§ 18g AufenthG
EU Blue Card
The premium work permit for academics with a job offer above a salary threshold. Fastest route to permanent residence (21 months with German B1), privileged family reunification, and EU-wide mobility rights.
Last verified: 21 July 2026 · Legal basis: § 18g AufenthG
Duration
48 months
Issued for contract length + 3 months, max 4 years; renewable.
Family
Privileged: spouses get an immediate work permit and do NOT need German language proof before arrival. Waiting periods for family reunification don't apply.
Permanent residence
Permanent residence after 27 months, or just 21 months with German B1 (§ 18c Abs. 2 AufenthG).
Financial thresholds
| Standard threshold (2026) | €50,700
(Source: Make it in Germany / BMI,
Last verified 21 July 2026)
|
| Shortage occupations & career starters (2026) | €45,934
(Source: Make it in Germany / BMI,
Last verified 21 July 2026)
|
Requirements
- German or recognised/comparable foreign university degree Check anabin; if unclear, get a ZAB Statement of Comparability. IT specialists without a degree qualify with 3 years of relevant experience within the last 7.
- Salary ≥ €50,700 gross/year (standard, 2026) €50,700 (Source: 2026 threshold = 50% of pension contribution ceiling (101,400 €); confirmed by BMI-based publications, Last verified 21 July 2026)
- Reduced threshold ≥ €45,934.20 for shortage occupations, new graduates (≤3 years) and IT specialists €45,934 (Source: 2026 reduced threshold = 45.3% of pension contribution ceiling, Last verified 21 July 2026)
- Binding job offer or contract for at least 6 months
How to apply
- Verify your degree on anabin University 'H+' and degree 'entspricht/gleichwertig' → you're fine. Otherwise order a ZAB Statement of Comparability (takes ~3 months — start early).Official page ↗
- Check the salary threshold 2026: €50,700 standard, €45,934.20 for shortage occupations (engineers, IT, doctors, STEM) and graduates within 3 years of their degree.
- Apply — from abroad or in Germany From abroad via the Consular Services Portal; nationals of e.g. the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Israel, NZ can enter visa-free and apply at the Ausländerbehörde (§ 41 AufenthV).Official page ↗
- Start work, then track your PR clock Keep payslips and pension statements — after 21 months (B1) or 27 months you can file for permanent residence.
Frequently asked questions
My salary is just below the threshold — any options?
Negotiate gross salary up (bonuses count if contractually guaranteed), or use the regular skilled-worker permit § 18b, which has no fixed threshold below 45 — only the over-45 pension rule (€55,770 in 2026).
Does the Blue Card transfer between EU countries?
After 12 months in Germany you can move to another EU state under its Blue Card rules with simplified procedures; short business stays across the EU are covered without extra visas.
Which occupations count as shortage occupations?
Mainly ISCO groups for STEM: IT/communications professionals, engineers, natural scientists, mathematicians, architects, doctors, pharmacists, nursing/health professionals, school teachers and managers in production/ICT/health.
Can I lose the Blue Card if I lose my job?
You must notify the Ausländerbehörde. You normally get time to find a new qualifying job; the card stays valid meanwhile. Change of employer in the first 12 months requires approval.