Germany · Skilled Worker Visa
EU Blue Card (Section 18g AufenthG)
Section 18g AufenthG. Settlement permit after 27mo (A1 German) or 21mo (B1 German).
Section 18g AufenthG. Settlement permit after 27mo (A1 German) or 21mo (B1 German).
At a Glance
Eligibility Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Age Range | 18–65 |
| Job Offer Required | Yes |
| Sponsorship Required | Yes |
| Health Insurance Required | No |
Financial Requirements
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Minimum Salary | €50,700/yr |
Family & Rights
| Right | Details |
|---|---|
| Family Allowed | Yes |
| Spouse Can Work | Yes |
| Path to Permanent Residency | Yes |
Related Pathways
Cost of Living
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the EU Blue Card (Section 18g AufenthG)?
Section 18g AufenthG. Settlement permit after 27mo (A1 German) or 21mo (B1 German).
What are the financial requirements for the EU Blue Card (Section 18g AufenthG)?
Applicants need minimum salary of €50,700/yr. Additional costs may include relocation expenses, insurance, and document attestation.
Can I bring my family on the EU Blue Card (Section 18g AufenthG)?
Yes, this pathway allows family members including dependents. Your spouse may also be eligible to work.
Can the EU Blue Card (Section 18g AufenthG) lead to permanent residency?
Yes — this pathway can lead to permanent residence, subject to meeting the residence and other conditions. We do not publish a qualifying timeline for this route because we have no official source stating one; check with the relevant authority for the current residence requirement.
Are there alternative pathways to Germany?
Yes. Germany offers 7 other immigration pathways. Compare all options on our Germany country page.
What is the cost of living in Germany?
Monthly costs for a single person in city center: Berlin: €2,200/mo; Munich: €2,536/mo; Hamburg: €2,090/mo. These include rent, groceries, transport, and utilities.
Does your profile fit this route?
Take the free 3-minute quiz — see where you qualify across 2,500+ routes, and what's blocking you.
Official source
Requirements on this page are based on this official/primary source:
Data last verified: 2026-06-24 · See our methodology
Complete guide to emigrating to Germany →
This page may contain affiliate links. See our disclosure.