Extension applications are made at the local Foreigners' Office (Ausländerbehörde) in Germany. The process involves booking an appointment, submitting required documents (like a continuing employment contract and proof of meeting the salary threshold), and waiting for the new card

No, German language proficiency is not required for the EU Blue Card application for IT specialists. However, it can be beneficial for future integration and residency.

Essential documents include a valid passport, a signed job contract meeting the salary threshold, proof of three years of IT experience, and health insurance proof.

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Yes, the EU Blue Card provides options for family reunification, including bringing spouses and children to Germany. Spouses of Blue Card holders can often work in Germany without restrictions.

Visa processing at the embassy typically takes four to six weeks. The Blue Card issuance by the Ausländerbehörde in Germany takes three to four weeks, with a maximum of 90 days.

Employees apply for the initial visa at the German embassy or consulate in their home country or country of residence.

For 2025, the minimum gross annual blue card salary for IT specialists is €43,759.80.

The main change is that IT specialists can now qualify for the EU Blue Card with at least three years of professional IT experience within the last seven years, without needing a university degree.

Holders can bring their spouse and minor children to Germany. Family members may also receive work permits, allowing them to join the workforce. Holders who received their first Blue Card EU after the 1st of March, 2024, their parents or parents in law are also eligible for family reunion.

As of 2025, the minimum gross annual salary for IT specialists is €43,759.80. This threshold is lower than that of the standard EU Blue Card, reflecting Germany’s high demand for IT professionals. HR teams must ensure job offers meet or exceed this amount to qualify.

No strict language skills are required. While German proficiency can help with integration and certain roles, it’s not mandatory for the Blue Card itself—especially if the job relies on English or other languages. This flexibility is a boon for recruiting international IT talent

While the standard EU Blue Card applies to a wide range of highly skilled professionals, the IT Specialist version focuses solely on IT roles. It is the only Blue Card EU type without a requirement of university degree education level. It may feature:  

✅A lower salary threshold (compared to other professions under the standard Blue Card).

✅Potentially streamlined application processes to meet the urgent demand for IT skills.