Federal Republic of Germany
Federal Republic of Germany visa salary thresholds
Germany operates multiple salary floors: the EU Blue Card has a headline threshold and a reduced threshold for shortage occupations. Other skilled-worker routes (general employment, IT specialists without a degree, Chancenkarte) each have their own rules.
Last checked 1 June 2026. Every figure is mapped to a primary government source and re-verified over time; recorded changes appear in the changelog.
What salary do you need for a skilled-work visa in Germany?
The main skilled-work salary floor in Federal Republic of Germany is €50,700 / year (EU Blue Card — general threshold), effective 1 January 2026. Occupation-specific going rates may bind higher.
Verified against Make it in Germany — EU Blue Card on 1 June 2026.
Threshold table
| Route | Amount | ~USD | In force since | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
EU Blue Card — general threshold Gross annual salary floor for EU Blue Card applications in Germany from 1 January 2026. Calculated as 50% of the federal average annual salary. Changed 1 January 2026 — was 48300 EUR (annual). | €50,700 / year | $52,000 | 2026-01-01 | Make it in Germany — EU Blue Card |
EU Blue Card — shortage occupations (Engpassberufe) Reduced salary floor for shortage occupations (IT, engineers, doctors, mathematicians, natural scientists), precisely €45,934.20 for 2026. Applies at ~45.3% of the pension-contribution ceiling. Changed 1 January 2026 — was 43760 EUR (annual). | €45,934 / year | $47,000 | 2026-01-01 | Make it in Germany — EU Blue Card |
General skilled-worker residence (§18a/§18b AufenthG) There is no general salary floor for §18a/§18b skilled-worker residence titles, but applicants aged 45+ at first issuance must earn at least this level (≈55% of the annual pension-contribution ceiling), which rose to €55,770 for 2026. | €55,770 / year | $60,200 | 2026-01-01 | Make it in Germany — Skilled workers |
Chancenkarte (Opportunity Card) — points-based Chancenkarte does not set an initial salary floor. A job offer meeting the relevant skilled-worker floor converts the card into a residence title. | Not applicable | — | 2024-06-01 | Make it in Germany — Chancenkarte |
How often this changes
EU Blue Card figures are recalculated each 1 January from the statutory pension-contribution ceiling. The 2026 floors are €50,700 (general) and €45,934.20 (shortage); the §18a/§18b over-45 threshold is €55,770 for 2026 — all effective 1 January 2026.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum salary to qualify for a work visa in Germany?
Germany operates multiple salary floors: the EU Blue Card has a headline threshold and a reduced threshold for shortage occupations. Other skilled-worker routes (general employment, IT specialists without a degree, Chancenkarte) each have their own rules.
How often do Germany salary thresholds change?
EU Blue Card figures are recalculated each 1 January from the statutory pension-contribution ceiling. The 2026 floors are €50,700 (general) and €45,934.20 (shortage); the §18a/§18b over-45 threshold is €55,770 for 2026 — all effective 1 January 2026.
Does meeting the headline threshold guarantee approval?
No. Headline floors are one of several criteria. Most jurisdictions also apply an occupation-specific going rate, character and health checks, and — for sponsored routes — employer/sponsor compliance. Failing any one of these can lead to refusal even where salary is above the threshold.
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Reviewed by Sam Parks, Editor and lead researcher.