Anabin database; otherwise a ZAB Statement of Comparability.
- Valid passport (6+ months, 2 blank pages)Needs 6+ months validity and 2 blank pages.
- Biometric photos per German spec35×45 mm biometric photos, under 6 months old.
- Proof of health insurance from day oneStatutory insurance confirmation from the employer, or interim travel or expat cover for entry.
- Fill the national visa application (VIDEX)Print the barcode pages after completing the online form.
- Book VFS/embassy appointmentBook at the German mission or VFS Global centre serving your consular district.
- Attend appointment & submit biometricsBring originals and 2 copies of everything, and pay the visa fee.
- Register your address (Anmeldung)Register at the local Bürgeramt within 14 days of moving in.
- Convert visa to Blue Card at the AusländerbehördeDone at the local foreigners office to receive the electronic residence permit.
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 6 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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Check my eligibilityFrequently asked questions
- How long does the Germany EU Blue Card take for Indians?
- Typical processing time is 8–12 weeks after applying, plus the time needed to gather documents.
- What does the EU Blue Card cost?
- The government fee is approximately $87. Additional costs (translations, apostilles, insurance) vary by case.
- Do Indians 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 Indians?
- The minimum income is about $58,800 a year, roughly $4,900 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 Indians
Other destinations for Indians
Germany visas for other nationalities
Always confirm requirements with the official government source. This guide is general information, not legal advice.