Many foreign nationals looking in Germany or those looking to move here aim to get their hands on an EU Blue Card.
The scheme offers work permits for people in skilled professions. It also comes with plenty of benefits, such as flexibility when it comes to changing jobs or moving to a different country after a certain period of time.
Germany also offers fast-track routes to permanent residency for Blue Card holders, as well as simplified family reunification rules and access to many of the same social benefits as EU citizens.
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For all these reasons tens of thousands of foreign residents have applied for the card every year since its introduction in 2012. In 2023, for instance, more than 41,000 Blue Cards were issued.
More than a quarter - 26.6 percent - of Blue Cards were issued to Indians, making them the largest nationality group to receive the visa.
They were followed by nationals from Russia (11.5 percent) Turkey (7.9 percent), Iran (5.3 percent) and China (4.7 percent).
But just how much do you have to earn to be in with a chance of getting a Blue Card?
Requirements in 2025
At the start of this year, the salary requirements for getting into the Blue Card scheme increased.
Here's a look at the minimum salary levels:
- Your job in Germany must enable you to earn a gross annual salary of at least €48,300 (up from €45,300 in 2024).
- If you are employed in a so-called 'bottleneck profession' (such as IT, STEM, construction or education) and the Federal Employment Agency (BA) has approved your employment, you need to earn at least €43,759.80 (up from €41,041.80).
- Young professionals new to the labour market (this applies to people who obtained their education qualifications in the three years prior to applying for an EU Blue Card) have to earn at least €43,759.80 (up from €41,041.80). The approval of the Federal Employment Agency is also required for this appointment.
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Although there is an increase, it's worth noting that the salary thresholds are still lower than they have been in the past.
In previous years before the reform in November 2023, most applicants had to earn a salary of almost €60,000 per year in order to qualify for the permit, although the requirement was lower for in-demand fields.
The salary requirements were lowed to try and encourage more skilled workers from abroad to come to Germany.
What are the other requirements?
As well as earning a certain amount of money, people applying for an EU Blue Card have to meet a number of other requirements.
They include having certain qualifications or training plus a job offer from a company in Germany.
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