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Summary: the EU Blue Card (Blaue Karte EU) is a residence and work permit for professionals with a university degree. In 2026 the minimum gross annual salary to obtain it is €50,700, and €45,934.20 for shortage occupations (such as engineering, IT, medicine and nursing) and recent graduates. Blue Card holders can obtain permanent residence after 27 months (or 21 months with German at level B1).
What is the Blue Card?
The Blue Card is a residence title under Section 18g of the German Residence Act (AufenthG), designed to attract skilled workers from countries outside the European Union. For many Iranian engineers, doctors, programmers and specialists, it is the fastest route to permanent residence in Germany.
Requirements for the Blue Card in 2026
- A university degree that is recognised in Germany or comparable to a German degree. Check the university and field in the anabin database; otherwise you must obtain an evaluation (Zeugnisbewertung) from the ZAB. Details in the guide to evaluating Iranian documents.
- A job offer or employment contract in Germany matching your degree, for a minimum of six months.
- Minimum gross annual salary:
- General: €50,700
- Shortage occupations (Engpassberufe) and graduates who finished less than three years ago: €45,934.20
- IT specialists without a university degree: with at least three years of relevant work experience in the last ten years and reaching the salary threshold for shortage occupations, you may also qualify.
These figures change every year; before applying, check the current year’s figure on the official website make-it-in-germany.com or at the German embassy.
Application steps from Iran
- Check your degree in anabin or obtain a ZAB evaluation
- Find an employer and sign a contract
- If possible, have the employer use the accelerated skilled worker procedure (beschleunigtes Fachkräfteverfahren) at the German Foreigners’ Authority – costing €411 and significantly shortening the waiting time
- Apply for a national work visa at the German embassy or mission responsible for your place of residence (check the appointment situation and visa services on its official website before applying)
- Enter Germany, do your Anmeldung and receive the Blue Card from the Ausländerbehörde
Benefits of the Blue Card
- Fast permanent residence: after 27 months of work with the Blue Card, or after 21 months with proof of German at level B1.
- Family reunification: your spouse can come to Germany without a German language certificate and is allowed to work immediately.
- Mobility within the EU: after 12 months, easier relocation to another EU country.
- Changing jobs: in the first two years a change of employer must be reported to the Foreigners’ Authority but no longer requires prior approval.
Alternative routes
- Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte): to look for work in Germany for up to one year, based on a points system.
- Skilled worker residence (§ 18a / 18b): when your salary does not reach the Blue Card threshold.
- Vocational training (Ausbildung): for those without a university degree – see: Guide to Ausbildung in Germany.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum salary for the Blue Card in Germany in 2026?
€50,700 gross per year in general and €45,934.20 for shortage occupations and recent graduates.
Do I need a German language certificate for the Blue Card?
No. A language certificate is not required for the Blue Card itself, but having level B1 shortens the route to permanent residence from 27 to 21 months.
What if my university is not listed in anabin with H+?
You must apply to the ZAB for a degree evaluation (Zeugnisbewertung) to confirm that your degree is equivalent.
Can my spouse work in Germany?
Yes. The spouse of a Blue Card holder is allowed to work without restriction and does not need a language certificate for the family reunification visa.
To find an immigration lawyer or Persian-speaking consultant in Germany, search the directory of Iranian businesses.
This article is not legal advice; immigration rules change. Consult a lawyer or an official authority for your case. Last updated: September 2026.
