The German government has published the 2026 salary thresholds that foreign workers must meet to qualify for an EU Blue Card, with a gross annual salary of at least €50,700 (approximately ₦86.6 million) required for most applicants. The EU Blue Card is a residence permit designed for non-German academics and professionals with comparable qualifications seeking skilled employment in Germany.
Salary Thresholds and Eligibility Criteria
According to the Federal Ministry of the Interior and Community, the salary benchmarks are reviewed and published annually. Applicants must hold a German academic qualification or a foreign degree recognized as equivalent, or a tertiary-level qualification that took at least three years to complete, corresponding to level 6 of the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED 2011) or the European Qualifications Framework.
Applicants must also have a concrete job offer from a German employer that matches their field of study, lasts at least six months, and meets the salary requirement. For regulated professions, applicants must hold the required licence to practise or show that one is in prospect at the time of application.
Reduced Threshold for Shortage Occupations
Workers applying for roles in sectors facing skills shortages are eligible for a reduced salary floor of €45,934.20 (approximately ₦78.5 million), provided the Federal Employment Agency approves the employment. This lower threshold acknowledges Germany's demand for skilled labour in specific industries.
In related news, Legit.ng reported that Germany had listed three subjects that foreigners are tested on before citizenship approval, and the minimum pass mark for the citizenship test in 2026. The test consists of 33 questions with four possible answers each, and candidates have 60 minutes to complete it, according to the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF).
