Figures on the EU Blue Card , format: Article, area: Authority

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The implementation of the EU Blue Card in 2012 made it considerably easier for highly-qualified specialists from third countries to migrate to Germany. Its legal foundation is provided by section 18b subs. 2 of the Residence Act (Aufenthaltsgesetz – AufenthG). The EU Blue Card continues to constitute a major element within labour migration to Germany after the regulations were expanded by the Immigration Act for Skilled Workers (Fachkräfteeinwanderungsgesetz) in 2020.

A total of almost 25,000 first-time EU Blue Cards were issued in 2021 (i.e. not including extensions). Somewhat more than half of their holders had already been issued with another German residence title, for example as a student. The remainder went to persons who had never held a residence title before, so that they can be assumed to be new immigrants.

Source: Central Register of Foreigners

To which nationalities are EU Blue Card being issued?

Roughly one-quarter of first-time EU Blue Cards were issued to Indian nationals in 2021, who therefore led the field by far in terms of being the largest nationality group. They were followed by nationals from Turkey, China, the Russian Federation and Iran.

A pie chart shows the breakdown of the EU Blue Card recipients and their nationalities Source: Central Register of Foreigners

How has the number of EU Blue Card holders developed in recent years?

Roughly 70,000 holders of an EU Blue Card were registered as being resident in Germany at the end of 2021, this being roughly one-third more than as per 31 December 2018. At the same time, the number of former EU Blue Card holders who subsequently received a corresponding settlement permit (in accordance with section 18c subs. 2 of the Residence Act) doubled during this period.

diagram Source: Central Register of Foreigners

Where do the figures come from?

The above figures on the EU Blue Card in Germany come from an evaluation of the Central Register of Foreigners.

You will find further information and statistics on the topic of labour migration in general, and on the EU Blue Card in particular, by clicking on Educational and Labour Migration Monitoring or on the page containing information on the EU Blue Card (s. links at "further information").