Who qualifies for the Blue Card?
The EU Blue Card is the main residence title for highly qualified workers from outside the EU. You needMake it in Germany: At a Glance – EU Blue Card (January 2026)Section 18g Residence Act: EU Blue Card:
a German degree or a foreign degree that is recognised or comparable
a concrete job offer or contract matching your qualification, for at least six months
a minimum gross annual salary
Group | Minimum salary 2026 | Federal Employment Agency approval |
|---|---|---|
Standard | €50,700 | not required |
Shortage occupations, graduates within the last three years | €45,934.20 | required |
IT specialists without a degree, at least three years of experience | €45,934.20 | required |
The thresholds are set each year as a share of the pension contribution ceiling: 50 percent for the standard route and 45.3 percent for the reduced oneSection 18g Residence Act: EU Blue Card. Regulated professions such as doctors also need a licence to practise. Check whether your degree is listed as comparable in the anabin database or get a Statement of Comparability.
Documents you need
valid passport and a biometric photo
employment contract or binding job offer, often with the employer's declaration of employment
degree certificate and proof of recognition, or proof of IT experience
licence to practise, if your profession is regulated
proof of health insurance
Bring originals and copies. The details depend on the mission or authority, so ask for their checklistMake it in Germany: At a Glance – EU Blue Card (January 2026).
Visa requirements before arrival
If you need a visa, apply at the German embassy or consulate, in many countries online via the Consular Services Portal. The national visa fee is €75Make it in Germany: At a Glance – EU Blue Card (January 2026). Processing times vary widely between missions. Your employer can speed things up with the fast-track procedure for skilled workersMake it in Germany: Questions and answers about the EU Blue Card (February 2026).
Nationals of Australia, Israel, Japan, Canada, South Korea, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States may enter without a visa and apply for the residence permit in Germany within 90 days of arrivalSection 41 Residence Ordinance: Visa-free entry and permit applications in Germany. You may only start working once you have the permit that allows it.
Applying at the Ausländerbehörde
After arrival, register your address at the Bürgeramt and book an appointment at your local foreigners authority (Ausländerbehörde). Apply for the Blue Card before your entry visa expires; the visa is usually issued for twelve months. Fees can be up to €100Make it in Germany: At a Glance – EU Blue Card (January 2026)Make it in Germany: Questions and answers about the EU Blue Card (February 2026).
The first Blue Card is issued for the length of your contract plus three months, up to four years. Within the first twelve months you must report a job change; the authority can suspend it for up to 30 days to check the conditionsMake it in Germany: Questions and answers about the EU Blue Card (February 2026)Section 18g Residence Act: EU Blue Card. After 27 months of employment with pension contributions, or 21 months with German at level B1, you can apply for a settlement permitMake it in Germany: Questions and answers about the EU Blue Card (February 2026). You will also need a tax ID; see German tax ID, and estimate your net pay with the salary calculator.
Information current as of 6 November 2026.
