EU Blue Card
The EU Blue Card is a residence title for university graduates from third countries. It leads to permanent residence faster than most other titles.
At a glance
Legal basis
Salary threshold 2026
50,700 euros gross per year
Shortage occupations
45,934.20 euros gross per year, and likewise in the first three years after graduation
How the figure arises
50 and 45.3 per cent respectively of the contribution assessment ceiling in the statutory pension insurance – hence recalculated every year
Requirements
A university degree and an employment contract in Germany
German language
Not required for the permit to be granted
Who can apply for the EU Blue Card
The EU Blue Card allows university graduates from third countries to obtain a residence title for the purpose of gainful employment in Germany. Knowledge of German is not necessary in order to obtain it.
The governing provision is Section 18g AufenthG. It does not name a fixed amount but ties the threshold to the contribution assessment ceiling in the pension insurance. The salary threshold therefore changes every year.
What employers should know
The EU Blue Card is also an attractive route for employers seeking to recruit qualified staff from abroad. In certain occupations it is difficult for companies to find suitable applicants. The Blue Card was created by the European Union to counter the shortage of graduates, particularly in the engineering professions.
How we support you
We examine the requirements, accompany the application and the path towards the settlement permit. For companies we also handle the assessment of labour migration and the work permit.
From the Blue Card to the settlement permit
This is where the greatest advantage over other titles lies. Under Section 18c(2) AufenthG, 27 months of employment under Section 18g with corresponding contributions to the statutory pension insurance are sufficient. Anyone who demonstrates sufficient knowledge of German shortens the period to 21 months.
By way of comparison: the standard route under Section 9 AufenthG requires five years of holding a residence permit and 60 months of compulsory contributions. The Blue Card therefore shortens the path to permanent residence by years.
Family and change of employer
Spousal reunification is easier
When a spouse joins you, the otherwise customary proof of basic German is not required if the partner living in Germany holds an EU Blue Card. This follows from Section 30(1) AufenthG. In practice this shortens the lead time considerably.
Changing employer
The Blue Card is tied to qualified employment. A change of job is possible but should be prepared with the notification and approval requirements in mind. Anyone who changes jobs unprepared risks the title.
Frequently asked questions about the EU Blue Card
How high is the salary threshold?
For 2026 it stands at 50,700 euros gross per year, and at 45,934.20 euros in shortage occupations and in the first three years after graduation. The figures change annually because Section 18g AufenthG refers to the contribution assessment ceiling.
Do I need to speak German?
Not for the permit to be granted. You do need it for the shortened period to the settlement permit of 21 instead of 27 months.
Is the Blue Card possible without a university degree?
For certain IT specialists the Act provides a separate route based on relevant professional experience. Whether the requirements are met is a question of the individual case.
What happens if I become unemployed?
The title is tied to the employment. Losing your position should be reported and legally accompanied immediately, before deadlines start to run.
And if my salary falls below the threshold?
Then the requirements of Section 18g are no longer met. In such cases we examine whether another residence title works, for instance via the work permit or labour migration.
