Visa Berlin

Germany: EU Blue Card Permanent Residence Rules Updated

27 August 2026 Matthias Kurth

What this means for you

For those considering relocation to Germany, this clarifies the timeline and language requirements for obtaining permanent residency via the EU Blue Card, as well as benefits for accompanying family members.

Now EU Blue Card holders with good German language skills can obtain a permanent residence permit after 21 months of highly qualified employment, while family members do not need German language skills before entry and can work immediately. The EU Commission proposed a reform in June 2016 to lower salary thresholds and improve mobility, with negotiations still ongoing.

Flootloop has detected an update regarding EU Blue Card permanent residence and reform in Germany (DE). Previously, specific details on this topic were not available.

According to available data, EU Blue Card holders in Germany with good German language skills can now obtain a permanent residence permit after 21 months of highly qualified employment. Family members accompanying Blue Card holders do not require German language skills before entry and are permitted to work immediately.

Additionally, the EU Commission proposed a reform in June 2016 to lower salary thresholds and improve mobility for Blue Card holders, with negotiations on this proposal still ongoing.

Source www.bmi.bund.de ↗