Germany: New Visa Rules Simplify Process for Nigerians Ready to Relocate, Work

Explore new work opportunities in Europe! Germany has revamped its visa rules, making it easier for skilled Nigerians to obtain the blue card. Discover reduced income thresholds, eligibility for recent graduates and IT professionals, and simplified travel for blue card holders. Seize the chance to apply and embark on a rewarding professional journey.

Skilled Nigerians aspiring to work in Europe now have an excellent opportunity, as Germany has revamped its visa requirements to simplify the process of obtaining the coveted blue card visa. The blue card is a residence permit designed for qualified non-EU foreign nationals seeking employment in an EU country, providing an accelerated path to permanent residency.

Key Changes in Blue Card Requirements:

Income Threshold Reduction:

• The annual income requirement for the blue card has been significantly reduced. For sought-after fields like mathematics, healthcare, and IT, the threshold is lowered from €58,400 to €39,682.80. Other workers must now earn €43,800 to qualify.

Eligibility for Recent Graduates and IT Professionals:

• Recent university graduates within the last three years and IT professionals with a minimum of three years of experience, even without a degree, are now eligible for the blue card at a reduced salary.

Work-Related Travel for Blue Card Holders:

• Blue card holders from another EU country can visit Germany for up to 90 days for work-related trips without the need for a visa.

Long-Term Residence for Blue Card Holders in Another EU Country:

• Individuals residing in another EU country on a blue card for at least a year can now live and work in Germany long-term without requiring a visa.

How to Apply for a Blue Card:

Application Process:

Complete the blue card application available on the official Germany ServicePortal Berlin.

Submit the application to the German embassy in Abuja or Lagos.

Detailed Application Information:

For comprehensive details on the application process, refer to the provided link.

Germany’s commitment to attracting skilled foreign workers is evident in these policy changes, offering new opportunities for Nigerians seeking employment in Europe. The simplified process aims to make the relocation and employment of skilled professionals more accessible and streamlined.

FAQs: Germany’s Updated Blue Card Visa Rules

1. What is the European Blue Card? The European Blue Card is a residence permit for qualified non-EU foreign nationals, allowing them to work in an EU country. Germany has recently made changes to its blue card requirements.

2. What are the key changes in Germany’s blue card requirements? a. Reduced annual income threshold, especially in fields like mathematics, healthcare, and IT. b. Eligibility for recent university graduates within the last three years. c. IT professionals with at least three years of experience can qualify, even without a degree.

3. How has the annual income requirement changed? The annual income threshold for sought-after fields has been reduced from €58,400 to €39,682.80. Other workers must now earn €43,800 to qualify for the Blue Card.

4. Who is eligible for the Blue Card under the new rules? Recent university graduates within the last three years and IT professionals with three years of experience are now eligible for the Blue Card.

5. Can Blue Card holders from another EU country work in Germany without a visa? Yes, holders of Blue Cards from another EU country can visit Germany for up to 90 days on work-related trips without a visa.

6. Can those with a Blue Card in another EU country live and work in Germany without a visa? Yes, individuals living in another EU country on a Blue Card for at least a year can now live and work in Germany long-term without needing a visa.

7. How can I apply for a Blue Card? To apply, complete the Blue Card application and submit it to the German embassy in Abuja or Lagos. Detailed application information is available Click here

8. Where can I find the updated list of professions eligible for the Blue Card? You can find the complete and updated list of professions eligible for the Blue Card.

9. Are there any specific requirements for IT professionals without a degree? IT professionals with at least three years of experience can qualify for the Blue Card even without a degree.

10. How can I get more information about the Blue Card application process? For further details on the application process, please check the official [website](provide the link) or contact the German embassy in Abuja or Lagos.

November 16, 2023