EU Blue Card

Who qualifies for the EU Blue Card in Germany?

The EU Blue Card is a German residence title for qualified employment. It requires a concrete job contract and a salary that meets the legal threshold; finding that contract is what we do for you. For a wide range of experienced professionals, work experience can take the place of a university degree.

Tell us about your circumstances

At a glance

Your German job offer or contract must be for qualifying employment and last at least six months.
For a wide range of experienced professionals, work experience can take the place of a university degree.
Your annual gross salary must meet the threshold for the year of application.
There is no general statutory German certificate requirement for the EU Blue Card itself.

Three checks before you apply

Your German job offer or contract must be for qualifying employment and last at least six months.
For a wide range of experienced professionals, work experience can take the place of a university degree. Regulated professions may also require permission to practise.
Your annual gross salary must meet the threshold for the year of application. In 2026 the general threshold is €50,700. The lower threshold of €45,934.20 applies to eligible shortage occupations and certain other groups. Federal Employment Agency approval may be required.

Do you need German?

There is no general statutory German certificate requirement for the EU Blue Card itself. An employer or regulated profession may require language skills. German also matters for daily life and later settlement applications.

What happens after arrival?

The Blue Card is a residence title for work. After entering Germany, you will need to follow the local procedures for address registration and your residence document. If your role or employer changes, the effect on your Blue Card conditions should be checked.

Family and your longer term plans

Your spouse and children may be able to join you through family reunification. Eligible Blue Card holders may apply for a settlement permit after 27 months with A1 German, or after 21 months with B1 German, provided the other conditions are met. These periods do not mean automatic approval.

How Dewayz can help

We look at your qualification, contract, occupational category, salary and place of application together so you can see whether the Blue Card is appropriate or another route needs consideration.

qualification
contract
occupational category
salary
place of application

Ask us to review your Blue Card route

Related routes

Other work routes
If the Blue Card does not fit your circumstances, the way is not closed. We put the skilled worker visa, the experience-based route and the opportunity card beside the routes outside employment, such as buying a trading business or studying, and choose the one that fits.
See this route: Other work routes
Permanent residence
A settlement permit is a separate application. Some EU Blue Card holders may become eligible sooner than holders of other residence titles.
See this route: Permanent residence
Citizenship and passport
A German passport follows German citizenship. Neither a Blue Card nor a settlement permit is a passport. Naturalisation has its own residence, language and financial requirements.
See this route: Citizenship and passport