- Eligibility & Documentation: Employees must still have their old passport (or a police report if lost) and have not stayed abroad for over 12 months. Required documents include both passports, the current EU Blue Card with addendum, biometric photo, and (if needed) a police report.
- Application & Authorities: The transfer is handled at the local immigration office (Ausländerbehörde) or town hall (Bürgeramt), depending on the location. Appointments are usually booked online or by phone, and HR should ensure all documents are prepared to avoid delays.
- Processing & Fees: The new residence card is typically issued within 5–6 weeks, with standard fees around €67 (lower for Turkish nationals). Salary levels are not rechecked during this process.
- HR Best Practices: Book appointments early, verify regional differences, and monitor processing timelines to maintain work authorization continuity. Reference official sources like BAMF or Service Berlin for updated procedures.
As an HR professional in Germany, you may need to support employees holding an EU Blue Card (Blaue Karte EU) when their passport expires. The EU Blue Card, typically valid for four years, is often linked to the passport’s expiry date. Because the card stores the old passport number, a new electronic residence permit (eAT) must be issued when the passport changes. When an employee gets a new passport, transferring the EU Blue Card is essential to ensure compliance and uninterrupted work authorization. This guide covers eligibility, the process, requirements, where to apply, appointment details, salary considerations, processing times, fees, and key tips to streamline the process for your team.
Eligibility for Transferring an EU Blue Card (Blaue Karte EU Übertragung)
To transfer an EU Blue Card to a new passport, your employee must meet these criteria:
- Old Passport Availability: The old passport must still be presentable. If it’s lost or stolen, a police report (Polizeibericht) is required instead.
- Time Gap: The period between the old passport’s expiry date and the new passport’s issuance must not exceed 12 months.
- Travel History: The employee must not have stayed abroad with their EU Blue Card for more than 12 consecutive months.
This is important to avoid delays or complications for your employee.
What are the Documents required for Transferring EU Blue Card to New Passport?
Based on German regulations, the following documents are required for the transfer:
- Old Passport: Must be submitted unless lost or stolen. If you lost your old passport or it had been stolen, please provide a report to the police instead
- Police Report: Required if the old passport is missing (Polizeibericht bei Verlust).
- EU Blue Card: The current card linked to the old passport.
- Addendum (Zusatzblatt): An accompanying document to the Blue Card.
- New Passport: The newly issued passport.
- Biometric Passport Photo: biometrisches Passfoto
Ensure your employee has these ready to avoid unnecessary back-and-forth with authorities.
What is the Application Process to Transfer EU Blue Card to a New Passport?
The application process for transferring the EU Blue Card to a new passport involves several steps:
- Determine the Responsible Authority: The transfer can be handled by either the town hall (Bürgeramt) or the local immigration office (Ausländerbehöre), depending on the type of process (e.g., lost/stolen passport) and the location. For instance, in Berlin, the Berlin Immigration Office may be responsible if the old passport is not present or the EU Blue Card was issued there.
- Book an Appointment: Appointments are typically required and can be booked online through the local authority's portal or by phone. The specific process may vary by region, so HR should guide employees to check the local immigration office's website, such as Service Berlin.
- Submit Documents: At the appointment, all required documents must be presented for review and processing.
- Wait for Processing: After submission, the new residence permit card is issued, with a typical processing time of 5-6 weeks.
Where to Apply for Transferring EU Blue Card to a New Passport (Zuständige Behörden)?
The application should be made to the local immigration office or town hall, depending on the specific circumstances and location. For example:
- In Berlin, if the EU Blue Card was issued there and the old passport is complete, the Citizens Registration Office (Bürgeramt) may handle the transfer, otherwise, the Berlin Immigration Office is responsible.
- HR professionals should direct employees to their local authority, such as checking with the nearest Ausländerbehöre for precise instructions.
Rules vary by region, so confirm the responsible office locally.
Appointment Details (Terminvereinbarung)
Most German authorities require an appointment (Termin) for residence permit matters. HR can assist by:
- Booking: Appointments are usually booked online through the local authority's portal or by phone. Service Berlin, for example, offers online booking. Search using terms like “Blaue Karte Übertragung” or “Residence Permit Update.”
- Preparation: HR should ensure that employees have all documents ready and meet eligibility criteria before booking to avoid delays. The specific steps for booking may vary, so checking the local authority's website is recommended. Some offices offer English support, though German helps.
- Wait Times: While not explicitly stated, some regions may have wait times for appointments, especially during peak periods. HR can advise employees to book early to secure a slot.
Appointments can fill up quickly, so plan ahead, especially if travel is imminent.
Is the Salary Threshold Rechecked on Transfer?
Salary is not rechecked when you transfer a Blue Card to a new passport. The threshold matters at first issuance (€50,700 gross for general occupations, or €45,934.20 for shortage occupations and recent graduates in 2026, per Make it in Germany). Routine updates like a new passport or address change do not trigger a fresh salary check. As long as the employee met the threshold when the card was first issued, no further salary verification is needed.
Processing Time (Bearbeitungszeit)
The processing time for issuing the new residence permit card is typically 5-6 weeks (Bearbeitungszeit: 5-6 Wochen), based on the provided information. This timeline allows HR to plan for potential delays in employee documentation, ensuring continuity of work authorization.
If the employee needs to re-enter Germany during processing, the rules differ by nationality, see which passports qualify for visa-free entry to Germany and EU Blue Card exemptions.
Fees (Gebühren)
The fee for transferring the EU Blue Card to a new passport is approximately 67 euros, as indicated by Service Berlin. However, fees may vary by location, and special rates apply for certain nationalities, such as Turkish citizens (27.60 euros until age 24, 46.00 euros from age 24). Please confirm the exact fee with local immigration office to avoid surprises.
Can Employees Travel While the Transfer Is Processed?
Key Points: EU Blue Card Transfer Checklist
A passport transfer isn't the same as a renewal. When the card itself is nearing expiry, follow our guide to renewing a German residence permit or work permit instead.
Conclusion
That covers the full transfer process. Prepare the documents early, book the Ausländerbehörde or Bürgeramt appointment as soon as the new passport arrives, and allow five to six weeks for the new card. For current, location-specific details, check official sources like BAMF or your local immigration office.
Disclaimer: Immigration rules change quite frequently; please verify with official sources or contact us for the latest info before making any decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Transferring an EU Blue Card to a New Passport in Germany
Glossary: Blue Card Transfer
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