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

Apply for an extension of your EU Blue Card at least eight weeks before the expiry date at the immigration office responsible for your place of residence.

The same requirements apply to the extension of the EU Blue Card as to its initial issuance. In particular, you must be able to present an employment contract with a certain minimum salary and be employed in a position 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 extending your residence permit. If you have not yet participated in an integration course, the immigration office may reject your application for renewal of your residence permit. If you have not yet completed the integration course, your residence permit will generally only be extended for one year at a time until you have successfully completed the course or provided evidence that you have integrated into social life in some other way.

In the event of an extension, your EU Blue Card will again be limited in duration.

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 excluded when it was issued or last extended.

• You have a recognized and valid passport or passport substitute and a valid EU Blue Card.
• The validity period of your EU Blue Card will expire in the near future.
• There are no grounds for expulsion against you.
• You can cover your living expenses and health insurance from your income without claiming public benefits.
• Your stay does not jeopardize or impair 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 be at least 2/3 of the contribution assessment ceiling for pension insurance, or 52% of the annual contribution assessment ceiling for shortage occupations (scientists, mathematicians, engineers, medical doctors, IT specialists). For 2020, the annual gross minimum salary is €55,200 in standard occupations and €43,056 in shortage occupations. The
  contribution assessment ceiling is announced each year by December 31 of the previous year by the Federal Ministry of the Interior, Building and Community in the Federal Gazette.
• The employment must be commensurate with the qualification.
• The Federal Employment Agency has approved the employment (approval is usually obtained from the immigration authorities). In order
  to obtain approval, your working conditions (in particular your salary) must be comparable to those of a German employee in the same position.
• If necessary, you have a license to practice your profession (e.g., license to practice as a pharmacist).

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

• Depending on the immigration office and your specific situation, it may be possible to apply online. Find out whether your immigration office offers electronic application for the EU Blue Card.
• If the application can only be made in person, make an appointment with the immigration office.
• During the appointment, your application will be accepted and your supporting documents will be checked (please bring these with you to the appointment). Your fingerprints will be taken for the issuance of the EU Blue Card.
• If you apply online, the immigration office will contact you after receiving your online application to arrange an appointment at the immigration office. During the appointment, your supporting documents will be checked (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 produced.
• After about six to eight weeks, you can pick up your Blue Card at the immigration office.
• There are fees for renewing the EU Blue Card. The timing and form of payment vary depending on the authority.

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

Section 39 Residence Act

• Extension 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 replacement
• EU Blue Card
• Proof of means of subsistence:

• Copy or original of the employment contract (only to be submitted in case of changes)
• Proof of income for the last three months
• If changing employers: specific job offer (please use the standard nationwide form Declaration of Employment Relationship ) or an employment contract

• Current biometric photo
• Current registration certificate
• Rental agreement
• Proof of your health insurance
• If you are required to participate in an integration course: certificate of successful participation in the integration course or other evidence of integration efforts

• Extension of the EU Blue Card

• for a further stay of up to three months: EUR 96
• for a further stay of more than three months: EUR 93

• Under certain conditions, a reduction or exemption from fees may be considered.
  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 forms specific to your local authorities can be obtained from your immigration office; these may also be available online
• Online procedures possible in some cases
• Written form required: yes
• Personal appearance required: yes