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Germany EU Blue Card (Blaue Karte EU)

Most recent source check , against the official sources listed below. A recent source check does not mean every requirement was re-read on that date. This page is information, not legal advice and not a guarantee of eligibility.

Summary

A residence permit for university graduates with a qualifying job offer above a set salary threshold. Gross annual salary of at least EUR 50,700 (2026 general threshold). Or at least EUR 45,934.20 if you work in a listed shortage occupation, are an IT specialist without a degree, or graduated less than three years ago — but this lower threshold additionally requires the approval of the Federal Employment Agency, which the general threshold does not.

Requirements

  • A university degree recognised or comparable in Germany, or for IT specialists, substantial relevant professional experience
  • A concrete German job offer or employment contract matching your qualification
  • Gross annual salary of at least EUR 50,700 (2026 general threshold)
  • Or at least EUR 45,934.20 if you work in a listed shortage occupation, are an IT specialist without a degree, or graduated less than three years ago — but this lower threshold additionally requires the approval of the Federal Employment Agency, which the general threshold does not
  • The listed shortage occupations are broader than STEM and healthcare: they also include several manager categories, architecture and planning, veterinarians, dentists, pharmacists, nursing and midwifery, and teachers
  • No German language requirement for the permit itself

Key figures and rules

National visa fee

EUR 75 (approx. AED 300); EUR 37.50 under 18 (approx. AED 150)

Set by § 46(2) no. 1 AufenthV, minors at half under § 50(1). Spouses and minor children of German citizens, parents of minor Germans and publicly funded scholarship holders are exempt. Reapplying after a refusal costs the full fee again.

Source: § 46 Aufenthaltsverordnung — visa fees (checked 2026-11-03) · § 50 Aufenthaltsverordnung — half fees for minors (checked 2026-11-03) · Federal Foreign Office — visa fees, reductions and exemptions (checked 2026-11-03)

AED figures in brackets are indicative only, at a rounded 4.0 AED per EUR. There is no official rate or rate date behind them. Check a live rate with your bank before you pay or transfer anything.

What we have not published

These are things readers often look for. Our sources do not support a statement, so we make none.

  • How long a Blue Card decision takes. Not sourced.
  • A Blue Card-specific fee. The only fee in our data is the general national visa fee shown above; we do not state a Blue Card fee.
  • The full list of shortage occupations. Our data names the categories only; the legal list is in the linked section 18g of the Residence Act.
  • Whether your specific offer qualifies. That depends on your degree, occupation and contract, which only the authorities can assess.

Common questions

What salary do I need for the Blue Card?

Gross annual salary of at least EUR 50,700 (2026 general threshold).

Is there a lower salary threshold?

Or at least EUR 45,934.20 if you work in a listed shortage occupation, are an IT specialist without a degree, or graduated less than three years ago — but this lower threshold additionally requires the approval of the Federal Employment Agency, which the general threshold does not.

Do I need German for the Blue Card?

No German language requirement for the permit itself.

How long is the Blue Card valid?

Tied to your contract, normally up to four years. Permanent residence is available considerably faster than on other permits, and faster still with German language skills.

Can I work for any employer, and can family join?

Full-time employment with the sponsoring employer. Family may join you.

Official sources

Sources used on this page: Make it in Germany — EU Blue Card (Federal Government portal) (checked 2026-11-03) · § 18g AufenthG — EU Blue Card salary thresholds (Federal Office of Justice) (checked 2026-11-03) · § 46 Aufenthaltsverordnung — visa fees (checked 2026-11-03) · § 50 Aufenthaltsverordnung — half fees for minors (checked 2026-11-03) · Federal Foreign Office — visa fees, reductions and exemptions (checked 2026-11-03)