Requirements EU Blue Card
Everything you need to know about the requirements you need to meet for the EU Blue Card
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Here you learn ...
the necessary salary level and exceptions to the salary level
how the recognition of university degrees works
when the EU Blue Card employment contract is legal
whether you need a special professional license
Table of contents
1. Requirements Blue Card for university graduates
2. University degree, professional license and qualification reference
3. The Blue Card for IT specialists
4. The Blue Card for young professionals
5. FAQ Blue Card Requirements
6. Conclusion Blue Card Requirements
1. Requirements Blue Card for university graduates
Anyone who wishes to work in Germany as a third-country national with a university degree can apply for the EU Blue Card. This requires a legal employment contract with a German company and a recognized university degree . The contract must be valid for at least six months and must not contain any violations of German labor and residence laws.
In addition, the salary must reach a specified minimum. For 2025, this limit is €48,300 gross per year . If the applicant is in a so-called shortage occupation – such as in the STEM field – or is a career entry-level employee, an annual salary of €43,759.80 is sufficient. The salary limit is linked to the pension insurance contribution assessment ceiling and is adjusted annually.
2. University degree, professional license and qualification reference
For the EU Blue Card, applicants require a recognized university degree. A German degree is automatically accepted. Foreign degrees require recognition in the Anabin database or through a certificate evaluation by the Central Office for Foreigners (ZAB). Failure to do so will result in the application being rejected by the embassy or immigration office.
In addition, a so-calledqualification connection The knowledge acquired during the course of study must be applicable (at least indirectly) to the new job. For regulated professions—such as doctors, engineers, or lawyers—a professional practice permit is also required. Individuals over 45 must also provide evidence of adequate retirement provision. Finally, the so-called general requirements for issuing a permit under Section 5 of the Residence Act (e.g., a valid passport) must also be met.
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3. The Blue Card for IT specialists
A special rule applies to IT specialists : They do not require a university degree if they can demonstrate at least three years of professional experience at a skilled worker level within the last seven years ( Section 18g Paragraph 2 of the Residence Act ). This experience can be documented by employment references, a resume, or detailed job descriptions.
The reduced salary limit of €43,759.80 per year also applies to this group. The prerequisite is that the desired position in Germany is also at the skilled worker level and that there are no other grounds for exclusion, such as an ongoing asylum procedure in the EU. The demand for IT specialists is particularly high in cities like Berlin, which is why the process has been significantly simplified for this target group.
4. The Blue Card for young professionals
Since November 18, 2023, it has also been possible for young professionals to obtain the EU Blue Card. This was previously almost impossible, as many new entrants did not immediately reach the regular minimum wage. Now, the salary level for shortage occupations—€43,759.80 gross per year in 2025—is sufficient for them, provided their university degree is less than three years old.
This simplified procedure helps young professionals enter the German job market directly after graduation. A domestic employment contract and a qualification link between studies and employment remain a prerequisite. VISAGUARD is happy to assist you in verifying these requirements and preparing the application documents.
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Are you looking for a lawyer specializing in German immigration and visa law? We are happy to assist you with residence procedures before embassies, immigration authorities, and administrative courts. Our specialised attorneys are always by your side. Contact us to book an online appointment with a German immigration lawyer!
5. FAQ Blue Card Requirements
What are the basic requirements for the EU Blue Card?
To apply for the EU Blue Card, you need a legal employment contract with a German employer, a certain gross annual salary, and—except for IT specialists—a recognized university degree. In addition, general requirements such as a valid passport, health insurance, and a plausible overall application must be met.
What is considered a “legal employment contract”?
The contract must be concluded with a company based in Germany, run for at least six months, and must not contain any violations of German labor or residence laws (e.g., working hours and vacation laws).
How high should the salary be in 2025?
For regular cases, the salary limit is €48,300 gross per year. For occupations with a shortage of skilled workers, IT specialists, and entry-level employees, the reduced limit of €43,759.80 applies. The amount is redefined annually.
What is a recognized university degree?
A German university degree is automatically recognized. Foreign degrees must either be listed as "corresponding" or "equivalent" in the Anabin database or be recognized by a certificate evaluation from the ZAB.
What does qualification context mean?
To qualify for the Blue Card, your job in Germany must be professionally related to your studies. The knowledge acquired during your studies must be used in your job – indirect or partial application is often sufficient. If you do not meet this requirement, you must apply for a residence permit for academic professionals in accordance with Section 18b of the Residence Act.
When is a professional license required?
For regulated professions such as doctors, lawyers, or engineers, a professional practice permit is usually required. However, for engineers, it is often sufficient not to use the title (e.g., "project manager" instead of "engineer"; so-called "professional title permit").
6. Conclusion
The EU Blue Card will remain one of the most important and attractive residence permits for qualified professionals from third countries in 2025. For traditional applicants with a university degree, the requirements of a German employment contract, a minimum salary of €48,300, and a profession related to their qualifications still apply. However, the reform of November 18, 2023, made access significantly easier – especially for IT specialists without a degree and those just starting their careers with a recent degree. Both groups benefit from the reduced salary threshold of €43,759.80. Depending on the profession, a professional practice permit may also be required. The requirements are demanding, but realistically achievable with proper preparation – VISAGUARD is happy to support you with legal expertise and experience every step of the way.
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List of sources
[1] Gunther Mävers, Law on the Further Development of Skilled Immigration – New Regulations as of 1 June 2024, ArbRAktuell 2024, 562
[2] Bettina Offer, The Skilled Immigration Act 1.1, ZRP 2023, 101
[3] Regarding the parallel issuance of a Blue Card and a settlement permit, see VG Dresden, judgment of 19 November 2020 - 3 K 1477/18
[4] Regarding the activity of a dentist as a procurator, see Saxon Higher Administrative Court, judgment of 11 February 2021, 3 A t973/19, juris, para. 27 ff.
[5] Administrative instructions for residence in Berlin (VAB), as of 18.02.2025, § 18g
[7] Visa Handbook, Recognition of foreign professional qualifications, as of June 2024
