EU Blue Card – Minimum salary in 2026
Minimum salary, salary limit for 2026 - EU Blue Card
The EU Blue Card is intended to promote the immigration of highly qualified professionals from third countries outside the EU to Germany. The aim is to combat the shortage of skilled workers.
The prerequisite for the Blue Card is that applicants can prove that they have a concrete job offer that meets the specified salary threshold for the EU Blue Card.
The exact salary limits for the EU Blue Card are regulated by law in Germany in Section 18g of the Residence Act (AufenthG). The salary limit corresponds to half of the annual contribution assessment ceiling for the general German pension insurance scheme. A lower salary threshold of 45.3% of the annual contribution assessment ceiling for pension insurance applies to career starters who graduated from university less than three years ago, as well as to so-called shortage occupations, i.e., certain occupations with high demand.
In 2026, the minimum salary threshold for an EU Blue Card will be €50,700 gross per year or €4,225 gross per month. For shortage occupations, the salary threshold is €45,934.20 gross per year or €3,827.85 gross per month.
Special payments such as Christmas or vacation bonuses can be added to the gross salary if they are regulated in the employment contract, specifically calculated, and not subject to any conditions according to the employment contract.
The reference value for minimum salaries remains unchanged, meaning that the salary thresholds apply equally in all federal states. The Federal Ministry of the Interior and Homeland Affairs announces the respective contributions in accordance with Section 18g (7) of the Residence Act by the end of the year for the following year.
Summary
The nationwide salary threshold for 2026 is €50,700 gross per annum or €45,934.20 gross per annum for shortage occupations. The salary threshold sets clear standards and supports the planning of the integration of highly qualified professionals into the German labor market. For more information on the additional requirements that must be met in order to obtain a Blue Card, please visit our main page on the EU Blue Card.
In addition to the residence permit, the EU Blue Card also opens up prospects for long-term employment in Germany for qualified professionals from third countries. After successful integration and a certain period of residence in Germany, a settlement permit may also be considered.