Permit comparison
EU Blue Card (Germany) vs UK Skilled Worker Visa
The EU Blue Card and the UK Skilled Worker visa are both employer-sponsored high-skill routes that lead to permanent residence after five years, but they operate in entirely different immigration frameworks. The EU Blue Card offers intra-EU mobility after 18 months and is available across all participating EU member states; the UK Skilled Worker is tied to the UK post-Brexit points-based system with licensed-sponsor requirements. Salary thresholds and occupation eligibility rules differ substantially.
Side-by-side
Permit comparison
| Attribute |  EU Blue Card (Germany) |  UK Skilled Worker Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Best for · | Degree holders or other eligible tertiary-qualified applicants with a qualifying German offer | People with a concrete UK offer from a licensed sponsor in an eligible role |
| Minimum salary · | Statutory annual threshold linked to the pension ceiling; verify the current year's published figure before filing. | Usually at least GBP 41,700 per year or the occupation's going rate, whichever is higher; lower tradeable thresholds can apply in listed cases. |
| Timeline · | Varies by mission and local authority; do not plan around a short fixed window. | Usually around 3 weeks from outside the UK or 8 weeks from inside the UK once identity checks and documents are complete. |
| Difficulty · | High | High |
| Renewal path · | Renew every 4 years; long-term EU residence after 5 years (or 21 months in some member states). | Annual renewal; Indefinite Leave to Remain after 5 years. |
| Geographic mobility | Portable to other EU member states after 18 months of Blue Card residence. Better | UK-only; no rights to work in the EU under the Skilled Worker visa. |
| Employer sponsorship | Yes — qualifying offer required; no specific licence system for the employer. | Yes — employer must hold a UK Home Office sponsor licence and issue a CoS. |
| Settlement timeline | EU long-term residence after 5 years (or 21 months in some member states). Equal | Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 years continuous residence. Equal |
Data rows are drawn from official sources cited in each country guide. Editorial rows reflect our interpretation of official rules.
Nuestro veredicto
Which permit is right for you?
If your goal is to work in Europe with the option to move between EU countries, the Blue Card is the stronger long-term vehicle. If the UK is specifically your target and your employer holds a sponsor licence, the Skilled Worker visa is the standard route — processing times from outside the UK are typically around three weeks.
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Methodology: Data-derived rows are taken from each country's routes.json file, which is sourced from official government portals and legislation. Editorial rows are our interpretation of official rules and are clearly marked. Always verify current requirements with the issuing authority before filing. Read the methodology.