EU Blue Card (Germany)

Provide a German job offer or contract for at least six months matching your qualification. In 2026 the gross annual threshold is EUR 50,700; EUR 45,934.20 applies to qualifying shortage occupations, recent graduates (last qualification within three years), and the qualifying degree-free IT branch, with Federal Employment Agency approval for these lower-threshold branches. The Blue Card salary threshold follows the applicable job and qualification branch, not the applicant’s German level. Check the language needed for the actual job. For later settlement, German A1 can support the 27-month route or B1 the 21-month route, subject to the other conditions. A valid passport and a biometric photo for the visa application. A German or comparable foreign academic degree, or a qualifying tertiary qualification of at least three years at ISCED/EQF level6. The separate IT route requires university-level IT experience for at least three of the past seven years, required for the offered IT job; not five years of generic STEM experience. Proof of health insurance coverage valid in Germany. For a regulated job, provide the required professional permission or evidence it is in prospect at the visa stage. The required permission must be issued before the employment residence permit; qualification recognition alone does not authorise professional practice. Processing and appointment waits vary by mission, case and workload; no universal duration is established by the reviewed federal guide.