EU Blue Card (Sec 18g)
The EU's flagship permit for university graduates with a German job offer.
Official Germany & Europe pageWho this route is for
University graduates (or qualifying IT specialists without a degree) holding a German job offer that meets the salary floor, especially in shortage fields.
Eligibility requirements
- Recognised university degree (or comparable qualification); IT specialists may qualify with 3 years' relevant professional experience gained in the last 7 instead of a degree
- Binding job offer or contract for at least 6 months matching the qualification level
- 2026 standard salary: at least EUR 50,700 gross/year (approx. EUR 4,225/month)
- 2026 shortage-occupation / recent-graduate (within 3 years) salary: at least EUR 45,934.20 gross/year (approx. EUR 3,827/month)
- Base contractual salary must meet the floor on its own — bonuses and variable pay do not count
- No German language requirement to obtain the card
Requirements reviewed June 2026. They change frequently — confirm the current rules on the official page before relying on them.
Recent changes & caveats
Thresholds rose for 2026 (effective 1 January 2026) from the 2025 levels of EUR 48,300 (standard) and EUR 43,759.80 (shortage). Shortage list now covers the full MINT/STEM cluster plus most healthcare roles.
Check your points first
Use the free Opportunity Card Points Calculator to see if you're likely to qualify before you start.
Other Germany & Europe routes
Germany Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte, Sec 20a)
TemporaryPoints-based job-search visa — come to Germany with no job offer.
Skilled Worker Visa (Sec 18a / 18b)
TemporaryWork permit for graduates and vocationally trained workers with a job offer.
Germany Recognition Partnership (Sec 16d)
TemporaryGet your foreign qualification fully recognised after you arrive in Germany.
Germany Intra-Corporate Transfer (ICT) Card (Sec 19 / 19b)
TemporaryTransfer within your multinational employer to a German branch.