Stage 2 · Lesson 4 of 6
The EU Blue Card
The is Germany's main permit for graduates with a qualifying job offer. You need a degree recognised or comparable to a German one, and a salary at or above a threshold that changes every January. For 2026 the standard threshold is 50,700 euros gross a year.
A lower threshold of 45,934.20 euros applies to , which include IT, and to people whose degree is no more than three years old; these need approval from the . IT specialists without a degree but with at least three years of relevant experience in the last seven can also qualify.
Family can join, partners may work, and permanent settlement is possible after 27 months, or 21 with German at B1.
Common traprelying on last year's threshold from a blog when your offer sits close to the line.
A question to check yourself, an AI practice session and 2 cheat sheet entries come when you add the roadmap to your account. Add it
Resources for this stage
Start with
- GuideFreeMake it in Germany
Federal Government of Germany
The official guide to the Opportunity Card, the Blue Card and other German routes
Practise
Keep handy
Also worth your time
How the Opportunity Card works in practice for developers
EU-wide job mobility portal, for routes outside Germany
- Sefism 1:1 MentorshipGo deeper
Check your understanding of a route with someone who has been through it