Is it possible to get a European Green Card while studying in Germany?
While Europe doesn't exactly have a “Green Card” like the United States, there's something even better: the Blue Card EU, which is practically the golden passport to a solid professional life in the Old Continent. The truth is that Germany has become a kind of “VIP gateway” for those who want to build a true international career.
What is the EU Blue Card?
Think about Blue Card EU like a super-visa that gives you almost all the rights of a European citizen, except voting. It's like a turbocharged Green Card, because in addition to allowing you to work and live in Germany, it also gives you the right to move freely throughout the European Union.
O Blue Card EU is your gateway to living and working in Europe, and the most interesting part is that you don't have to start as a billionaire CEO. In fact, the most intelligent and accessible way to obtain this document is precisely through studies.
The European Blue Card was created specifically to attract qualified talent to the continent. And here's some information that few know: Germany is the country that issues the most Blue Cards in Europe - about 85% of all cards issued on the continent come from there!
Why is Germany the ideal place to start?
Germany isn't just another European country; it's practically Europe's economic engine. With the third largest economy in the world and a huge shortage of qualified professionals, the country created a true “red carpet” for international students.
The numbers speak for themselves: more than 2 million vacancies are open in the German market, especially in the areas of technology, engineering, health and research. And the best? The German minimum wage in 2025 is €12.82 per hour - which means that even part-time jobs during studies already guarantee a decent income.
For those who are planning study and work in Germany, the opportunities are even more attractive. During the course, you can work up to 20 hours a week, and after graduating, you have the right to stay in the country for up to 18 months looking for a job - more than enough time to get that dream job that will qualify you for the Blue Card.
The Blue Card study path
This is where things get really interesting. There's no magic formula, but there's a well-paved path that works like this:
First step: Obtaining a student visa , or student visa for Germany it's your first “foot in the door”. With it, you can study, work part-time and start building your network of professional contacts. It's like planting a seed that will grow and turn into real opportunities.
Second step: Focus on strategic areas, not all courses get you the Blue Card as easily. The areas with the highest demand are technology, engineering, natural sciences, mathematics, and medicine. If you have an aptitude for IT, for example, the EU Blue Card for IT career in Germany may be your most direct path.
Third step: Take advantage of graduate opportunities, Once you graduate, you have 18 months to find a job that pays at least €43,992 per year (or €39,682 if it's in areas with high demand).
The recent changes that made everything easier
In 2023, Germany implemented significant changes to immigration legislation that made the process even more accessible. O New German visa makes it easier for skilled workers to immigrate in ways that were previously unthinkable.
One of the main new features is that you can now apply for the Blue Card even before you have an employment contract in hand, as long as you have the necessary qualifications. It's as if the German government is saying, “Come on, we know you'll find work here.”
In addition, the time needed to obtain permanent residence has been reduced. With the Blue Card, you can apply for permanent residence in as little as 33 months (or up to 21 months if you are proficient in German level B1).
Benefits that go beyond the obvious
When we talk about Blue Card, many people think only of the right to work. But the benefits go far beyond:
Total mobility in Europe: With the Blue Card, you can work in any country in the European Union after 18 months in Germany. It's like having a passport for 27 different countries.
Facilitated family reunification: One of the best parts is that you can bring your family along. O exchange for families in Germany it's a reality, and your spouse automatically gains the right to work in the country.
Access to the German benefits system: First-rate public health system, free education (including university), generous maternity/paternity leave, and a robust retirement system. It's like getting a complete “upgrade” in quality of life.
Path to European Citizenship: After 8 years of residence (which can be reduced to 6 or even 5 years under certain conditions), you can apply for German citizenship. And with it, comes the German passport - one of the most powerful in the world.
Practical Requirements: What You Need to Know
To obtain the EU Blue Card through studies in Germany, you will need:
- Recognized university degree - your Brazilian degree can be recognized through a specific process, or you can invest in the path that gives you the most opportunities, a master's degree in Germany.
- Qualified job offer - the job must require higher education
- Specific minimum wage - currently €43,992 annually (or €39,682 for priority areas)
- Language proficiency - it's not mandatory to speak German for the Blue Card, but it obviously helps a lot
The interesting thing is that many Brazilians discover that their qualifications are more valued in Germany than they imagined. IT professionals, engineers, doctors, and researchers often find better opportunities than they would have in Brazil.
Strategic planning: how to make it work
The secret to turning your studies in Germany into a Blue Card is not only in choosing the right course, but in strategically planning each step:
During the studies:
- Learn German (even if your course is in English)
- Do internships at German companies
- Build a professional network of contacts
- Attend career fairs and events in your area
In recent semesters:
- Start applying for jobs before you even graduate
- Consider doing your dissertation/TCC in partnership with a company
- Take advantage of 18 post-graduation months as a transition period, not an emergency period
For those with families: Germany is extremely family-friendly. Your spouse can work immediately, and your children have access to free public education. Many Brazilian families find that the standard of living in Germany is significantly better, even with salaries that, converted to reais, may seem similar.
The real challenges (and how to overcome them)
It would be dishonest not to mention that the path has its obstacles. The main challenge for most Brazilians is the language barrier. Although many German companies work in English, especially in the area of technology, mastering German opens up many more doors.
Another important point is the cultural issue. The German work environment is different from the Brazilian one - more direct, punctual and hierarchical. But this also has its advantages: salaries paid strictly on time, respected labor rights, and a real work-life balance.
Be Easy
Na Be Easy, we know that each exchange dream is unique, and that is why we offer personalized support for those who want to transform studying in Germany into an international life opportunity. Our specialized team accompanies you from the choice of the course to the first steps in the German labor market, because we understand that studying abroad is much more than a degree - it is building a future. Contact us and discover how we can help you make your dream of living in Europe a reality!
