Federal Republic of Germany
EU Blue Card (Germany) fees
The EU Blue Card in Germany costs roughly €185 in government fees for a single applicant — one of the cheapest skilled-worker routes in the OECD.
Headline total
€185
Single applicant, visa + residence title, no translations
Currency
EUR (Euro)
Last checked
20 April 2026
Itemised fees
| Fee component | Amount | Mandatory? |
|---|---|---|
National visa (D-visa) at German mission abroad Required for entry to Germany; followed by a residence-title application inside Germany. | €75 | Yes |
Residence title (Blue Card) — issuance Charged at the local Ausländerbehörde on first issuance. | €100 | Yes |
Residence title — extension | €96 | Optional |
Residence title — settlement permit conversion Niederlassungserlaubnis fee after meeting the 21/27/33-month Blue Card pathway to PR. | €113 | Optional |
Biometric passport photos (local photo studio) | €10 | Yes |
Certified translation of diploma (if required) Recognition via anabin database may replace this; check degree H+ status first. | €100 | Optional |
Worked example
Single applicant, visa + residence title, no translations — €185
- €75 D-visa at mission abroad
- €100 residence-title issuance at Ausländerbehörde
- €10 biometric photos
Dependant fees
Family reunion D-visas: €75 each. Residence titles for family members: €100 on issuance, €96 on extension. Children under 18 pay reduced rates (typically half).
Why fees change
Federal fees in the Aufenthaltsverordnung have been stable since 2023. Länder administer issuance and can charge modest local surcharges. Always confirm with the responsible Ausländerbehörde.
Primary source
Make it in Germany — EU Blue Card
https://www.make-it-in-germany.com/en/visa-residence/types/eu-blue-card
Frequently asked questions
How much does the EU Blue Card (Germany) cost in government fees?
The EU Blue Card in Germany costs roughly €185 in government fees for a single applicant — one of the cheapest skilled-worker routes in the OECD. The worked example assumes single applicant, visa + residence title, no translations, totalling €185. Fees for dependants, priority service, or higher-tier salary bands change the total — see the itemised table above.
Are these fees refundable if my application is refused?
Most application fees are non-refundable once the government begins processing. Some jurisdictions refund specific components (e.g. Canada's Right of Permanent Residence Fee refunds if refused; UK IHS refunds if the visa is refused). Check the linked primary source for the route you are applying to.
How often do these fees change?
Federal fees in the Aufenthaltsverordnung have been stable since 2023. Länder administer issuance and can charge modest local surcharges. Always confirm with the responsible Ausländerbehörde.
Do dependants pay the same fees as the primary applicant?
Family reunion D-visas: €75 each. Residence titles for family members: €100 on issuance, €96 on extension. Children under 18 pay reduced rates (typically half).