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🇩🇪 Germany — German Embassy Seoul / Ausländerbehörde
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).
University Diploma
학위증명서RequiredApostilled 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).
Academic Transcript
성적증명서RequiredApostilled official transcript with certified German translation. Required for the anabin recognition process and by the Ausländerbehörde.
How to apostille this documentBasic Certificate (Birth Certificate)
기본증명서RequiredApostilled 기본증명서 with certified German translation. Required for registration with the German Einwohnermeldeamt (resident registration) and the Ausländerbehörde.
How to apostille this documentFamily Relations Certificate
가족관계증명서Apostilled 가족관계증명서 with certified German translation. Required if bringing family members to Germany under the Blue Card family reunification provisions.
How to apostille this documentSecure 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)
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
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
Submit apostilled Korean diploma and transcript (with certified German translations) as part of the application
After receiving the Blue Card, register your address (Anmeldung) at the local Einwohnermeldeamt within 14 days of arrival
After 21–33 months of Blue Card employment (21 months with B1 German language), you may apply for a German settlement permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis)
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.
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