The EU Blue Card salary threshold is the key condition determining who qualifies for this category. Understanding it helps you assess whether your job offer meets the requirement. This article explains the EU Blue Card salary threshold in Germany and how to understand it correctly.
What is the EU Blue Card salary threshold
To apply for the EU Blue Card, an applicant’s job offer must have a salary reaching a minimum threshold as regulated. This is a mandatory condition to ensure foreign workers are paid fairly and to prevent non-genuine job offers. This threshold is calculated on the gross annual salary in the contract.
An important point: only the fixed base salary in the contract counts toward the threshold. Bonuses, commissions, and variable allowances are generally not counted. So applicants need to check whether the base salary in the contract meets the threshold, not counting extra amounts.
Standard threshold and reduced threshold
The EU Blue Card has two threshold levels: a standard threshold applying to most occupations, and a reduced (lower) threshold applying to certain groups such as shortage occupations, recent graduates, and some other cases. The reduced threshold makes it easier for these groups to meet the condition.
The specific threshold amount is adjusted annually (usually tied to German economic indicators), so it can change. Applicants therefore need to check the current threshold at the time of filing, not rely on an old figure.
Notes when assessing a job offer
When receiving or negotiating a job offer, applicants should check whether the base salary meets the threshold applicable to their case (standard or reduced). If the salary is close to the threshold, be careful, as falling short even slightly can lead to rejection. This point needs careful attention.
You should refer to information on the EU Blue Card and trang BAMF for the current salary threshold and to determine whether your job offer meets it.
Summary
The EU Blue Card salary threshold is the minimum gross salary a job offer must reach, counting only the fixed base salary (not bonuses or variable allowances). There is a standard threshold and a reduced threshold for shortage occupations and recent graduates. The threshold changes yearly. You should check the current figure and whether the base salary in your contract meets it.
