New Salary Requirements Take Effect
Germany's Federal Ministry of the Interior has confirmed increased annual minimum-salary requirements for the EU Blue Card, which came into effect on January 1, 2026. The standard gross annual salary threshold for the EU Blue Card has risen to €50,700. This adjustment is part of Germany's ongoing efforts to attract highly qualified professionals from non-EU countries to address skilled worker shortages across various sectors.
Reduced Thresholds for Key Professions and Young Professionals
A lower salary threshold of €45,934.20 gross per year has been set for specific categories of applicants. This reduced threshold applies to individuals working in designated shortage occupations, recent university graduates who obtained their degree less than three years ago, and qualifying IT professionals who possess at least three years of relevant professional experience within the past seven years, even without a university degree.
Shortage occupations eligible for the reduced threshold include, but are not limited to:
- Manufacturing, mining, construction, and distribution managers
- Information and communications technology service managers
- Professional services managers (e.g., childcare, health, education)
- Academic STEM professionals (natural scientists, mathematicians, engineers)
- Architects, spatial planning, and transport planning professionals
- Medical doctors, veterinarians, dentists, and pharmacists
- Academic and comparable nursing and midwifery professionals
Context and Implications of the Changes
The increase in salary thresholds, approximately 5 percent over 2025 levels, is based on a statutory indexation mechanism. This mechanism links Blue Card pay to a percentage of the national pension-insurance ceiling (50 percent for the standard threshold and 45.3 percent for shortage occupations), reflecting wage growth in the broader economy. These changes are also integrated within the broader reforms introduced by Germany's Skilled Immigration Act.
Employers in Germany are advised to review employment contracts and salary offers for international hires to ensure compliance with the new requirements. Applications referencing outdated salary levels may face rejection by immigration authorities, potentially leading to delays in the hiring process. The updated thresholds underscore Germany's commitment to attracting highly skilled international talent while maintaining competitive and fair remuneration standards within its labor market.
5 Comments
Habibi
Ensuring a competitive remuneration package is important for attracting professionals globally. But, the constant adjustments could also create uncertainty for employers and potential applicants, leading to delays and frustration in an already complex immigration process.
Mariposa
It's good that Germany aims to ensure a decent income for skilled immigrants, reflecting a commitment to a living wage. However, consistently increasing the bar might push some excellent professionals towards countries with less stringent entry requirements, even if the salary is comparable.
Muchacha
Another hurdle for skilled professionals. This makes Germany less attractive.
Bella Ciao
What about the actual cost of living? Is this truly a 'living wage' for a family?
Africa
High standards mean high-value contributions. Love to see it!