🇩🇪 Germany — German Embassy Seoul / Ausländerbehörde

Germany EU Blue Card — Korean Documents Required

The EU Blue Card (Blaue Karte EU) is Germany's primary work visa pathway for non-EU professionals with recognized university degrees. Korean nationals applying for the Blue Card need to present their qualifications to the German Embassy in Seoul and, after arrival, to the Ausländerbehörde. All Korean academic documents must be apostilled by MOFA and translated by a vereidigte Übersetzer (sworn translator officially accredited by a German state court).

Required Korean Documents

University Diploma

학위증명서Required

Apostilled 학위증명서 with certified German translation by a vereidigte Übersetzer. The Blue Card requires a recognized university degree — the degree may need to be assessed for equivalency via the anabin database or through the Central Office for Foreign Education (KMK/BMBF).

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Academic Transcript

성적증명서Required

Apostilled official transcript with certified German translation. Required for the anabin recognition process and by the Ausländerbehörde.

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Basic Certificate (Birth Certificate)

기본증명서Required

Apostilled 기본증명서 with certified German translation. Required for registration with the German Einwohnermeldeamt (resident registration) and the Ausländerbehörde.

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May Also Be Required

Family Relations Certificate

가족관계증명서

Apostilled 가족관계증명서 with certified German translation. Required if bringing family members to Germany under the Blue Card family reunification provisions.

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Step-by-Step Process

1
Secure a binding job offer from a German employer with a salary meeting the Blue Card threshold (€45,300 gross for most professions; €41,041.80 for shortage occupations as of 2024)
2
Check if your Korean degree is recognized in Germany using the anabin database (anabin.kmk.org). If not listed or status is 'H+' or below, a formal recognition assessment may be required
3
Apply for the Blue Card at the German Embassy in Seoul or enter Germany on a job seeker visa first and apply at the Ausländerbehörde after arrival
4
Submit apostilled Korean diploma and transcript (with certified German translations) as part of the application
5
After receiving the Blue Card, register your address (Anmeldung) at the local Einwohnermeldeamt within 14 days of arrival
6
After 21–33 months of Blue Card employment (21 months with B1 German language), you may apply for a German settlement permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis)

Tips & Common Mistakes

Check the anabin database before starting your document preparation — if your Korean university/degree is listed with H+ status, you may need additional formal recognition steps
The salary threshold for the Blue Card changes annually — confirm the current threshold with the German Embassy or your employer's HR
Vereidigte Übersetzer translations for Korean-German academic documents are specialized — book in advance as availability can be limited
Family members can join you in Germany under the Blue Card's favorable family reunification provisions — their civil documents also need apostille and German translation
The Blue Card issued in Germany is only valid in Germany; working in other EU countries requires separate work authorization

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my Korean degree need to be formally recognized before I can get a Blue Card?

Your Korean degree needs to be at least comparable to a German university degree. Check anabin.kmk.org — if your Korean institution and degree are listed with H+ status (fully comparable), formal recognition is not required. If the status is unclear or lower, a formal recognition assessment through anabin or the relevant German state authority may be needed.

What type of German translation is required for my Korean diploma?

German authorities require a translation by a vereidigte Übersetzer — a sworn translator officially accredited by a German state court (Landgericht). Standard certified translations from non-accredited translators are not accepted by the German Embassy or Ausländerbehörde.

Can I apply for the German Blue Card from Seoul or do I need to be in Germany?

You can apply at the German Embassy in Seoul from Korea. Alternatively, you can enter Germany on a 90-day Schengen visa (if eligible) and apply for the Blue Card at the Ausländerbehörde after arrival. The German Embassy route is more straightforward for applicants still in Korea.

🇩🇪

Student Visa (Studienvisum)

Germany

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Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker / CEC / FST)

Canada

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H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa

United States

🇩🇪 All apostille services for Germany

Documents, services, and requirements for sending Korean documents to Germany

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