Germany — Work (EU Blue Card)

Main requirements

The Blue Card is for holders of a German degree or a foreign degree 'comparable' to a German one, with a job offer matching the qualification for at least 6 months from a German employer. Minimum gross annual salary for 2026 per the Federal Ministry of the Interior: EUR 50,700 (the Tehran embassy page still shows the 2025 figures of EUR 48,300 and 43,759.80, but the current year's figure applies); for shortage occupations, career starters (degree less than three years old) and IT specialists without a degree: EUR 45,934.20. At the lower threshold the Federal Employment Agency checks that pay, hours and leave match local employees. Shortage occupations include STEM, doctors, dentists, vets, pharmacists, academic nurses, teachers, architects and certain managers. IT specialists without a degree need at least three years of relevant academic-level experience within the last seven years.

Documents

Tehran embassy list: biometric photo; VIDEX form; passport; contract or job offer; 'Erklärung zum Beschäftigungsverhältnis' completed by the employer; German or English proof or employer confirmation; degree and transcripts with German translation certified by the Iranian MFA; recognition proof: for non-regulated professions two anabin printouts (university H+, degree 'entspricht' or 'vergleichbar'), or a ZAB statement if not listed; for regulated professions such as medicine the licence (Approbation/Berufsausübungserlaubnis); motivation letter; CV; work records, payslips and social insurance records; health insurance until employment starts; EUR 75 cash. The embassy stresses the degree name must exactly match the anabin record and that some foreign degrees count as vocational training in Germany.

Language

No fixed language level is set for the Blue Card itself; the embassy asks for German or English proof or employer confirmation that your skills suffice. German matters for faster settlement (see below).

Costs and proof of funds

No separate proof of funds since you have a salary. Costs: visa EUR 75 cash; ZAB statement (if needed) EUR 208, payable only by PayPal, credit card (Visa/Mastercard) or SEPA bank transfer; translations, insurance, travel and start-up costs (first rent and deposit).

Steps and timeline

Check anabin or get a ZAB statement first; ZAB normally takes 3 months but 2 weeks for a Blue Card case. Then find a job and sign a contract. Per the Tehran embassy (2026-10-14), TLScontact is issuing appointments 'from now on' to those who registered since 15 July 2026 on 'NEW National visa Employment: Blue Card EU (§18g AufenthG) without Pre-Approval'; spouse and minor children can apply at the same time. No waiting time is published. Work-visa files are processed by the Federal Office for Foreign Affairs (BfAA). Do not apply in neighbouring countries.

Notes for Iranian applicants

Check your own university in anabin; if your university or degree is not listed with H+ and the exact title, you need a ZAB statement. Your employer should understand the Tehran situation since appointments are scarce. Per the embassy site (2026-10-14) Iranian airspace is closed and there are reports of Iranians being refused exit at borders. Conscripts should check their exit permit first.

After arrival (work while studying, post-study stay, path to permanent residence)

Per the Federal Employment Agency, the Blue Card is issued for the contract term plus three months (up to four years for permanent contracts) and family reunion is possible. A settlement permit is possible after 27 months with German A1, or after 21 months with B1.