Quick answer
Important
1. What it requires, in outline
Three things in combination: a recognised or comparable university degree, a concrete employment contract or binding offer in Germany, and a salary at or above the threshold for the year in question. Certain occupations facing shortages have a reduced threshold.
For 2026, the standard threshold is €50,700 gross per year. The reduced threshold is €45,934.20 for qualifying shortage occupations and eligible applicants whose last degree or equivalent qualification was obtained less than three years ago. Federal Employment Agency approval is required for the reduced-threshold cases described by the official portal.
EU Blue Card minimum gross annual salary, standard
50.700 €
gross per year
Applies from 1 January 2026
The standard 2026 threshold. The job must also meet the qualification, duration and other Blue Card requirements.
Last verified 21 August 2026 · Make it in Germany (opens in a new tab)
EU Blue Card minimum salary, shortage occupations and new entrants
45.934,20 €
gross per year
Applies from 1 January 2026
Applies to qualifying shortage occupations and to new labour-market entrants whose last degree or equivalent qualification was obtained less than three years ago. Federal Employment Agency approval is required in the described cases.
Last verified 21 August 2026 · Make it in Germany (opens in a new tab)
Important
2. Your degree has to count
A foreign degree must be recognised or assessed as comparable to a German one. The anabin database is where German authorities look, and checking your institution and qualification there early tells you whether this route is realistic.
For regulated professions such as medicine or law, separate professional recognition is required in addition, and that is a longer process.
3. Why people choose it
Compared with other work permits, the Blue Card typically offers a shorter qualifying period for permanent residence, straightforward family reunification with spouse work rights, and mobility within the EU after a period.
It is tied to qualifying employment, so losing the job has consequences you should understand before you rely on it.
Blue Card to permanent residence
21 months with German at B1, or 27 months with German at A1
Counted in months of qualified employment with pension contributions. Other conditions apply, including adequate living space.
Last verified 21 August 2026 · Make it in Germany (opens in a new tab)
4. Frequently asked questions
For 2026, the standard threshold is €50,700 gross per year. The reduced threshold is €45,934.20 for qualifying shortage occupations and eligible new labour-market entrants. The official page explains the additional conditions.
No, but it must be recognised or assessed as comparable. Check your institution and qualification in anabin before planning around this route.
Family reunification with the Blue Card generally allows the spouse to work, which is one of its main advantages. Confirm the current conditions for your case.
Official information
Rules and amounts change. Always verify current requirements using official sources.
EU Blue Card, opens in a new tab
Make it in Germany
The federal portal page carrying the current EU Blue Card salary thresholds, including the reduced floor for shortage occupations and recent graduates.
anabin — database of foreign qualifications, opens in a new tab
Central Office for Foreign Education (KMK)
The official database showing how foreign institutions and qualifications are assessed in Germany.
Visa regulations and service, opens in a new tab
Federal Foreign Office
Official visa information, including which visa applies and where to apply from your country.
Related guides
Amounts and legal requirements can change. We verify this information against official sources and show when each figure was last checked, but always confirm important requirements with the responsible authority before you apply.
Einfach Germany is an independent information platform and is not affiliated with the German government.