Automatic Blue Card lapse

Overview

Use this if you hold an EU Blue Card and stay outside Germany for about one year. Blue Cards can lapse under Section 51(10) after 365 days abroad unless an exception applies.

Timing to be aware of

365 days after departure

Reference only — your timing may differ. Confirm with the relevant office.

What you'll need

• Departure date
• Permit type

Common questions

Questions people often look up at this stage. Answers are general — confirm with the relevant office or a qualified professional.

• I have a Blue Card and want to change employers. Do I need permission?
• I already left Germany but forgot to do my Abmeldung. Is this a problem?
• The Foreigners' Office never replies to my emails. How can I get a response?

Related events

• Automatic permit lapse warning threshold
  Critical
  150 days after departure
• Automatic permit lapse (temporary permits)
  Critical
  180 days after departure
• Niederlassungserlaubnis lapse (general)
  Critical
  180 days after departure
• EU long-term permit lapse (outside EU)
  Critical
  365 days after departure
• Apply for long-absence extension certificate (Rückkehrberechtigung)
  Critical
  30 days before departure