Berlin, 2024-2025 — Germany.
Under Germany’s amended Skilled Immigration Act (Fachkräfteeinwanderungsgesetz), rolled out in phases from November 2023 to June 1, 2024, the EU Blue Card requirements were significantly adjusted. The required salary threshold was lowered for both standard occupations and shortage occupations, broadening the pool of eligible applicants.
Lower Salary Thresholds
According to the Make it in Germany website of Germany’s Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (BMAS), the salary threshold for the EU Blue Card has been significantly lowered for both standard occupations and shortage occupations. This implements the requirements of Directive (EU) 2021/1883, which Germany has transposed into national law.
In addition, the list of shortage occupations eligible for the EU Blue Card has been expanded to include more technical and healthcare occupation groups. Recent university graduates may qualify for the EU Blue Card at a preferential salary threshold if they receive a job offer in these fields.
Accompanying Changes
The law also expands the rights of EU Blue Card holders, including the time required for family reunification and conversion to long-term permanent residence. Holders of a German EU Blue Card can move to work in other EU countries after a specified period.
At the same time, new immigration pathways such as the Chancenkarte (Opportunity Card) were introduced to allow non-EU nationals to come to Germany to look for work without a prior job offer. This creates an integrated system covering both people who already have a job offer (EU Blue Card, work permit) and people still job-hunting (Chancenkarte).
Labour Demand Context
Germany has cited a need for around 400,000 skilled workers per year amid an aging population and labour shortages across many sectors. The amended Skilled Immigration Act is one of the measures aimed at attracting non-EU workers to meet this need.
Detailed rules on the EU Blue Card salary threshold and the shortage occupation list are updated periodically by the Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit). Interested applicants should check the current thresholds and requirements through official sources before applying.
References
This article is compiled from government sources. Immigration regulations and figures may change over time; you should check current information on the official website before making a decision.
