Blue Card in Germany in 2026: new salary thresholds, requirements, and the path to permanent residence

As of January 1, 2026, Germany has introduced updated salary thresholds for obtaining the EU Blue Card. The general threshold increased to €50,700 per year, while a reduced threshold of €45,934.20 applies to shortage occupations and young professionals. The increase is approximately 5% compared to 2025.

Germany remains the absolute leader in issuing Blue Cards within the European Union. The EU Blue Card is one of the most reliable instruments for skilled labor immigration: it offers an accelerated path to permanent residence, simplified family reunification, and mobility within the EU. For professionals with higher education or IT experience, it remains the optimal relocation route to Germany.

The EU Blue Card (Blaue Karte EU) is a residence permit for highly qualified specialists from non-EU countries, issued under §18g of the German Residence Act (Aufenthaltsgesetz). It is granted for up to four years.

Key advantages over a standard work residence permit:

• Accelerated permanent residence (21 or 33 months instead of 5 years)
• No German language requirement at the time of application
• Spouse receives unrestricted work authorization immediately
• Mobility within the EU (up to 90 days within 180 days in other EU states)
• Since March 2024 — possibility to bring parents and parents-in-law

The minimum salary is tied to Germany’s pension contribution ceiling (Beitragsbemessungsgrenze) and is adjusted annually.

As of January 1, 2026:

• General threshold: €50,700 gross annually
• Reduced threshold (shortage occupations & young specialists): €45,934.20

Important: German immigration authorities are already rejecting applications that meet only the 2025 thresholds — even if the contract was signed earlier. The decisive factor is the employment start date, not the signing date. If the salary falls short, an addendum must be issued.

1. Specialists with Higher Education

• Recognized degree (check via Anabin or ZAB recognition procedure).
• Position must match qualification.
• Salary: at least €50,700 annually.

2. Shortage Occupations
Expanded list includes engineers, IT specialists, doctors, nurses, architects, and certain managerial roles.

• Salary threshold: €45,934.20.
• Approval required from the Federal Employment Agency.

3. Young Professionals
Graduates who completed their degree within the last 3 years.

• Salary: €45,934.20.
• Applies regardless of shortage list inclusion.

4. IT Specialists Without a Degree

• Minimum 3 years of relevant experience within the last 7 years.
• Salary: €45,934.20.

Step 1: Degree Recognition
Check Anabin database. If not automatically recognized, apply via ZAB (2–4 months).

Step 2: Job Offer

• Contract valid at least 6 months.
• Salary above threshold.
• Employer completes employment declaration.

Step 3: National Visa Application
Apply at German consulate. Processing time: 2–12 weeks.

Step 4: Entry and Registration
Register residence (Anmeldung) within 14 days.

Step 5: Blue Card Issuance
Apply at local immigration office (Ausländerbehörde).

• Valid passport
• Recognized university diploma
• Employment contract
• Employer declaration
• Health insurance
• Completed visa application (Videx)
• For IT without degree: proof of 3+ years experience

Expert tip: Begin diploma recognition before receiving a job offer to avoid delays.

The Blue Card offers one of the fastest PR routes in Europe:

• 21 months with B1 German
• 33 months with A1 German

(Standard work permit requires 5 years.)
German citizenship (since 2024 reforms):

• 5 years legal residence
• 3 years in cases of exceptional integration

Realistic scenario:
Blue Card → PR in 21 months → Citizenship in 5–7 years total.

The Blue Card remains the most efficient labor migration route to Germany in 2026. While salary thresholds have increased, the expanded shortage occupation list and IT-without-degree pathway create new opportunities.

The key advantage is speed: permanent residence in under two years, EU citizenship within 5–7 years.

If you are ready to take the next step, Visa Dan can assess your eligibility and guide you through the entire process — from diploma recognition to Blue Card approval.

Visa Dan is an international company with a strong legal team and experience in assisting more than 1,000 clients. We offer:

• Individual selection of solutions and strategies for obtaining a residence permit.
• Complete transparency and support at every stage.
• A strong team in Europe: lawyers, translators, operators, notaries.
• Support until you receive your ID card, as well as assistance with renewal and integration in the country.

The Visa Dan team will help you navigate this journey from start to finish. Get personalized advice and start your new life in 2025!