Are you dreaming of a good job in Berlin, Munich, or Hamburg? Many people want to move to Germany for a qualify job. But the money you need to spend can be hard to understand. From January 1, 2026, Germany raised the salary rules for the EU Blue Card. This matches the new Pension Insurance Ceiling. This guide explains all the costs for the Germany EU Blue Card in 2026. It covers everything from your first papers to when you get your residence permit. We use simple words so it is easy to read.
The 2026 Salary Thresholds: The “Golden Numbers”
The first cost is not a fee. It is the salary your job must pay. The law says your work contract needs a certain gross salary each year. This changes every year based on the Pension Insurance Ceiling.
In 2026, the salary rules went up by about 5% from 2025.
- Standard Salary Threshold 2026: €50,700 gross per year. This is for most jobs.
- Reduced Threshold 2026: €45,934.20 gross per year. Some people can use this lower number.
- Who Qualifies for the Reduced Threshold? The Skilled Immigration Act helps some groups. They only need €45,934.20 gross per year:
- Mangelberufe (Shortage Occupations): Jobs in STEM (science, technology, engineering, math), healthcare, and teaching. These fields need more workers.
- New Entrants / Young Professionals: People who finished their degree in the last 3 years.
- IT Specialists (Practical Experience): Tech workers with 3 or more years of experience. They can qualify even without a degree.
These rules make it easier for important jobs or young people to come to Germany. If your salary is below these numbers, you cannot get the EU Blue Card. Always check your job offer carefully.
Step-by-Step Procedural Costs: Filing to Approval
Getting the Blue Card has many steps. Each step has some costs. Here is a simple breakdown.
- Document Recognition First, your degree must be checked in Germany. Go to the Anabin website and see if your university has H+ status. If yes, it is good. If not, you need a Statement of Comparability from ZAB. ZAB Recognition Fee: €208. You also need translations of your papers. Use sworn translators in Germany. Certified Translations: About €30 to €60 for each page. These costs depend on how many pages you have.
- The Visa Application If you are from a country that needs a visa (not visa-free like US, Canada, or Japan), apply at a German embassy or consulate in your home country. National Visa (Type D): €75. You may need apostilles or legalization for papers like birth or marriage certificates. Apostille/Legalization Fees: Around €100 to €200. This makes your documents official.
- The “Fast-Track” Shortcut If your employer wants things fast, they can use the Fast-Track Procedure. They start it with the local Foreigners Authority. Fast-Track Fee: €411. This needs pre-approval (VAB) sometimes. It makes the process quicker.
- Final Issuance in Germany When you arrive in Germany, go to the Ausländerbehörde (Foreigners Office). Change your visa to the EU Blue Card residence permit. EU Blue Card Application Fee 2026: €100. This is the fee for the plastic card.
These are the main official fees. Add them up for your budget.
The “Hidden” Costs of Relocating in 2026
Visa fees are not everything. Moving to Germany has more costs when you start living there.
Here are some common hidden expenses:
- Rental Deposit (Kaution): Usually 3 times the cold rent. For a normal apartment, this can be €2,400 to €4,500.
- Incoming Health Insurance: You need travel or incoming health insurance for the first days or weeks. Cost: €40 to €100.
- Deutschland-Ticket 2026: This gives unlimited travel on public transport all over Germany. Price: €63 per month.
- Broadcasting Fee (Rundfunkbeitrag): Every home must pay this. It is €18.36 per month.
- Personal Liability Insurance (Haftpflichtversicherung): It is a good idea to have this. It costs €5 to €10 per month.
These small costs add up fast in the first months. Plan to have extra money ready.
Path to Permanent Residency
The EU Blue Card is great because it leads to permanent stay faster. You can apply for a Settlement Permit (permanent residence) sooner than normal.
- If you learn German to B1 level: Apply after 21 months.
- If you learn German to A1 level: Apply after 27 months.
- Settlement Permit Fee: About €113.
This is a big benefit. Many people use the Blue Card to stay in Germany long-term.
Summary Checklist for Your 2026 Move
Use this list to prepare:
- Salary Check: Does your job offer pay at least €50,700 (or €45,934.20 for shortage jobs)?
- Anabin Check: Does your university have H+ status?
- Budget Entry: Do you have at least €6,000 saved for deposit, first month, and other starts?
- Fast-Track: Did your employer agree to pay the €411 fee if needed?
Follow these steps to make your move smooth.
This guide uses the latest 2026 information. The salary numbers are €50,700 standard and €45,934.20 reduced. The Deutschland-Ticket is now €63 per month (up from €58). For IT people without a degree, remember to show 3+ years experience to use the lower threshold.
Are you ready to apply? If you have questions about the 2026 shortage jobs list or anything else, feel free to ask. Share this with friends who want to work in Germany!
Disclaimer: This is for information only. Always check official sites like “Make it in Germany” or the Federal Foreign Office for the latest rules before you decide.