Staying Outside Germany with an EU Blue Card: Rules and Guidelines

The EU Blue Card is a work and residence permit designed to attract highly skilled professionals from non-EU countries to work in Europe. Germany, as one of the leading issuers of EU Blue Cards, offers significant benefits to cardholders, including mobility within the EU and pathways to permanent residency. 

However, understanding the rules for staying outside Germany while holding an EU Blue Card is crucial for maintaining its validity and leveraging its advantages.

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Introduction on Staying Outside Germany

The EU Blue Card provides skilled professionals with access to the European labor market, enabling them to live and work in Germany or other EU countries. While it offers substantial flexibility in terms of mobility, there are specific regulations governing how long cardholders can stay outside Germany or the EU without jeopardizing their residency status.

This article explores these rules, focusing on the implications for long-term absences and mobility within the European Union.

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Key Details around Staying Outside Germany and not lose status

Duration of Stay Outside Germany

EU Blue Card holders issued by Germany can remain outside the country for up to 12 months without losing their residency status. This extended duration is designed to accommodate professional commitments or personal circumstances abroad. 

• General Rules: EU Blue Card holders can generally stay outside of Germany for up to 12 months without losing their residency status. If the absence exceeds this duration, they risk losing their Blue Card and associated rights.
• Notification Requirement: It is crucial for Blue Card holders to notify the immigration authorities before leaving Germany if they plan to stay abroad for an extended period. This notification helps maintain their residency status.
• Employment Considerations: While residing outside Germany, Blue Card holders are still required to hold a valid employment contract that meets the Blue Card criteria. If they intend to work in another country during their absence, they may need a separate work permit.

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Mobility Within the EU

The EU Blue Card facilitates both short-term and long-term mobility across member states:

• Travelling to Other EU-Countries: Blue Card holders can travel throughout the Schengen Area without needing a visa, provided their card was issued by a Schengen member state. This allows for short-term stays (up to 90 days within a 180-day period) for business or personal reasons.
• Long-Term Mobility: After residing in another EU member state with an EU Blue Card for at least 12 months, holders can move to Germany without needing a visa, although they must apply for a German EU Blue Card upon arrival.
• Family Reunification: Family members of EU Blue Card holders are entitled to reunification privileges, allowing them to join the holder in Germany without undergoing a visa process, provided certain conditions are met regarding living space and financial security.

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Employment Considerations

While staying abroad, cardholders must ensure:

• Their employment contract remains valid and meets Blue Card criteria (e.g., salary thresholds)
• Any intention to work in another country may require separate permits depending on local regulations

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Pathways to Permanent Residency

One of the most attractive features of the EU Blue Card is its pathway to permanent residency:

• Eligibility for Settlement Permit: After residing in Germany for 27 months, Blue Card holders can apply for a settlement permit if they meet certain conditions, including employment continuity and basic knowledge of the German language (A1 level). The requirement is reduced to 21 months for those with higher language proficiency (B1 level).
• Counting Time Abroad: Time spent working in another EU member state while holding an EU Blue Card counts towards the residency requirement for obtaining a permanent residence permit in Germany.

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Conclusion

The EU Blue Card offers unparalleled flexibility for highly skilled professionals seeking opportunities across Europe. While it allows extended stays outside Germany, cardholders must adhere to specific rules regarding duration and employment continuity. By understanding these regulations, holders can maximize their mobility rights while safeguarding their residency status. Whether planning long-term career moves or pursuing permanent residency, the EU Blue Card remains a valuable tool for navigating Europe's labor market.

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