EU Blue Card England & Brexit
The EU Blue Card for English
Until a few years ago, it was still possible for citizens of the United Kingdom to take up a professional activity in Germany without further ado. As a citizen of a member state of the European Union, the principle of freedom of movement laid down in Art. 45 TFEU applied, which allows EU citizens to work and live in other EU member states without further requirements.
The situation changed when the United Kingdom left the EU, often referred to as Brexit. Due to the Brexit, the validity of the principle of freedom of movement also ceases to apply, which is why British citizens can no longer work and take up permanent residence in Germany without further ado.
As a third-country national, persons from the United Kingdom require a residence permit in order to be able to pursue gainful employment within Germany. After Brexit, the best possibility for UK citizens to obtain such a work permit is probably in the form of an EU Blue Card.
Requirements for the acquisition of an EU Blue Card for English citizens after Brexit
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In principle, a national visa is required for entry into Germany in order to subsequently apply for the EU Blue Card. However, this already shows an advantage that English citizens enjoy.
As a rule, there is no need to take the time-consuming step of applying for a national visa. Citizens of so-called privileged countries do not require an entry visa to apply for an EU Blue Card in Germany. These countries include the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. This simplifies the application process enormously. In addition to the UK, the USA, Canada, South Korea, Japan, Israel, Australia and New Zealand are also exempt from the need for an entry visa.
Nevertheless, certain requirements must be met in order to be able to apply for an EU Blue Card in Germany as a British national:
- Meeting a certain minimum salary threshold,
- Hold a university degree recognized in Germany,
- and possibly possession of a permit to practice the profession.
Further information on obtaining the EU Blue Card and the EU Blue Card in general can be found here (as of Nov. 2023).
Responsibility
A general competent authority for the application of the EU Blue Card for English citizens cannot be named. This is due to the fact that the competent authority varies depending on the city or municipality in which the future place of residence will be located.
More benefits of the EU Blue Card for English after Brexit
As a result of Brexit, English citizens have lost some benefits associated with the EU's free single market, such as the previously mentioned freedom of movement. The EU Blue Card for English nationals reopens some of these opportunities. EU Blue Card holders have easy access to the labor market in Germany and can easily live in Germany.
Within 21 months, the EU Blue Card allows English nationals to apply for a permanent residence permit, such as a settlement permit, if they have a German language level of B1. Otherwise, a permanent work and residence permit can be applied for after 27 months if simple language skills can be proven.
If you intend to become employed in Germany and now need an EU Blue Card as a result of the Brexit, we will be happy to support you throughout the application process.
More information about the EU Blue Card can be found here.
