The EU Blue Card is a residence permit for university graduates with a qualified job offer in Germany above a minimum salary. It's the strongest work permit Germany offers: a faster path to permanent residency, easier family reunification, and mobility within the EU.

As of 2026: 50,700 € gross per year (about 4,225 € per month) for standard occupations. A reduced threshold of 45,934.20 € (about 3,827.85 € per month) applies to shortage occupations, recent graduates whose degree is less than three years old, and IT specialists without a formal degree. Both figures change every year, this check always uses the current ones.

You're not out of options: the skilled worker residence permit has no fixed salary threshold, it requires a qualified job that matches your qualification and pay in line with local standards. This check looks at both permits and shows you which one your offer supports.

Yes. If your degree is less than three years old, which covers most fresh graduates of German universities, the reduced threshold of 45,934.20 € applies instead of the standard 50,700 €. That's a difference of almost 5,000 € in required salary.