EU Blue Card Germany 2026: salary thresholds and requirements

Who needs it

The Blaue Karte EU (EU Blue Card) is a residence permit for skilled workers from outside the EU. It is optional: it's one of several work permits, but often the easiest one if you qualify. EU, EEA and Swiss citizens don't need it.

You usually qualify if:

• you have a university degree that is recognised or comparable to a German degree (or another tertiary qualification of at least three years at the same level);
• you have a concrete job offer in Germany for at least six months;
• the job matches your qualification; and
• the salary reaches the threshold for the year.

Salary thresholds 2026

Shortage occupations include, for example, IT, engineering, natural sciences, maths, medicine, nursing, teaching and some management roles. The law lists them by ISCO-08 codes (§ 18g AufenthG).

IT specialists without a degree can also get a Blue Card at the reduced threshold. They need at least three years of relevant experience in the last seven years, and the Federal Employment Agency must approve.

When

Apply before you start working. If you need a visa, apply at the German embassy or consulate in your country. If you are already in Germany with another permit, or can enter visa-free, apply at your local Ausländerbehörde. Some employers use the fast-track procedure for skilled workers (beschleunigtes Fachkräfteverfahren) at the Ausländerbehörde to speed things up.

What you need

• valid passport and biometric photo
• employment contract or binding job offer (with salary and job description)
• proof that your degree is recognised or comparable (see below)
• professional licence, if your job is regulated (for example doctors)
• proof of health insurance
• the application form of your embassy or Ausländerbehörde

Degree recognition: anabin and the ZAB

Check your degree in the anabin database of the Education Ministers' Conference. If both your university ("H+") and your degree type are listed as equivalent, a printout is often enough. If not, apply for a Statement of Comparability from the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB). For regulated professions you need formal recognition. The official portal Recognition in Germany explains the steps.

How to do it

1. Check your degree in anabin and order a ZAB statement if needed.
2. Get the job offer in writing, with a salary at or above the threshold.
3. Apply for the visa at the embassy, or for the card at the Ausländerbehörde if you are already in Germany.
4. After arrival, register your address (Anmeldung) and book the Ausländerbehörde to receive your card.

What happens afterwards

The Blue Card is issued for the length of your contract plus three months. For permanent contracts it is issued for up to four years.

Changing jobs

You don't need permission from the Ausländerbehörde to change jobs (§ 18g (4) AufenthG). The new job must still meet the Blue Card conditions. During your first 12 months of employment, the office can suspend the change for 30 days and refuse it within that time if the conditions are not met. It's sensible to inform your office before you switch and to check the new salary against the current threshold.

Family

Your spouse can join you without proving German language skills (§ 30 AufenthG). Spouses may work in Germany. Children can also join you.

Permanent residence

Blue Card holders get a fast track to a settlement permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis, § 18c (2) AufenthG):

See permanent residence for all requirements.

Common problems

My salary is just below the threshold. Can I still get a Blue Card?

No. The salary must reach the threshold for the year you apply. You may qualify for another skilled-worker permit instead. Ask the Ausländerbehörde or the embassy.

My university is not in anabin. What now?

Apply to the ZAB for a Statement of Comparability. It costs a fee and takes some weeks, so start early.

Do I lose my Blue Card if I lose my job?

Not automatically. Your employer must inform the Ausländerbehörde if the job ends early. Contact the office quickly to discuss your options, including time to look for a new job.

How long can I stay outside Germany with a Blue Card?

A Blue Card and the permits of family members expire after 12 months abroad, not the usual six (§ 51 (10) AufenthG).

Costs

Issuing the Blue Card in Germany costs €100; an extension costs €93. Visa fees at the embassy, the ZAB statement and translations are extra.