To begin with, a university degree from Germany or a foreign equivalent are required. An alternative path is set forth under b): five years of professional experience working in a given field which provides the equivalent background of the missing university degree. This is particularly interesting for IT-professionals who have a strong CV but lack formal training.

The next requirement that must be met is designed to ensure that the Blue Card holder is able to support him or herself and his or her family whilst at the same time not needing to draw on Germany's (relatively) generous system of social services and public support. For International Standard Classification of Occupations categories 21, 221 and 25 (scientists, medical doctors, engineers, IT-professionals), annual income in the form of a contract offer equal to or greater than EUR 36,192.00 must be demonstrated to the immigration office. For workers not under these classifications, however, that number increases to EUR 46,000.00.

The German Employment Office (Arbeitsagentur) must also consent - usually a formality.

The Blue Card can be converted into permanent residency after either 33 months of paying into the German pension system or, alternatively, after 21 months of the same, under the condition that the Blue Card holder has at least a demonstrable B1 level of German. This incentivizes attending integration courses and learning the local language.

Sec. 20 Aufenthaltsgesetz provides a way for foreign researchers to remain in Germany.

Also of relevance, in particular for management professionals and investors, is Sec. 21 Aufenthaltsgesetz, which enables granting of residency to individuals who are generating significant regional investment or new employment opportunities. Instead of the wage income requirement familiar from Sec. 19 a Aufenthaltsgesetz, it is instead necessary to demonstrate proof of financing either through a bank loan or equity capital.

The German Constitution in Art. 6 subsec. 1 puts families under special legal protection, which finds its expression in Secs. 27 et seq of the Aufenthaltsgesetz. It is possible for family members to "chain immigrate" into Germany as long as one family member has a residency permit. As the law states with heartwarming idealism: