The EU Blue Card 2026 remains one of the most attractive skilled migration pathways in Germany for highly qualified workers. In 2026, the minimum salary threshold for applying has been adjusted, opening up more opportunities for many occupations and recent graduates.
EU Blue Card 2026 là gì
The EU Blue Card is a visa for people with a university degree and a German employment contract that meets the required salary. The card allows long-term work and opens a fast track to settlement, with permanent residence possible after just 21 to 33 months if you reach the required German proficiency.
Unlike the Chancenkarte (job-seeker card), the EU Blue Card requires you to already have a job before moving to Germany.
EU Blue Card 2026 salary thresholds
The minimum salary is calculated based on the pension insurance contribution ceiling and is adjusted every year. In 2026, two thresholds apply as follows:
- Standard occupations: at least €50,700 EUR per year.
- Shortage occupations, recent graduates, IT specialists: at least €45,934.20 EUR per year.
Theo the official Make it in Germany portal of the German Government, the lower threshold applies to shortage occupations and to university graduates within the past 3 years.
The shortage occupation list has been expanded
Besides the traditional groups such as mathematics, information technology, science, engineering and medicine, the shortage occupation list now includes several new groups. These include production management, construction, IT services, nursing and midwifery.
Notably, IT specialists without a university degree can still apply for the EU Blue Card if they can prove at least 3 years of equivalent experience, and the shortage-occupation salary threshold will apply to them.
What this means for Vietnamese workers
Lowering the salary threshold for shortage occupations and recent graduates makes more Vietnamese applicants eligible than before. The key point remains a recognised qualification and a valid employment contract in Germany.
You should prepare your qualification recognition application early and determine whether your occupation falls under the shortage list. The M2W team will continue to update the latest salary tables and occupation lists.
Read more: Overview of migrating to Germany · The German EU Blue Card: Requirements, Benefits and the Path to Permanent Residence
