Is the threshold applicable to those who already have the Blue Card?

The new threshold concerns mainly new applications and renewals that are to be filed on or after January 1, 2026. But in 2026 should you switch employers your new contract should comply with 2026 limits.

Is it possible to add my bonus to have the limit of the €50,700?

No. The only type of basic salary that is counted towards Blue Card is the fixed and guaranteed basic salary. Variable bonuses, commissions and non-cash benefits (such as a car allowance) are normally excluded.

And, suppose that my salary is slightly below the limit?

In case you have less than the minimum wage of the Blue Card, you can still submit an application to a regular Employment Visa (§18b AufenthG). This involves greater examination by the Federal Employment Agency (BA) but can amount to low wages in case they correspond to local wage rates.

When can I receive Permanent Residency (Niederlassungserlaubnis)?

Blue Card holders will be eligible to apply after 27 months of service (A1 German) or only 21 months when they can prove that they have B1 level proficiency in German.

Is Blue Card application fee-based?

Yes. The average cost of the entry visa is around €75, which is more or less the same amount as issuing the physical residence permit in Germany which costs about 100.

Germany’s Blue Card Salary Threshold 2026: What You Need To Know

Germany has officially updated the EU Blue Card salary limits in the coming year of 2026. Beginning January 1, 2026, the minimum income eligibility of the high-skilled expatriates will rise substantially in terms of the national wage growth and inflation.

These are directly linked with the adaptation of the social security contribution ceiling (Beitragsbemessungsgrenze), which sets the compulsory insurance rates of all of the workers in Germany. In case you are a software engineer, a medical professional, or a senior manager, you are required to meet these new financial requirements to obtain or renew your residency.

Minimum Salary Payments in the Year 2026

The thresholds of 2026 are divided into professional status and requirements of certain skills. In the case of 2026, the German Federal Interior Ministry has secured the following gross amounts on an annual basis:

Normal EU Blue Card: In the majority of the professions, the minimum gross salary should be at least 50,700 per year (nearly 4,225/month). This is up from €48,300 in 2025.
Shortage Occupations and Young Professionals: A low threshold of 45,934.20 (around 3,828 every month) is used when recruiting STEM and healthcare workers, as well as those who have graduated from a university within the past three years.
Skilled IT Experts: Individuals that have at least 3 years relevant experience within the past 7 years may qualify to be provided with a Blue Card without a university degree, as long as they satisfy the mark of an average earnings of 45,934.20.
Applicants above 45 years of age: An applicant who initially comes to Germany after the age of 45 years, must earn a salary of at least 55770, unless they can demonstrate a existing significant retirement assets.

Germany’s Blue Card Salary Threshold 2026: What You Need to Know

Strategic Occupation: Shortage Occupations

German government keeps a list of bottleneck professions that have an acute shortage of labor market. The fact that the salary threshold is lower is advantageous to professionals in such areas. The list is also extended in 2026, to cover:

MAT, IT, Natural Sciences, and Engineering.
Healthcare: Human medicine (doctors), nursing, dentistry and pharmacy.
Education: Education school teachers and non school educators.
Industry Managers: Factory, mining and construction distribution managers.

Steps to Administration of 2026 Applicants

Contract Audit: You are going to want to make sure that your 2026 gross annual salary (not including non guaranteed bonuses) meets the threshold and is clearly stated in your contract.
Degree Recognition: Have your Degree recognized in the Anabin database or by the ZAB (Central Office of Foreign Education) to ensure that your degree matches a German one.
Digital Submission: Applications are now mostly done through Consular Services Portal (Auslandsportal).
Tax & Social Security: sign up with a German health insurance company right after arrival to complete the process of issuing your permit.

FAQs

Is the threshold applicable to those who already have the Blue Card?

The new threshold concerns mainly new applications and renewals that are to be filed on or after January 1, 2026. But in 2026 should you switch employers your new contract should comply with 2026 limits.
Is it possible to add my bonus to have the limit of the €50,700?

No. The only type of basic salary that is counted towards Blue Card is the fixed and guaranteed basic salary. Variable bonuses, commissions and non-cash benefits (such as a car allowance) are normally excluded.
And, suppose that my salary is slightly below the limit?

In case you have less than the minimum wage of the Blue Card, you can still submit an application to a regular Employment Visa (§18b AufenthG). This involves greater examination by the Federal Employment Agency (BA) but can amount to low wages in case they correspond to local wage rates.
When can I receive Permanent Residency (Niederlassungserlaubnis)?

Blue Card holders will be eligible to apply after 27 months of service (A1 German) or only 21 months when they can prove that they have B1 level proficiency in German.
Is Blue Card application fee-based?

Yes. The average cost of the entry visa is around €75, which is more or less the same amount as issuing the physical residence permit in Germany which costs about 100.

Final Thought

The 2026 pay increase will be based on the increase in the cost of living and wage rates in Germany, thus, making sure that the international talent is justly paid. It is even a higher hurdle, but the EU Blue Card is the quickest and surest way of having a long-term future in the biggest economy in Europe. Check your offer letter today in order to make a smooth transition in the new year.

Disclaimer

This paper is purely informative and educative.