Key takeaways
- The general salary threshold for 2026 is €50,700 gross a year.
- Shortage occupations and recent graduates have a lower threshold of €45,934.20.
- You need a recognised degree and a job offer or contract of at least six months.
- Thresholds change every year, so check the figure for your application date.
The EU Blue Card is a residence permit for university graduates with a qualifying job offer in Germany. The salary level is the test most people check first.
| Who | Minimum gross annual salary |
|---|---|
| General | €50,700 |
| Shortage occupations, or graduates within three years | €45,934.20 |
| IT specialists without a formal qualification (plus 3 years of academic-level experience) | €45,934.20 |
Other requirements
- A qualification recognised as equivalent or comparable, plus a licence to practise for regulated professions.
- A concrete job offer or employment contract lasting at least six months.
- Health insurance proof for the entry visa, and German health insurance after arrival.
Looking for a job in Germany first?
The Opportunity Card is for people without a job offer yet.
General information only, not advice for your situation. Rules, fees and thresholds change; we confirm what applies at your consultation.
Frequently asked questions
What is the EU Blue Card salary for 2026 in Germany?
Do I need a job offer?
Does a Blue Card require German?
Official sources
General information only, current at the date shown. It is not immigration advice for your circumstances. Information on this site is general guidance only and not legal, migration or investment advice. Rules, fees and occupation lists change frequently — always confirm current requirements with the relevant government authority before acting.
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Who will assist you
Sumit Kumar
Chartered Accountant & Australian Registered Migration Agent · MARN 1803385
I migrated from India to Melbourne as a skilled migrant in 2005 and became an Australian citizen in 2010, so I know first-hand what it takes to rebuild a career and a life in a new country — the paperwork and the waiting, and also the job search, the loneliness and the pressure of starting over far from home. Since 2013 I have advised individuals, families and businesses on migration and cross-border moves, combining migration casework with a Chartered Accountant's view of tax, funds and business structure.
