The EU Blue Card is a new residence title for specific purposes, used in Germany since 2012. This is targeted at well educated immigrants and aims to make Germany more attractive. It grants the right to work and live in Germany. Thanks to the introduction of the EU blue card in Germany, the permanent immigration of highly educated skilled employees is made easier.

At the same time as the EU blue card was introduced, Germany benefited from a new residence law which improves the legal conditions for an occupation admission of foreign students after the end of their study at a German university.