Hello Detlef,

I created a new thread so that you could provide some information for existing NON-EU workers living in Germany.

Last year, the experts at Trust7 really helped me a lot when I was moving to Germany. I am now living and working in Germany in IT field since 1 year. I am in due to move to another city from 1st July 2012, so I was thinking that when I change my address, I could check if I can apply for Blue card. So I got 2 questions:
- Is this blue card applicable only to those who found a new job or Can existing people apply for it?

- Could you please let me know if its a good idea that I can apply for blue card in July (when I change my address)?

Do you have any comments / suggestions for my situation?

Thanks in advance,
Meenakshi

You need to understand that nothing is certain right now as the law is still being discussed in parliament. So no one (including Detlef) can give you a qualified opinion right now. Still just some hints about the changes being planned.

The law change which is being discussed right now covers two types of residence permits:

1. Blue Card - of limited duration (3 yrs), you need a minimum salary of 40000 euros to get it and 33000 if you are in a group of skills which Germany needs like IT industry
2. Niederlassungserlaubnis for highly qualified people - unlimited/permanent residence, minimum salary of 48000 (till now 67000), you need to prove you are highly qualified (either manager/specialist or scientist), you can change employers without any problem, you can even start a business

To your questions:

1. Yes this rule will automatically apply to professionals already settled (atleast this is how it has been past).
2. Once the law has been passed, you can apply anytime you want - whether in July or at any other time is your choice. In general, I would suggest you should wait till you completely move and then apply in the new city. Because your file would get moved from foreigners office in city X to city Y.

Law will be discussed in Bundestag next week. I assume that it still might take 2-3 months to get passed as´the Green and the Social Democrat party have their recommendations and they would like to get the proposed law amended.