EU Blue Card Germany 2026: Minimum Salary €50,700

EU Blue Card Germany 2026: Minimum Salary €50,700

The EU Blue Card is Germany's residence permit for highly qualified non-EU workers. It has a lower salary bar than many people expect, and it offers a faster route to permanent residence. This guide uses only official sources for the 2026 figures. Read it alongside our guide to the German job market.

2026 minimum salary

The Federal Ministry of the Interior announced the 2026 minimum gross salaries under § 18g of the Residence Act: ^[1]

• €50,700 per year (50% of the pension-insurance contribution ceiling) in the general case.
• €45,934.20 per year (45.3% of the ceiling) for shortage occupations and career starters (graduates within three years of their degree), plus the further group covered by § 18g(2).

Berlin's immigration office gives the same amounts per month (€4,225.00 and €3,827.85) and notes that fully variable bonuses do not count toward the minimum. ^[2] The thresholds are reset every year, so check the current figure before you sign a contract.

Who qualifies?

• A German university degree, or a foreign degree that is recognised in Germany (or a comparable tertiary programme of at least three years). The anabin database is used to check foreign degrees.
• A work contract or binding job offer of at least six months, with an employer that has a business location in Germany.
• The minimum salary above.
• For regulated professions such as human medicine, a separate permit to practise.

[2] · [3]

How long is it valid?

A maximum of four years, or the length of your contract plus three months if that is shorter. It can be renewed if you still meet the conditions. ^[4] After one year in the first job you can generally change to any employment without notifying the authorities. ^[2]

Family and permanent residence

• Spouses receive relaxed conditions: they can join you without German language knowledge and may work immediately, without restriction. [4]
• Cardholders can apply for permanent settlement after 27 months of qualifying employment with pension contributions, or after 21 months with German at B1 level, if other requirements (finances, integration knowledge) are also met. [4]
• The Blue Card also simplifies moving within the EU. [4]

Fees

Berlin lists initial issue at between €27.60 and €100.00, depending on nationality and card format, and renewals at €46.00 to €93.00. ^[2]

How to get an EU Blue Card in Germany

1. Check your degree in the anabin database or get it assessed.
2. Find a job with a salary above the relevant 2026 threshold (see above).
3. Get a work contract or binding offer of at least six months.
4. Apply for the Blue Card: from abroad through a national visa at the German mission, or at the local immigration office if you are already in Germany legally.
5. Include your spouse and children in your application. The immigration office will contact you about their permits.
6. Register your address within two weeks of moving in: see our Anmeldung guide.
7. Consider learning German: B1 shortens the path to permanent residence. See Do You Need German in Germany?.

Frequently asked questions

What is the EU Blue Card salary threshold in Germany in 2026?

€50,700 gross per year in general, and €45,934.20 for shortage occupations and career starters, according to the Federal Ministry of the Interior.

Do I need a university degree?

Yes: a German degree or a foreign degree recognised in Germany, or a comparable tertiary programme of at least three years.

How long is the EU Blue Card valid?

Up to four years, or the length of your contract plus three months if shorter.

When can I get permanent residence?

After 27 months of qualifying employment, or 21 months with B1 German, provided the other requirements are met.

Can my spouse work?

Yes. Spouses are granted immediate and unrestricted permission to work, and do not need German to join you.

Does a bonus count toward the minimum salary?

Berlin's immigration office says fully variable payments such as bonuses are not included.

Sources

1. Bundesministerium des Innern: Bekanntmachung zu § 18g AufenthG (Federal Gazette, 18 December 2025)
2. Service Berlin: EU Blue Card
3. Make it in Germany: EU Blue Card
4. BAMF: The EU Blue Card

Salary thresholds are reset each year and rules can change. Confirm current requirements with your immigration office or embassy. This is general information, not legal advice. Last checked September 2026.