EU Blue Card in Germany: 2026 Guide
The EU Blue Card is a temporary residence title for qualified third-country nationals taking up employment in Germany that is appropriate to their qualifications. Information current as of 28 October 2026. This overview provides general information, not individual legal advice; the competent German mission abroad or foreigners authority and the law in force are authoritative.
Requirements and key figures
- The general 2026 salary threshold is at least €50,700 gross per year.
- The reduced threshold of €45,934.20 gross per year applies, subject to the relevant additional conditions, to shortage occupations, recent graduates whose latest university or equivalent qualification was obtained no more than three years ago, and qualifying IT specialists without a formal degree.
- You need a specific job offer or employment contract lasting at least six months. As a rule, the position must match your proven qualification.
- An IT specialist applying without a university degree must, among other conditions, prove at least three years of relevant experience gained within the last seven years. The skills and experience must be comparable to university level and necessary for the position.
- The EU Blue Card is normally issued for no more than four years. If a fixed-term contract is shorter, it is generally issued for the contract period plus three months.
- Subject to all other requirements, a settlement permit may be available after 27 months with basic German at level A1 or after 21 months with German at level B1.
Step by step
- 11. Check whether your qualification is recognised in or comparable to Germany, for example through anabin or a ZAB Statement of Comparability. For a regulated profession, also obtain the required professional licence or a firm assurance that it will be granted.
- 22. Obtain a specific job offer appropriate to your qualification for at least six months and confirm that the gross annual salary reaches the threshold applicable to your case.
- 33. Collect the supporting evidence. IT specialists without a degree must additionally document at least three relevant years of experience within the last seven years at a level comparable to university education.
- 44. If your nationality requires an entry visa, apply for the national visa through the Consular Services Portal or as instructed by the competent German mission. Where Federal Employment Agency approval is needed, the authority normally obtains it during the procedure.
- 55. Attend the required in-person appointment, present any requested originals and provide biometric data. Supply missing or additionally requested documents within the stated deadline.
- 66. After entering Germany, register your address and apply to the local foreigners authority for the EU Blue Card, or have the residence card issued, before the entry visa expires.
Documents you may need
- Valid passport
- Completed visa or residence application and current biometric photographs
- Binding job offer or signed employment contract showing the role, salary and duration
- Employer-completed Declaration of Employment, if requested
- University or equivalent tertiary qualification and evidence of German recognition or comparability, such as an anabin record or ZAB statement
- For IT specialists without a degree: employment certificates, references or other reliable proof of at least three relevant years of experience within the last seven years
- For regulated professions: professional licence or firm assurance that it will be issued
- Proof of health insurance and any further documents or translations requested by the mission or foreigners authority
Frequently asked questions
Who can use the reduced salary threshold in 2026?
The €45,934.20 threshold applies, when the respective conditions are met, to recognised shortage occupations, applicants whose latest university or equivalent qualification was obtained no more than three years before the application, and qualifying IT specialists without a formal degree. Federal Employment Agency approval is generally required in these cases.
Can I receive an EU Blue Card without a university degree?
Yes, notably under the special route for certain IT specialists and managers. Among other requirements, you need an appropriate IT job offer, a gross annual salary of at least €45,934.20, and at least three relevant years of experience within the last seven years at a level comparable to university education. A qualifying tertiary programme of at least three years may also be accepted.
Can I change employers while holding an EU Blue Card?
Generally, yes. During the first 12 months of employment, however, the foreigners authority may suspend the change for up to 30 days and reject it if the new job does not meet the Blue Card conditions. Notify the competent authority promptly.
When can I obtain a settlement permit?
If you have qualifying employment and meet the other statutory conditions, you may qualify after 27 months with basic German at level A1. Proof of level B1 reduces the period to 21 months.
How long is the EU Blue Card valid?
It may be issued for a maximum of four years. If a fixed-term employment contract ends sooner, the card is generally issued for the contract period plus three months. It can be extended if the conditions remain satisfied.