The EU Blue Card is a special residence permit for highly qualified skilled workers from non-EU countries in order to reduce the shortage of skilled workers in Germany. It facilitates access to the German labor market for qualified individuals and offers long-term prospects for a professional career.
Requirements for the EU Blue Card
To obtain an EU Blue Card, applicants must fulfill the following conditions:
- A specific job offer in Germany
- A minimum salary that is above a fixed salary threshold
- A recognized university education or a comparable qualification
Salary limits for the EU Blue Card 2025
The income requirements for the EU Blue Card are regulated by law and are based on the contribution assessment ceiling of the German pension insurance:
- General salary limit:
- 48,300 euros gross per year (4,025 euros gross per month)
- For shortage occupations and career starters (with a university degree, max. three years old):
- 43,759.80 euros gross per year (3,646.65 euros gross per month)
Examples of shortage occupations
Certain professions are classified as so-called Shortage occupations because there are not enough skilled workers in these areas in Germany. These include, for example:
- IT specialists (e.g. software developers, system administrators)
- Engineers (e.g. mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, civil engineering)
- Medical professionals (e.g. doctors, nursing staff, pharmacists)
- Natural scientist (e.g. chemist, physicist, mathematician)
Sample salary calculation
A software developer from India has a job offer in Berlin with a gross annual salary of 50,000 euros. As his salary is above the minimum threshold of 48,300 euros, he meets the salary requirement for the EU Blue Card.
A mechanical engineer from Brazil has a job in Munich with a gross salary of 44,000 euros per year. As his profession is classified as a shortage occupation and the special salary threshold for shortage occupations is 43,759.80 euros, he also qualifies for the EU Blue Card.
Special payments and salary components
Certain additional payments such as Christmas bonuses or vacation pay can be counted as part of the gross annual salary, provided they are contractually guaranteed and are not made subject to conditions.
Uniform regulation for the whole of Germany
The salary limits for the EU Blue Card are uniform throughout Germany and apply equally in all federal states. The Federal Ministry of the Interior and for Home Affairs publishes the exact amounts each year by the end of the previous year.
Long-term advantages of the EU Blue Card
In addition to a residence permit, EU Blue Card holders have attractive opportunities for a long-term career in Germany:
- Work and settlement prospects: After a certain length of stay, it is possible to apply for a Settlement permit (permanent residence permit).
- Family reunification: Spouses and children can follow under simplified conditions.
- Freedom of movement within the EU: After a certain period of time, it is possible to switch to other EU countries.
