Germany EU Blue Card
Who it's for: Graduates with a recognised degree and a qualified job offer in Germany, plus some IT specialists without a degree.
Information, not immigration advice. This page summarises what the government publishes. Confirm every figure on the official page before you pay or apply.
Last checked 27 Oct 2026
Requirements at a glance
- A job offer in Germany for at least 6 months, matching your qualification
- A degree recognised in Germany (check anabin, or get a ZAB statement for €208)
- Gross salary of at least €50,700, or €45,934.20 for shortage occupations, new entrants and IT specialists
- IT specialists without a degree: 3 years of relevant experience in the last 7 years
- Visa fee of €75
Figures and costs
| Item | Amount | In your currency | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salary threshold | €50,700 | — | make-it-in-germany.comOfficial · 27 Oct 2026 |
| Lower salary threshold | €45,934.20 | — | make-it-in-germany.comOfficial · 27 Oct 2026 |
| Visa fee | €75 | — | make-it-in-germany.comOfficial · 27 Oct 2026 |
| ZAB statement of comparability | €208 check | — | move-to-germany.infoSecondary · 27 Oct 2026 |
| Minimum job contract | 6 months | make-it-in-germany.comOfficial · 27 Oct 2026 | |
| IT experience instead of a degree (in last 7 years) | 3 years | make-it-in-germany.comOfficial · 27 Oct 2026 | |
| Months to settlement | german b1: 21 months; german a1: 27 months | make-it-in-germany.comOfficial · 27 Oct 2026 | |
| Card validity beyond the contract | 3 months check | make-it-in-germany.comOfficial · 27 Oct 2026 |
Figures marked check come from secondary sources or could not be confirmed on an official page.
Costs and local steps by country
Costs in your currency, plus what's specific to applying from there, such as how the German mission takes applications.
How the route works
Once you have a job offer and your degree is recognised, you apply for the visa at the German mission for your country. Employers can request the fast-track procedure for skilled workers, which shortens the Federal Employment Agency part of the process.
The lower salary threshold
The lower amount applies to occupations with shortages, to people who graduated within the last 3 years and to IT specialists without a degree. In those cases the Federal Employment Agency has to approve the job.
Common questions
How do I know if my degree is recognised?
Look up your university and degree in the anabin database. If it isn't listed as equivalent, you can apply to the ZAB (Central Office for Foreign Education) for a statement of comparability.
Can my family come with me?
Yes. Family reunification is allowed for Blue Card holders, and spouses don't need to prove German language skills first.
When can I get permanent residence?
Blue Card holders can apply for settlement after 21 months with German at B1, or after 27 months with A1.
The full EU Blue Card guide
Step-by-step process, every cost for you and your family, document checklist, money rules, common refusal reasons and official links. The same guide for every buyer, dated.
Other Germany routes
Before you pay anyone
- Nobody can guarantee a visa. Only the government of the country you apply to decides.
- UK employers must not charge you for a Certificate of Sponsorship.
- German missions say you don't need an agent to get a visa appointment.
- Check any adviser or recruitment agent on an official register before you pay.