§18g AufenthG

EU Blue Card

Blaue Karte EU

What employers need to know

The EU Blue Card is Germany's primary residence permit for highly qualified non-EU professionals. It offers the fastest path to permanent residence and is the most employer-friendly visa category.

Salary threshold (2026): €50,700 general / €45,934 shortage occupations (2026)

Typical timeline: 6-12 weeks from application to work start

The law, simplified

The EU Blue Card allows non-EU nationals with a recognised university degree and a job offer meeting a minimum salary threshold to live and work in Germany for up to four years. Holders can apply for permanent residence after just 21 months (with B1 German) or 27 months (with A1 German). Family members can join without proving German language skills, and spouses receive immediate work authorisation. Since June 2024, IT professionals with at least three years of relevant experience can qualify without a formal degree. The 2024 reform also removed the requirement for the job to match the degree field in non-shortage occupations.

Your obligations as employer

1Provide an employment contract or binding job offer with a gross annual salary meeting the threshold (€50,700 general / €45,934 for shortage occupations in 2026)
2The position must require a university-level qualification (though the degree field no longer needs to match since 2024)
3Register the employee with social security before they start work
4Ensure the workplace complies with German labour law (working hours, vacation, health & safety)
5Report the employment to the Bundesagentur für Arbeit if requested

Candidate requirements

✓Hold a recognised university degree (check via anabin database or ZAB statement of comparability) — or 3+ years IT experience for IT professionals
✓Have a concrete job offer or employment contract meeting the salary threshold
✓Proof of health insurance valid in Germany
✓Valid passport with at least 6 months remaining validity
✓Biometric passport photos
✓For permanent residence fast-track: German language certificate (B1 for 21-month track, A1 for 27-month track)

Required documents

From the employer

■Employment contract or binding job offer (original + copy)
■Job description detailing qualification requirements
■Company registration extract (Handelsregisterauszug)
■Completed employer declaration form (Erklärung zum Beschäftigungsverhältnis)

From the candidate

■Valid passport
■Biometric photos (35x45mm)
■University degree with apostille or legalisation
■Degree recognition: anabin H+ rating or ZAB Zeugnisbewertung
■Employment contract meeting salary threshold
■Health insurance proof (travel insurance for visa, German health insurance for permit)
■Proof of accommodation in Germany (for visa application)
■CV / Lebenslauf
■For IT professionals without degree: proof of 3+ years relevant professional experience

Process steps — who does what

Degree recognition check

relokate

Verify the candidate's degree is recognised in Germany via anabin (for known universities) or apply for a ZAB statement of comparability (4-6 weeks). For IT professionals without a degree, document 3+ years of relevant experience.

Employment contract preparation

Employer

Ensure the contract meets the salary threshold and the job description reflects the required qualification level. The contract must be signed before the visa application.

Visa application at German embassy

Candidate

The candidate applies for a national visa (D-visa) at the German embassy or consulate in their country of residence. Processing takes 4-8 weeks. Candidates from visa-free countries (§41 AufenthV) can enter Germany and apply directly at the Ausländerbehörde.

Entry and address registration

Candidate

After arriving in Germany, register at the local Bürgeramt within 14 days (Anmeldung). This is required before the residence permit appointment.

Residence permit application

relokate

Apply for the EU Blue Card at the local Ausländerbehörde with all required documents. The Blue Card is issued for up to 4 years or the duration of the employment contract plus 3 months.

Social security registration

Employer

EmployerCandidateAuthorityrelokate

Common pitfalls

Salary below threshold: Even a few euros below the threshold will result in rejection — always verify against the current year's figures

Degree not recognised: An anabin H- rating means the degree is not recognised. Apply for ZAB assessment instead, but expect 4-6 weeks processing

Missing Vorabzustimmung: For some cases, the Bundesagentur für Arbeit must pre-approve the employment — your Ausländerbehörde will request this automatically, but it can add 2-3 weeks

Embassy appointment delays: In high-demand countries (India, Philippines), embassy appointments can be booked out 4-8 weeks in advance — plan early

Contract not signed before visa application: A Letter of Intent is not sufficient — the candidate needs a signed employment contract

Frequently asked questions

What is the minimum salary for an EU Blue Card in 2026?

The general salary threshold for 2026 is €50,700 gross per year. For shortage occupations (IT, engineering, medicine, natural sciences), the reduced threshold is €45,934. These thresholds are adjusted annually based on the average gross annual salary.

Can an IT professional get a Blue Card without a university degree?

Yes. Since June 2024, IT professionals with at least 3 years of relevant professional experience in the last 7 years can qualify for an EU Blue Card without a formal university degree, provided the salary threshold is met.

How long does it take to get permanent residence with a Blue Card?

Blue Card holders can apply for permanent residence (Niederlassungserlaubnis) after 21 months with B1 German language skills, or after 27 months with A1 German. This is significantly faster than the standard 5-year path.

Does the job need to match the degree field?

No. Since the 2024 reform, there is no longer a requirement for the job to be related to the degree field for non-shortage occupations. For shortage occupations using the lower salary threshold, the job must still be in a related field.