§ 18g Residence Act
The EU Blue Card is the visa for university graduates with high salaries. It enables a quicker route to obtaining a settlement permit than the regular work visa – and gives the right to move on to other EU countries after 18 months. Anyone who does not reach the salary limit applies for the regular work visa instead of the Blue Card.
45.300 €
Gross per year For all regular professions with a university degree. Adjusted annually by the Federal Foreign Office.
41.042 €
Gross per year Applies to professions with a proven shortage of skilled workers: MINT professions, medicine, nursing, IT.
3.775 €
Standard salary converted For shortage occupations: approx. €3,420 gross per month. Net amount depends on tax class and deductions.
Requirements
Three basic requirements must be met at the same time. If one of these is missing, the regular work visa according to Section 18 of the Residence Act applies - not the Blue Card.
The university degree must include at least three years of study and be recognized in Germany – by a German university, the anabin database or a ZAB assessment. Vocational training without a university degree does not entitle you to a Blue Card, even if the salary exceeds the limit.
The gross annual salary must reach the applicable salary limit. For 2025: €45,300 in general, €41,042 in shortage occupations. Stock options, bonuses or variable compensation do not count towards the minimum salary – only the fixed basic salary in the employment contract.
An employment contract or a binding job offer declaration from the German employer must be available. The job must match the qualification level of the university degree. A job offer as an unskilled helper - even with a high salary - does not entitle you to a Blue Card.
| document | Note |
|---|---|
| Valid passport + 2 copies | Min. Valid for 6 months after the end of your stay |
| 2 biometric photographs | 35×45 mm, white background, current |
| Completed visa form | Fill out online, print out, sign |
| Employment contract | With salary information ≥ minimum salary, signed by both sides |
| University certificate + certified translation | Sworn translation into German |
| Proof of recognition of the university degree | ZAB rating or anabine detection H+ |
| CV in German | Tabular, current |
| Visa fee | 75 € (cash or card, depending on the embassy) |
Reduced minimum salary
A lower salary limit applies to professions with a proven shortage of skilled workers. The list of occupations in shortage is determined by the Federal Employment Agency.
Mathematics, computer science, natural sciences, technology
from €41,042 gross/year
Human medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine
from €41,042 gross/year
Nursing professions, health professions
from €41,042 gross/year
Software development, system administration, IT security
from €41,042 gross/year
Mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, civil engineering
from €41,042 gross/year
Chemistry, physics, biology, earth sciences
from €41,042 gross/year
Residence perspective
The decisive advantage of the Blue Card over the regular work visa: The path to a permanent settlement permit is shorter - under certain conditions after 21 instead of 48 months.
When and how permanent residence becomes possible
Blue Card – First issue
The Blue Card is initially issued for the duration of the employment contract, up to a maximum of 4 years. Extension possible without any problems as long as the employment relationship exists.
Right to move on to other EU countries
After 18 months of Blue Card in Germany, you can move on to another EU member state without having to start the process all over again. This does not apply to all EU states – check the target country beforehand.
Settlement permit possible (quickest way)
Anyone who has a B1 language certificate after 21 months and has been employed throughout can apply for a settlement permit. This is the fastest way to permanent residence in Germany.
Settlement permit without proof of language skills
Anyone who does not have a B1 certificate can apply for a settlement permit after 33 months - with simple proof of language skills (proven oral communication).
Settlement permit after 48 months
The standard work visa only leads to a settlement permit after 4 years (48 months) – 27 months later than with Blue Card and B1.
The application process
The employment contract must show the minimum salary (€45,300 or €41,042 for shortage occupations) as a fixed basic salary. Variable components such as bonuses or stock options do not count.
ZAB rating or anabine detection H+. Duration: 4-12 weeks. Initiate parallel to the embassy appointment – don’t wait afterwards.
Without proof of recognition, there is no embassy appointment for the Blue Card.Book as early as possible. In countries with a long waiting period (8-16 weeks), book the appointment before all documents are ready - then complete at the same time.
Translations by a sworn translator. Missing documents at the appointment will result in rejection or a new appointment - without exception.
Duration: 20-40 minutes. Passport remains with the embassy. Processing time after the appointment: 2-6 weeks.
The visa allows entry. The Blue Card itself – as a residence permit – is then applied for at the immigration office at your place of residence. Residential registration first (14 days mandatory), then immigration authorities.
Do you meet the requirements for the Blue Card?
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As of: May 2026. Lalmano checks content editorially and is based on official information, including from Foreign Office, BAMF and Make it in Germany. The content does not replace individual legal advice.