EU Blue Card in Germany.
2026 salary thresholds, fast-track.
Residence title under § 18b (2) AufenthG for qualified professionals. Regular salary threshold ≈ €48,300, bottleneck ≈ €43,759.80 for 2026. Settlement after 33 months, 21 months with B1 German.
The EU Blue Card is Germany's flagship immigration title for qualified professionals. § 18b (2) AufenthG transposes EU Directive 2021/1883 (post-FEG reform effective 2023-11-18 and 2024-03-01). A recognised university degree or IT-specialist experience under § 18g AufenthG, plus a binding job offer meeting the salary threshold, opens the path. Settlement permit after 33 months, or 21 months with B1 German.
2026 salary thresholds
Thresholds are tied to the general-pension-insurance Beitragsbemessungsgrenze and adjusted annually by BMAS ordinance in December. For 2026, the regular threshold is approximately €48,300; the bottleneck / new-entrant threshold is approximately €43,759.80. Verify the current figure on make-it-in-germany.com at application time.
Bottleneck occupations (Mangelberufe)
Natural sciences, mathematics, engineering, human medicine (non-training), IT specialists, manufacturing, architecture, urban planning, transport and logistics. List is maintained in the Beschäftigungsverordnung (BeschV) and updated quarterly.
Degree recognition via anabin / ZAB
Degree must be on the anabin database as "H+" (comparable with DE Bachelor or higher). If not, a ZAB Statement of Comparability is required. Fee €200, processing 2 to 8 weeks.
IT specialist route (§ 18g AufenthG)
Since FEG 2024: IT specialists without a formal degree can qualify with 3 years of relevant professional experience and an employment contract meeting the bottleneck salary threshold. Widely used for US/UK/Indian developers relocating to Munich or Berlin.
Application pathway
(1) anabin check or ZAB report. (2) Signed job offer matching degree field. (3) D-visa application at German consulate abroad. (4) Arrival in DE. (5) Ausländerbehörde issues Blue Card. Total 3 to 6 months typical. § 81a fast-track procedure shortens to 8 to 12 weeks.
Settlement permit (§ 18c AufenthG)
§ 18c AufenthG grants Niederlassungserlaubnis after 33 months on the Blue Card, or 21 months with B1 German. This is significantly faster than other work titles (typically 5 years).
Job change and family reunification
Job change within first 12 months requires Ausländerbehörde approval. Unemployment up to 3 months allowed. Family reunification (spouse + minor children) without German-language requirement under § 30 (1) AufenthG exemption.
Blue Card application path
Often booked alongside this one.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum salary for an EU Blue Card in Germany in 2026?
Regular threshold approximately €48,300 gross annual. Verify the current figure at application time, as BMAS adjusts it in December each year.
What is the minimum salary for a Blue Card in a bottleneck occupation?
Approximately €43,759.80 for 2026. Bottleneck list is maintained in the Beschäftigungsverordnung.
Do I need my degree recognised before I apply?
Yes. anabin "H+" or ZAB Statement of Comparability is the standard evidence.
Can I get a Blue Card without a university degree?
IT specialists with 3 years relevant experience can qualify under § 18g AufenthG, which is an adjacent title; not technically a Blue Card but treated similarly.
How long does it take to get an EU Blue Card in Germany?
3 to 6 months typical end-to-end. § 81a fast-track 8 to 12 weeks when the employer qualifies.
How much does it cost to apply for the EU Blue Card?
D-visa €75, residence title issuance €100, ZAB if needed €200. Our legal scope on top varies.
Can my spouse work on a family reunification visa?
Yes. Family reunification allows spouse to take up employment without further approval.
Can I change jobs on a Blue Card?
Within 12 months of issuance, job change requires Ausländerbehörde approval. After 12 months, free.
What happens if I lose my job while on a Blue Card?
Up to 3 months unemployment allowed without losing title (§ 18b in conjunction with § 18 AufenthG).
When can I apply for a settlement permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis)?
After 33 months on the Blue Card, or 21 months with B1 German, under § 18c AufenthG.
Can I travel in the EU with a Blue Card issued by Germany?
Yes, short-term travel in Schengen. For relocation to another EU state, after 12 months on the DE Blue Card.
After how many months can I move to another EU country?
12 months minimum in the first issuing state.
Does remote work count for Blue Card eligibility?
The employment must be for a DE (or EU-based, with DE ties) employer. Fully remote work for a non-EU employer does not qualify.
What is the difference between the EU Blue Card and a regular work visa (§ 18a/b AufenthG)?
Blue Card: higher salary threshold but faster settlement (21-33 months vs 48 months), EU intra-mobility. § 18a/b (1): lower threshold, standard permit.
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