What Germany's EU Blue Card is and who it suits
The EU Blue Card (§18g) is Germany’s premium work visa for those with a university degree and a salary meeting the prescribed threshold. According to the German government’s Make it in Germany portal, it is a fast pathway to settlement for qualified professionals.
From 01/01/2026, the standard salary threshold is €50,700/year. For shortage occupations (Engpassberufe such as IT, engineering, science, and healthcare), eligible new graduates and IT professionals benefit from a reduced threshold of €45,934/year. The Blue Card allows settlement after just 21–33 months depending on German language level.
Have a university degree and a well-paid job offer? Get a free profile assessment so M2W specialists can check your Blue Card eligibility.
- Standard salary threshold €50,700/year (2026), shortage occupations €45,934/year
- Fast settlement: 21–33 months depending on German level
- Straightforward family reunification for spouse & children
EU Blue Card requirements
The Blue Card requires a university degree and a contract meeting the salary threshold. The threshold is reduced for shortage occupations.
University degree
Recognized
Hold a German university degree or a foreign degree recognized as equivalent.
Standard salary
General occupations
A contract meeting the minimum salary of €50,700/year (the 2026 rate).
Shortage occupation salary
Engpassberufe / IT / new graduates
Shortage occupations, IT professionals, and new graduates benefit from the reduced threshold.
Shortage occupations (Engpassberufe)
Shortage occupations benefit from a reduced salary threshold and more favorable processing. Common groups include information technology, engineering, natural sciences, mathematics, healthcare, and pharmacy.
- Information and communications technology
- Engineering (mechanical, electrical, construction, etc.)
- Natural sciences and mathematics
- Healthcare, pharmacy and selected care professions
Blue Card application process
The Blue Card is tied to a university degree and an employment contract meeting the salary threshold.
Step 1 — Degree recognition & job offer meeting the salary threshold
Confirm that your university degree is recognized and that you hold a contract meeting the salary threshold for your field.
Step 2 — Submit the Blue Card application
Submit the §18g application together with your contract, qualifications and personal documents.
Step 3 — Move to Germany to work
Receive the Blue Card and move to Germany to work; family reunification sponsorship is straightforward.
Step 4 — Fast-track settlement
Eligible for permanent residence (PR) after 21 months (with German at B1) or 33 months.
Costs and timeline
Blue Card costs include: qualification recognition (if required), translation/notarization, visa application fees and service fees. The Blue Card is usually processed quickly and is the fastest pathway to permanent residence (PR) among Germany’s skilled routes. See the cost structure on the pricing page.
Comparing the Blue Card, §18b and the Chancenkarte
The Blue Card suits high-earning professionals with a university degree; it offers faster settlement.
| Blue CardViewing | §18b | Chancenkarte | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Qualification | University | University | Trade/degree + points |
| Salary threshold | €50.700 / €45.934 | — Not required | — No |
| Contract required | Required | Required | Not needed yet |
| To settlement | 21–33 months | 33 months (21 if B1) | Must change category |
| Best suited for | High-earning professionals | University graduates | Not yet employed |
Frequently asked questions about the EU Blue Card
What is the minimum Blue Card salary for 2026?
From 01/01/2026, the standard threshold is €50,700/year. Shortage occupations, IT specialists and recent graduates are subject to a reduced threshold of €45,934/year.
What kind of university degree do I need?
A German degree or a foreign degree recognised as equivalent is required. M2W specialists help check degree recognition.
How quickly does the Blue Card lead to settlement?
Blue Card holders qualify for settlement after 21 months if German reaches B1, or 33 months — much faster than most other categories.
Can an IT professional without a university degree apply?
The Blue Card usually requires a university degree. IT professionals without a degree may be assessed under §19c if they have relevant experience — M2W advises on the best-fit category.
Can family come along?
Yes. The Blue Card makes it easy to bring your spouse and children, and accompanying family members are also allowed to work.
Are you eligible for the EU Blue Card?
The Blue Card is the fastest pathway to settlement in Germany for high-earning professionals with a university degree. M2W specialists assess your eligibility and prepare your application.
