
Key Legal and Policy Changes for HR Professionals in 2025
As an HR professional, you play a crucial role in guiding potential employees through the application process for the EU Blue Card. This residence permit allows non-EU nationals to work in EU member states. Here’s how you can assist employees in successfully obtaining their EU Blue Card for 2025.
Step 1: Determine Eligibility for the EU Blue Card
Evaluate Income Requirements:
Shortage Occupations: Ensure that the employee’s role is classified as a shortage occupation. For 2025, these require a minimum gross monthly income of 3,646.65 EUR or 43,759.80 EUR annually. Common shortage occupations include:
Scientists
Mathematicians
Architects and planners
Designers
Engineers
ICT specialists
Medical professionals
Other Occupations: For roles not in shortage occupations or where the employee completed their education over three years ago, confirm they meet the income threshold of 4,025.00 EUR gross per month, totaling 48,300 EUR annually.
We recommend paying the employee more than the minimum income for the Blue Card, as the threshold usually increases every year.
If the employee has a salary at exactly the level of the Blue Card threshold for 2025, it is likely that they will no longer earn enough in 2026 to remain entitled to the Blue Card.
This is usually only noticeable when the employee wants to apply for a permanent residence permit, but will certainly cause frustration and dissatisfaction.
Step 2: Verify Employee Qualifications
Make sure that the employee has the following:
A university degree recognized in Germany that matches the content of the position
A job title that corresponds to the degree
A valid employment contract or a binding job offer from your company.
Step 3: Prepare Application Documents
Assist the employee in gathering necessary documentation:
Valid passport copies
Official proof of academic qualifications
Signed copy of the employment contract or job offer
Documentation proving the salary meets the specified thresholds (Payslips)
Health insurance confirmation
Completed EU Blue Card application form
Step 4: Facilitate the Application Process
Coordinate with the employee to submit the application either to local immigration authorities or a German embassy/consulate if the application is from outside the EU. Ensure all documents and forms are completed accurately to avoid delays.
Step 5: Support During the Waiting Period
Inform the employee of the expected processing times and maintain contact with him/her to answer any additional questions from the immigration authorities.
Highlight the Benefits of the EU Blue Card
Path to Permanent Residence: Employees can obtain permanent residency after 27 months, or 21 months if they have good German language skills.
Family Reunification: The Blue Card facilitates the relocation of family members, who can work immediately upon arrival.
· Qualified employment for at least 27 months and proof of paid contributions to the statutory pension insurance scheme.
· Proof of German language skills at level A1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). If knowledge of German at level B1 CEFR is proven, the time is reduced from 27 to 21 months.
· Basic knowledge of legal and social regulations and living conditions in Germany. As a rule, this can be demonstrated by taking the “Living in Germany” test.
· Proof of sufficient available living space.
· Proof that you have sufficient means of subsistence.
By providing comprehensive support and guidance, you ensure a smoother experience for your employees applying for the EU Blue Card, thus enhancing their ability to contribute to your organization's success in the EU.
In case you as an HR do not have time for all this, please feel free to contact us for a non-binding offer. We see it as our aim to assist both HR and your International employees having a smooth transition to Germany so they can start immediately working for you.
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