Germany Blue Card Salary 2026: Thresholds by Role
The EU Blue Card requires a minimum salary — but the threshold varies by whether your role is classified as a "shortage occupation". IT roles (software engineers, data scientists, cybersecurity) qualify at the lower threshold of €45,934/year.
Blue Card Salary Thresholds by Role (2026)
| Role | Min Salary | Category | Typical Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software Engineer | €45,934 | Shortage ✓ | €65,000–€90,000 |
| Data Engineer | €45,934 | Shortage ✓ | €60,000–€85,000 |
| DevOps Engineer | €45,934 | Shortage ✓ | €65,000–€95,000 |
| Machine Learning Engineer | €45,934 | Shortage ✓ | €70,000–€100,000 |
| Cybersecurity Engineer | €45,934 | Shortage ✓ | €65,000–€95,000 |
| SAP Consultant | €58,400 | General | €75,000–€110,000 |
| IT Consultant | €58,400 | General | €65,000–€95,000 |
* Thresholds updated annually. Verify at BAMF.de before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the EU Blue Card salary threshold in Germany for 2026?
For IT shortage occupations (software engineers, data engineers, ML engineers, cybersecurity), the minimum salary is €45,934/year. For all other roles, it is €58,400/year.
Which IT roles qualify for the lower Blue Card salary threshold?
Roles officially in shortage include: software developers, IT architects, database administrators, system analysts, cybersecurity specialists, and data scientists. These qualify at €45,934/year.
Does the Blue Card salary threshold change every year?
Yes, the thresholds are updated annually. The 2026 thresholds are €45,934 (shortage roles) and €58,400 (general). Always verify with the official BAMF website before applying.