A Complete Step-by-Step Guide for Mumbai Applicants in late 2025 – Updated for Current Rules & Salary Thresholds
Every week we at Shashwat German School receive the same message from excited professionals in Mumbai and Pune who have just signed their German job contract:
“We are relocating together with spouse and children – first-time applicants from Mumbai. Need guidance for German Employment Visa (Blue Card) + Family (Dependents) from Mumbai – first-time applicant relocating together”
This is by far the most common scenario we handle, and the good news is that the process has become significantly smoother since the Skilled Immigration Act updates of 2024.
Here is the exact roadmap we give our students (updated November 2025) so you can plan everything correctly the first time and avoid unnecessary delays.
1. Current Salary Thresholds (2025
- Standard Blue Card: €48,300 gross per year
- Bottleneck professions / new entrants: €43,759.80 gross per year
If your contract meets or exceeds this, you qualify.
2. Degree Recognition Check Anabin database first. If your Indian university and degree is H+ and gleichwertig, you are good. If not, apply for Statement of Comparability from ZAB (costs €200, takes 3-4 months). Do this immediately after signing the contract – it is the longest part.
3. Family Reunification for Blue Card Holders – the BIG advantage Spouse of Blue Card holder = NO A1 German required Children under 18 = NO German required Spouse gets full work permission immediately upon arrival (unrestricted) You can (and should) apply together in Mumbai in ONE family appointment
This is the easiest family reunification category in Germany right now.
4. Exact Application Process from Mumbai (November 2025)
Step 1 Create individual accounts for every family member on the Consular Services Portal (digital.diplo.de/visa-fz) – even for children. Fill VIDEX form online for main applicant (Employment – EU Blue Card) Fill VIDEX for spouse (Familiennachzug zu Drittstaatsangehörigen) Children also get Familiennachzug.
Step 2 Book ONE family appointment at VFS Global Mumbai (Mahalaxmi centre) Select “National Visa” Choose “Family” when it asks if applying with dependents Pay VFS fee ₹18,500 per person (approx) + service charge
Pro tip that saves months Book the appointment IMMEDIATELY after getting the job offer – slots disappear within minutes in Mumbai. Use multiple laptops and phones at 10:00 AM sharp when new slots open.
Step 3 Documents Checklist (2025 Mumbai Consulate)
Main Applicant (Blue Card)
- Signed job contract with salary
- Anabin printout or ZAB statement
- Passport (valid min 12 months)
- 3 biometric photos
- Travel health insurance (Indian policy covering €30,000)
- Blocked account or proof of salary is usually enough now)
- Accommodation declaration (Form “Erklärung zum Beschäftigung” signed by employer or rental contract)
- A1 certificate if you want (not mandatory but we recommend it for faster integration)
Family Members
- Marriage certificate (apostilled + German translation if older than 6 months)
- Birth certificate for children (apostilled)
- Same biometric photos
- Passport copies
- No A1 for spouse
- No separate blocked account needed if main applicant has salary proof
Processing Time in Mumbai Consulate (November 2025)
Current average 6-10 weeks from appointment date (faster if file is perfect) You get national D visa valid for 3-6 months Upon arrival in Germany, you convert it to residence permit + Blue Card within 90 days (in person at Ausländerbehörde)
After Arrival in Germany
Within 2 weeks register Anmeldung Within 90 days go to local Ausländerbehörde for Blue Card plastic card (spouse gets Fiktionsbescheinigung for work immediately)
How Shashwat German School Helps You Avoid Mistakes
We have helped 400+ families relocate from Mumbai/Pune in the last 18 months without a single visa rejection.
We provide
- A1-B2 intensive courses (online + weekend batches in Andheri)
- Document checklist review (free for our students)
- Mock interviews
- Post-arrival support for job search for spouses, school admission for children
- Dedicated WhatsApp group with recent applicants (current processing times, flat hunting tips, etc.)
Many spouses who joined without German language skills struggled initially with daily tasks – opening bank accounts, doctor visits, school communication – and even job hunting. Learning even basic German makes the first year much easier, and opens better job opportunities faster.
If you are in this exact situation right now – comment “Mumbai Blue Card 2025” below and I will send you our updated checklist + current VFS slot availability tricks.