- Salary threshold
- Shortage-occupation reduced rate
- Degree recognition check
Recognition means confirmed as equivalent in Germany (anabin / ZAB, or the profession's competent body).
€50,700/yr short of qualifying
Your salary: €0
What this means
You're €50,700/yr below the €50,700 threshold for regular roles. With a recognised degree you may still qualify for the general Skilled Worker visa (§18b), or use the Opportunity Card to come and job-hunt.
Your next steps
How this is calculated
The EU Blue Card needs a gross annual salary at or above the applicable threshold, plus a recognised university degree (or, for IT specialists, relevant professional experience).
Most roles use the general threshold. Shortage occupations (and recent graduates) use a lower reduced threshold. This tool compares your salary to whichever threshold applies, and checks your qualification separately.
For the exact thresholds, the settlement timeline, and the IT-specialist exception, read the EU Blue Card guide.
Assumptions & notes
- 2026 thresholds effective 1 January 2026: general €50,700; reduced €45,934.20. Owner to re-confirm against BAMF each year.
- The reduced threshold applies to shortage occupations and to new entrants (degree obtained within the last 3 years).
- IT specialists may qualify via professional experience (3 years relevant experience in the last 7) without a formal degree (§18g).
- The Blue Card covers academic degrees and, since the Nov 2023 reform, comparable higher qualifications at EQF level 6 such as Meister/Techniker (§18g(2)). Standard vocational training (Ausbildung) uses the Skilled Worker visa (§18a) instead.
- DRAFT: settlement timeline (21/27 months, §18c(2) AufenthG) and citizenship years (5, post-2024 reform) pending owner confirmation before publishing as final.
Official sources
- BAMF: EU Blue Card
- Make it in Germany: EU Blue Card
- EU Blue Card salary thresholds effective 1 Jan 2026 (Tafapolsky & Smith)
- BAMF: The EU Blue Card (settlement permit, §18c(2) AufenthG)
- Settlement permit & EU Blue Card: 21/27 months explained (RT & Partner)
- EU Blue Card: Family Reunification in Germany (Schlun & Elseven)
- BAMF: Mobility with the EU Blue Card (12-month rule)
- Federal Government: new rules for naturalisation (5-year standard track)
Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates only and is not financial, tax, or legal advice. Figures are general in nature and may not reflect your circumstances. Verify against official sources or a qualified adviser before making decisions.
Frequently asked questions
What is the EU Blue Card? +
It's a German residence permit for highly qualified non-EU professionals with a job offer that meets a minimum gross salary and a recognised university degree (or, for IT specialists, relevant professional experience).
What is the salary threshold? +
For roles starting in 2026 (thresholds effective 1 January 2026), the general threshold is €50,700 gross per year. Always check the current figure; thresholds are updated each year.
Is there a lower threshold for shortage occupations? +
Yes. Shortage occupations (such as many STEM, healthcare and IT roles) and new entrants (a degree obtained within the last three years) use a reduced threshold of €45,934.20 gross per year for 2026. This calculator applies the reduced threshold when you select that occupation type.
Can I qualify without a university degree? +
IT specialists can sometimes qualify through several years of relevant professional experience instead of a formal degree. For most other occupations, a recognised (or comparable) university degree is required.
I have vocational training (Ausbildung). Can I get a Blue Card? +
Generally no: the EU Blue Card is for academic (or IT-specialist) qualifications. With recognised vocational training, the route is the Skilled Worker visa (§18a), which has no Blue Card salary minimum. If your training isn't recognised yet, look at getting it recognised first or a Recognition Partnership, and the Opportunity Card is a points-based way to come and job-hunt.
What does "recognised" mean? +
It means your foreign qualification has been confirmed as equivalent in Germany, for degrees via the anabin database or a ZAB Statement of Comparability, and for regulated professions via the competent body. Recognition status changes which route is open to you, so this calculator asks about it directly.
Is this an official eligibility decision? +
No. This is a free estimate to help you understand the salary and qualification thresholds. Only the German authorities can decide your application. Treat this as guidance, not legal or immigration advice, and verify details with BAMF or Make-it-in-Germany.