EU Blue Card Eligibility Check 2026 — Free Tool

What describes your qualification?

The Blue Card has four distinct pathways. Your qualification type determines your track — and your salary threshold.

Standard or Shortage

🎓

University Degree

Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD. Must be recognised or recognisable in Germany (EU degrees auto-qualify).

IT Track — €45,934/yr

💻

IT Professional (no degree)

No formal degree, but 3+ years of professional IT experience within the last 7 years. Germany's special tech pathway.

Not Blue Card eligible

🛠️

Vocational / Trade Qualification

Completed apprenticeship or vocational training. Eligible for the Skilled Worker Visa instead — not the Blue Card.

Alternative routes exist

🗺️

None of the above

No formal qualification in your field. The Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) may be a better starting point.

Your field and graduation year

Let's determine your salary threshold. Shortage occupations and recent graduates get the reduced rate.

Did you complete your degree within the last 3 years? Recent graduates (≤ 3 years) qualify for the lower threshold regardless of occupation.

What field is your job offer in?

🔵 STEM & Technology — Shortage Track

Software Engineer / Developer

Data Scientist / AI Engineer

Cybersecurity Specialist

IT Manager / ICT Manager

Network / Systems Engineer

Other IT Professional

⚙️ Engineering & Science — Shortage Track

Mechanical Engineer

Electrical Engineer

Civil / Structural Engineer

Chemical Engineer

Natural Scientist / Mathematician

Environmental / Energy Engineer

🏥 Healthcare & Management — Shortage Track

Medical Doctor (Physician)

Pharmacist

Healthcare Manager

Manufacturing / Production Manager

Childcare / Education Manager

Construction / Mining Manager

📊 All Other Academic Professions — Standard Track

Finance / Banking / Economics

Law / Legal / Compliance

Marketing / Communications

Architecture / Urban Planning

Human Resources / Business Mgmt

Other academic profession

Let's confirm your IT specialist status

Germany's Blue Card has a special pathway for experienced tech professionals without a university degree. Answer three quick questions.

Do you have at least 3 years of professional IT experience within the last 7 years?

Is your job offer in the IT or technology sector in Germany?

Can you provide proof of your IT skills — work references, portfolio, certificates, or verifiable employment history?

🗺️

The Blue Card is not your route — but Germany has alternatives

The EU Blue Card specifically requires either a university degree or documented IT expertise. Your profile doesn't match these criteria — but that doesn't mean Germany is closed to you. Here are the pathways that may apply.

🛠️ Skilled Worker Visa (§ 18a / 18b AufenthG)

For vocational/trade qualifications. Requires recognition of your qualification in Germany. No minimum salary — but your qualification must be officially recognised.

🌟 Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte)

A 1-year job-seeker visa introduced in 2024. Points-based. Find a job in Germany first, then convert to a work visa. Good starting point without a fixed offer.

📋 Already in Germany? Get your Steuer-ID first

If you're already working in Germany on any permit, your Tax ID is the first administrative step. Our guide covers it in full.

What is your job offer salary?

Loading threshold...

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Your threshold: —

Enter your salary above to see your eligibility.

Your Eligibility Assessment

Based on 2026 official thresholds · ExpatScore.de

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European Union · Blue Card Assessment

ExpatScore.de

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Calculating...

Track:

€0 Threshold €70k+

Your offer

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Threshold

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Gap

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How to Bridge the Gap

You are very close — these options can make you eligible:

Ask your employer to include guaranteed bonuses in the contract (they count toward the threshold)
Christmas and holiday bonuses are included if contractually guaranteed
A modest salary adjustment to meet the threshold avoids months of delay
Check if your role qualifies as a shortage occupation — the lower threshold may already apply

Your Blue Card Benefits

👨‍👩‍👧

Family Reunification

Spouse gets an unrestricted work permit. No German language requirement at entry.

🏡

Permanent Residence

After 33 months (or 21 months with B1 German).

🌍

EU Mobility

Work in another EU state after 12 months. Simplified process — no second visa needed.

✈️

Schengen Travel

Visa-free travel across 27 Schengen countries. 90 days per 180-day period.

Path to Permanent Residence

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Day 1

Arrive in Germany

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Month 1–2

Anmeldung & Tax ID

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Month 12

EU Mobility unlocked

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21 months (B1)

Permanent Residence

Your Personalised Next Steps

This assessment is informational only — not legal advice. For complex cases or visa refusals,
consult a licensed immigration lawyer (Rechtsanwalt für Ausländerrecht).

EU Blue CardEligibility Check

EU Blue Card
Eligibility Check