EU Blue Card: eligibility, salary requirements and application process
For 2026, the Germany EU Blue Card needs a job offer of at least six months paying €50,700 a year gross, or €45,934.20 for shortage occupations, recent graduates and IT specialists. You need a recognised degree (IT specialists can use 3 years of experience instead). You can get permanent settlement after 27 months, or 21 months with B1 German.
The EU Blue Card is a residence permit for university graduates who have a qualifying job offer in an EU country. Germany issues most of them. It's the most practical European route for professionals from India and elsewhere, because the rules are clear and the path to settlement is short.
The basic requirements
- A German university degree, or a foreign degree that is recognised or comparable to a German one
- A job offer or contract in Germany for at least six months
- A gross annual salary at or above the relevant threshold
- A job that matches your qualification
Salary thresholds for 2026
| Threshold | Gross annual salary | Who it applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | €50,700 | Most professions |
| Lower | €45,934.20 | Shortage occupations, new entrants within 3 years of their degree, and IT specialists without a degree |
The thresholds are updated every year, so check the figure for the year you apply. At the lower threshold, the Federal Employment Agency generally has to approve the job and checks that your pay and conditions match those of comparable German employees.
Degree recognition
Your degree must be a German degree, or a foreign degree that is recognised or comparable. The first check is the anabin database: look up both your university and your degree. If they're not listed with the right status, you can apply to the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB) for a statement of comparability. Start this early, as it can take several weeks.
For regulated professions, such as doctors, you also need a licence to practise in Germany. That's a separate process.
IT specialists without a degree
IT professionals can qualify without a formal degree if they have at least 3 years of relevant professional experience at a level comparable to a university graduate, gained within the last 7 years, and a job offer at the lower threshold or above. This has opened the route to many experienced engineers without a computer science degree.
How to apply
- Get the job offer and a signed contract or binding offer showing salary and duration.
- Check degree recognition through anabin, or apply to ZAB.
- Apply for a national visa at the German embassy or consulate in your country. The fee is €75.
- Travel to Germany and register your address.
- Collect the Blue Card from the local foreigners' authority (Ausländerbehörde).
If you're already in Germany on another permit, you may be able to apply to the foreigners' authority directly.
Settlement and family
| Milestone | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Settlement permit with A1 German | after 27 months |
| Settlement permit with B1 German | after 21 months |
Family reunification is generally possible, and Blue Card holders' spouses don't need to prove German before joining. After settlement you can move towards German citizenship, which since the 2024 reform is generally possible after 5 years of residence, and Germany now allows dual citizenship.
Moving within the EU
The Blue Card is issued by Germany for work in Germany. EU rules make it easier to move to another EU country after 12 months, but you still need to meet that country's requirements and apply there.
The most common reason for a refused Blue Card is a salary a few hundred euros below the threshold. Bonuses usually don't count, so check the fixed gross salary.
Is it the right route?
The Blue Card suits graduates with a German job offer. It's weaker for people who want flexibility to change employers early, or who don't have an offer yet. If you have a strong public profile, the UK Global Talent visa or the US O-1A may give you more freedom. Compare them in our route comparison, or see our EU Blue Card page.
Official sources
Checked on 29 September 2026. Fees and rules change, so confirm the current position on these pages before you pay or apply.
- Federal Employment Agency: EU Blue Card 2026
- Make it in Germany: EU Blue Card
- Federal Foreign Office: What is the EU Blue Card?
- anabin: foreign degree recognition database
Common questions
What is the EU Blue Card salary for Germany in 2026?
€50,700 gross a year as standard, or €45,934.20 for shortage occupations, new graduates within 3 years of their degree and IT specialists without a degree.
Can I get an EU Blue Card without a degree?
Only as an IT specialist, with at least 3 years of relevant professional experience within the last 7 years, and a job offer at the lower threshold or above.
How quickly can Blue Card holders settle in Germany?
After 27 months with A1 German, or 21 months with B1 German.
How do I check if my Indian degree is recognised in Germany?
Search your university and degree in the anabin database. If they are not listed with the right status, apply to ZAB for a statement of comparability.
This guide is general information based on the official rules as they stood on 29 September 2026. It is not legal advice for your situation. Immigration rules and fees change, so check the official sources above or speak to us before you apply.
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