EU Blue Card (Blaue Karte EU) in Germany: requirements, 2026 salary and the path to permanent residence

The EU Blue Card (Blaue Karte EU, § 18g AufenthG) is a residence permit for university-educated professionals and, in IT, also for experienced specialists without a degree. It offers a fast route to permanent residence and simplified family reunification (Familiennachzug). Below are the current salary thresholds for 2026 and the key rules.

Who can obtain the EU Blue Card

• University-educated professionals – for employment matching their qualification (§ 18g Abs. 1). Graduates of tertiary programmes lasting at least three years at level 6 of ISCED 2011 / the European Qualifications Framework are treated equally.
• IT specialists without a degree (ISCO-08 groups 133 and 25) – with at least three years of experience within the last seven years, a level comparable to a university degree and the approval of the Bundesagentur für Arbeit (§ 18g Abs. 2).

The job offer must provide for employment of at least six months (§ 18g Abs. 3).

Salary threshold in 2026

The minimum salary is linked to the contribution assessment ceiling of the statutory pension insurance and is published annually by the Federal Ministry of the Interior (§ 18g Abs. 7). For 2026 (BAnz AT 18.12.2025 B3):

Changing jobs

No permission from the foreigners' authority (Ausländerbehörde) is needed to change employer. However, during the first 12 months of employment, the authority may suspend the change for 30 days and, within this period, refuse it if the new job does not meet the Blue Card requirements (§ 18g Abs. 4).

Family of a Blue Card holder

• The spouse receives a residence permit without proof of basic German (§ 30 Abs. 1 Satz 3 Nr. 5 AufenthG).
• Minor children – under § 32 AufenthG.
• If the family already lived together in another EU country where you held a Blue Card, the housing and livelihood requirements do not apply when moving to Germany (§ 29 Abs. 1 Satz 2).

Find out more in our article "Family reunification in Germany".

Permanent residence after the Blue Card

A Blue Card holder obtains permanent residence (Niederlassungserlaubnis, settlement permit) if they have worked under the Blue Card and paid pension insurance contributions (or comparable provision) for at least 27 months and have German at A1 level. With B1, the period is reduced to 21 months (§ 18c Abs. 2 AufenthG). In addition, the general requirements must be met: secured livelihood, no security grounds standing in the way, basic knowledge of the legal order and sufficient housing. Find out more in our article "Permanent residence in Germany".

Leaving Germany

The Blue Card and the family residence permits of its holder's family members expire if you have been outside Germany for more than 12 months (§ 51 Abs. 10 AufenthG) – for ordinary residence permits, this period is six months.

How the procedure works

From abroad, the application for a national visa is filed with the German embassy; if you are already lawfully resident in Germany, with the Ausländerbehörde at your place of residence. Usually required are the degree and proof of its recognition or comparability, an employment contract or binding job offer, a passport and health insurance. Recognition of the degree is a separate procedure that should be started early.

From our practice: moving from temporary protection under § 24 AufenthG to a residence permit for employment.

Frequently asked questions

What salary is required for the EU Blue Card in 2026?

€50,700 gross per year. For occupations in certain ISCO-08 groups (including IT, engineers, doctors, teachers) and for graduates who obtained their degree no more than three years ago, €45,934.20 per year with the approval of the Bundesagentur für Arbeit. The amounts are published by the BMI in the Bundesanzeiger (BAnz AT 18.12.2025 B3).

Do I need to speak German for the EU Blue Card?

The law does not require knowledge of German to obtain the Blue Card. For permanent residence after 27 months, A1 level is required; after 21 months, B1 (§ 18c Abs. 2 AufenthG).

Can I obtain the Blue Card without a degree?

IT specialists (ISCO-08 groups 133 and 25) can obtain it without a university degree if they have at least three years of professional experience within the last seven years and a salary of at least €45,934.20 (2026), with the approval of the Bundesagentur für Arbeit (§ 18g Abs. 2).

Can I change jobs with the Blue Card?

Yes, no permission from the foreigners' authority (Ausländerbehörde) is required. During the first 12 months, the authority may suspend the job change for 30 days and refuse it if the Blue Card requirements are not met (§ 18g Abs. 4).

Does the spouse of a Blue Card holder need to speak German?

No. The requirement of basic German (A1) does not apply to the spouse if the sponsoring spouse holds an EU Blue Card (§ 30 Abs. 1 Satz 3 Nr. 5 AufenthG).

Conclusion

The EU Blue Card is one of the fastest routes to permanent residence in Germany. The key is to correctly match the occupation to the ISCO-08 group, check the salary threshold for the relevant year and not miss any deadlines. We review your documents and support you through the procedure – from visa to permanent residence – throughout Germany.

This article is for general information only and does not replace individual legal advice.