Hi Everyone,
My German BlueCard was issued in May 2023 and shows "18b ABS. 2 S.1" in the remarks section. However, it seems like Section 18b has been altogether removed and replaced with the Section 18g for BlueCard holders in the latest German Residence Act. Is there any written information on 18b being replaced by 18g? And if not, then what is now the value of 18b ABS. 2 S.1 on my current BlueCard.
I appreciate any and all inputs in this regard.
Thank you.
Moderation
Hi floydinde, thank you for your question on our platform. Indeed, there was a change in the residence law regarding the blue card in November 2023.
You can see what was changed for paragraph 18b here: https://www.buzer.de/gesetz/4752/al186938-0.htm
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There is not need to worry, this change should not affect your current status, once you renew your residency the remarks in your ID card should be adjusted to the updated paragraph, as long as you fulfill the conditions of the Blue Card residency.
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Your current status will still be a blue card, this is now also regulated in 18g as you mentioned. You can find the law here: https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/aufenthg_2004/__18g.html
More information on the Blue Card and the new regulations can be found here: https://handbookgermany.de/en/eu-blue-card
I am happy to answer any further questions if you have any.
Best wishes
Thanks a bunch! Quick follow up questions though- in the old law, a blue card holder could only change their job after completing 2 years with their employer. And in the new law, 1 year of service with the current employer is sufficient to work freely with a different employer. Which situation will apply in my case? Can I freely change my employer according to the current law or am I still bound by the previous law?
Many thanks in advance.
Hi floydinde, thanks for the follow up question. We have a detailed chapter on the job change with a blue card, which you can read up on. If you have further questions, please get back to us.
https://handbookgermany.de/en/eu-blue-card#faq_435
What has changed is that you no longer need approval from the immigration office for a job change if you have worked there for 12months or more (You still need approval before that)
What is important to do is to inform the immigration office of your job change within due time. Usually 1-2months before your job change.
Best wishes