NEWDecember 21, 2025

2026 Germany EU Blue Card Salary Requirements Increase

General professions €50,700, shortage occupations €45,934.20 required

Important Notice

From January 2026, minimum salary requirements for obtaining an EU Blue Card in Germany will increase. Check in advance if you're preparing for employment.

Key Changes

From January 2026, salary requirements for obtaining an EU Blue Card in Germany will increase. General professions require an annual salary of €50,700 or more, while shortage occupations (IT, STEM, construction, education, etc.) require €45,934.20 or more.

2026 Salary Requirements

General Professions

2025

€48,300

→

2026

€50,700

€2,400 increase (approx. 5% rise)

This is the basic salary requirement applicable to most professions. You need a gross annual salary of €50,700 or more to apply for a Blue Card.

Shortage Occupations (Bottleneck Professions)

2025

€43,759.80

→

2026

€45,934.20

€2,174.40 increase (approx. 5% rise)

Lower salary requirements apply if you work in occupations where Germany has a shortage of workers.

Examples of shortage occupations:

• IT professionals (software developers, data scientists, etc.)
• STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, mathematics)
• Construction and engineering
• Education (teachers, instructors)
• Healthcare and nursing (doctors, nurses, physiotherapists)

Blue Card Application Requirements

Educational Requirements

A university degree or equivalent qualification is required. The degree must be recognized in Germany.

Employment Contract

A formal employment contract with a German company is required, and the salary stated in the contract must meet or exceed the minimum requirement.

Health Insurance

Proof of German health insurance coverage is required.

Visa Application

You must apply for a Blue Card visa at the German embassy or consulate in your home country.

Benefits of the Blue Card

•Family reunification: Spouse and children can live in Germany together, and spouse can work without a work permit.
•Permanent residence: Can apply for permanent residence after 33 months (21 months with German B1 level)
•EU mobility: Can work in other EU countries after 18 months
•Fast processing: Processed more quickly than regular work visas.

Preparation Tips

•Degree recognition: Start the degree recognition process early. Check the anabin database.
•Salary negotiation: Negotiate with employer to ensure contract exceeds minimum requirements.
•Document preparation: Prepare necessary documents such as degree certificates, work certificates, and passport in advance.

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