Germany EU Blue Card Salary Calculator 2026
Free, unlimited access with instant results—so you can make confident hiring decisions and ensure smooth relocations.
Why EU Blue Card Salary Compliance Matters
⚠️ Avoid Costly Hiring Delays
Non-compliant salaries lead to rejected applications and months of recruitment setbacks.
🎯 Attract Top International Talent
Competitive, compliant offers position your company as a trusted employer for global professionals.
📋 Stay Ahead of Regulatory Changes
Germany updates thresholds annually—our calculator reflects the latest 2026 requirements.
🚀 Accelerate Time-to-Hire
Verify compliance before extending offers to eliminate visa-related bottlenecks in your hiring process.
Verify. Hire. Succeed.
📊 Enter The Job Offer Details
Input the role, salary, and candidate qualifications in seconds.
✓ Confirm Compliance Instantly
See whether your offer meets 2026 EU Blue Card requirements—no guesswork.
💡 Understand Your Hiring Advantage
Discover if you qualify for reduced thresholds (shortage occupations, recent graduates).
🤝 Get Expert Support
Connect with our specialists to streamline the entire Blue Card process from offer to onboarding.
Check Salary. Hire with Confidence.
Enter the job offer details to instantly verify EU Blue Card salary requirements and ensure your international hires meet 2026 Blue Card standards.
Beyond the Blue Card: Find the Right Visa for Every Hire
The EU Blue Card is just one of several work permit options in Germany. If your candidate doesn't meet the Blue Card salary threshold—or if their role requires a different visa category—we can help.
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Our specialists handle the entire EU Blue Card process—from visa application to onboarding.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum salary for an EU Blue Card in Germany in 2026?
Standard threshold: €50.700,00 gross per year
Reduced threshold (shortage occupations): €45.934,20/year
Recent graduates (degree obtained within the last 3 years): €45.934,20/year irrespective of occupation
What is the EU Blue Card?
The EU Blue Card is a work-related visa and residence permit that allows highly skilled non-EU nationals to live and work in an EU member state, including Germany.
Which roles qualify for the reduced (shortage occupation) threshold?
Eligible occupations include software developers, engineers (mechanical, electrical, civil), IT specialists, data scientists, physicians, nursing professionals, natural scientists, mathematicians, and statisticians.
Can bonuses or benefits be included in the salary calculation?
Only the fixed base salary is accepted for the Blue Card salary requirements.
What happens if the offered salary is below the threshold?
The Blue Card application will be rejected. Even minor shortfalls result in non-compliance. Salary adjustments must be made before issuing the employment offer.
Should employers verify Blue Card eligibility before extending an offer?
Yes. Issuing non-compliant offers leads to failed applications, delayed hiring, and candidate drop-off.
How often do Blue Card salary thresholds change?
Annually. Thresholds are recalculated based on Germany’s national contribution assessment ceiling. relokate’s calculator is updated each year to reflect the latest requirements.
What requirements apply beyond salary compliance?
The candidate must:
Hold a recognised university degree
Have a binding employment contract
Demonstrate a clear role–qualification match
Hold valid health insurance coverage
relokate provides support with the end-to-end relocation.
What is the typical processing time for a Blue Card application?
On average, 4–8 weeks, depending on the German embassy responsible for the candidate's application. relokate can provide an estimated timeline based on an individual’s circumstances to plan with a realistic start date.
Can employers have multiple international hires simultaneously?
Yes. Employers can use relokate’s Blue Card salary calculator for multiple candidates in parallel.
What services are available beyond the calculator?
relokate provides End-to-end employer support, including salary validation, document preparation, application filing, authority coordination, appointment scheduling, and post-arrival onboarding.