The EU Blue Card is a temporary residence permit. It was issued for a limited period. You can apply to extend your EU Blue Card if your employment is expected to continue beyond the validity period of your EU Blue Card.

Apply for an extension of your EU Blue Card no later than eight weeks before it expires at the immigration office responsible for your place of residence.

The same requirements apply to the renewal of the EU Blue Card as to its initial issuance. In particular, you must be able to present an employment contract with a specific minimum salary and be engaged in work that is commensurate with your qualifications.

If you were required to participate in an integration course when your residence permit was first issued, this will be taken into account when renewing your residence permit. If you have not yet participated in an integration course, the Foreigners’ Registration Office may reject your application to renew your residence permit. If you have not yet completed the integration course, your residence permit will generally be extended for only one year at a time until you successfully complete the course or provide proof that you have otherwise integrated into social and community life.

In the event of renewal, your EU Blue Card will again be issued for a limited period.

The Blue Card is extended for a maximum of four years. If the duration of the employment contract is less than four years, the EU Blue Card is extended for the duration of the employment contract plus three months.

The Blue Card cannot be extended if this was already ruled out at the time of issuance or the most recent extension.

• You have a recognized and valid passport or passport substitute, as well as a valid EU Blue Card.
• Your EU Blue Card is set to expire in the near future.
• There are no grounds for deportation against you.
• You can cover your living expenses and health insurance coverage with your income without relying on public benefits.
• Your presence does not endanger or harm the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany.
• You have a concrete job offer or an employment contract with the same or another employer.
• Your salary will amount to at least two-thirds of the contribution assessment ceiling for the pension insurance system; for occupations in high demand (scientists, mathematicians, engineers, medical doctors, and IT specialists), it will amount to 52% of the annual contribution assessment ceiling. For the year 2020, the minimum annual gross salary is 55,200 euros for standard occupations and 43,056 euros for shortage occupations.
  The amount of the contribution assessment ceiling is announced each year by the Federal Ministry of the Interior, Building, and Home Affairs in the Federal Gazette by December 31 of the previous year.
• The employment must be commensurate with the individual’s qualifications.
• The Federal Employment Agency has approved your employment (approval is typically obtained from the Foreigners’ Registration Office).
  For approval, your working conditions (particularly your salary) must be comparable to those of a German employee in the same position.
• If required, you must hold a license to practice your profession (e.g., a license to practice as a pharmacist).

You must apply to renew your EU Blue Card at the immigration office responsible for your place of residence.

• Depending on the immigration office and the nature of your request, it may be possible to apply online. Check whether your immigration office offers the option to apply for the EU Blue Card electronically.
• If you can only apply in person, schedule an appointment with the Foreigners’ Registration Office.
• During the appointment, your application will be accepted and your supporting documents will be reviewed (please bring these with you to the appointment). Your fingerprints will be taken for the issuance of the EU Blue Card.
• If you submit your application online, the Foreigners’ Registration Office will contact you after receiving your online application to schedule an in-person appointment at the office. During the appointment, your supporting documents will be reviewed (please bring them with you to the appointment) and your fingerprints will be taken for the issuance of the EU Blue Card.
• If your application is approved, the Foreigners’ Registration Office will arrange for the EU Blue Card to be issued.
• After about six to eight weeks, you can pick up your EU Blue Card at the Foreigners’ Office.
• Fees apply for the renewal of the EU Blue Card. The timing and method of payment vary depending on the office.

• Information about the EU Blue Card on the website of the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (in German): https://www.bamf.de/DE/Themen/MigrationAufenthalt/ZuwandererDrittstaaten/Migrathek/BlaueKarteEU/blauekarteeu-node.html
• Information on the EU Blue Card on the website of the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (English): https://www.bamf.de/EN/Themen/MigrationAufenthalt/ZuwandererDrittstaaten/Migrathek/BlaueKarteEU/blauekarteeu-node.html
• Information on mobility with the EU Blue Card (German): https://www.bamf.de/DE/Themen/MigrationAufenthalt/ZuwandererDrittstaaten/MobilitaetEU/MobilitaetBlaueKarteEU/mobilitaet-blauekarteeu-node.html
• Information on mobility with the EU Blue Card (English): https://www.bamf.de/EN/Themen/MigrationAufenthalt/ZuwandererDrittstaaten/MobilitaetEU/MobilitaetBlaueKarteEU/mobilitaet-blauekarteeu-node.html

Section 8(1) in conjunction with Section 18b(2) of the Residence Act

§ 39 of the Residence Act

• Renewal of the EU Blue Card: no later than eight weeks before your current EU Blue Card expires
• Appeal period: 1 month

about six to eight weeks

The immigration office responsible for the applicant's place of residence

• Passport or passport substitute
• EU Blue Card
• Proof of sufficient funds to cover living expenses:

• Copy or original of the employment contract (to be submitted only if there have been changes)
• Proof of income for the last three months
• If changing employers: a specific job offer (please use the nationwide standard form “Declaration of Employment Status” for this) or an employment contract

• Current biometric photo
• Current certificate of residence
• Rental agreement
• Proof of health insurance
• If required to participate in an integration course: Certificate of successful completion of the integration course or other evidence of integration efforts

• Extension of the EU Blue Card

• for an additional stay of up to three months: EUR 96
• for an additional stay of more than three months: EUR 93

• Under certain conditions, a fee reduction or exemption may be granted.
  Note: The EU Blue Card in the form of an electronic residence permit must be reissued for the extension. The fee for reissuing the card is EUR 67.00.

• Forms: Declaration of Employment (standardized nationwide); additional agency-specific forms are available from your immigration office; in some cases, these are also available online
• Online procedures are possible in some cases
• Written form required: yes
• In-person appearance required: yes