EU Blue Card Germany: salary thresholds and take-home pay
To get an EU Blue Card in Germany in 2026 your job must pay at least €50,700 a year, or €45,934.20 in shortage occupations and for recent graduates. Here is what those salaries leave you after tax.
Blue Card minimum salaries after tax, 2026
| Threshold | Gross per year | Gross per month | Net per month, class I | Net per month, class III |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard minimum | €50,700.00 | €4,225.00 | €2,726 | €3,060 |
| Shortage occupations, recent graduates and IT specialists | €45,934.20 | €3,827.85 | €2,513 | €2,827 |
Statutory health insurance at the average rate, no church tax, no children. Class III applies if you are married and your spouse lives in Germany with no or a lower salary. Calculate with your own details or see €50,000 after tax.
Who the lower threshold applies to
- Jobs in shortage occupations, such as many roles in science, engineering, IT, medicine and teaching.
- Graduates who finished their degree within the last three years.
- IT specialists without a degree who have the required professional experience.
Everyone else needs the standard minimum of €50,700.
2027 thresholds
The thresholds are 50% (standard) and 45.3% (lower) of the pension insurance contribution ceiling. The cabinet agreed on 7 October 2026 to raise the ceiling to €106,200 a year for 2027, which still needs the Bundesrat's approval. That would put the 2027 thresholds at about €53,100 and €48,108.60. The Interior Ministry publishes the official amounts by 31 December, so check them before signing a contract for 2027.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum salary for an EU Blue Card in Germany in 2026?
€50,700 gross a year, or €45,934.20 for shortage occupations, for graduates who finished their degree in the last three years, and for IT specialists without a degree.
How much is the Blue Card minimum salary after tax?
€50,700 leaves €2,726 a month in tax class I, or €3,060 in class III if you are married and your spouse does not work, without church tax, in 2026.
Will the Blue Card thresholds go up in 2027?
Yes. They are set at 50% and 45.3% of the pension contribution ceiling, which the cabinet has agreed to raise for 2027. That points to about €53,100 and €48,108.60; the Interior Ministry publishes the official figures by 31 December.
Sources: Federal Employment Agency: Blue Card 2026, § 18g Residence Act, BMAS: 2027 contribution ceilings. This page is about pay; check visa conditions with the German authorities.