Germany is making life and work easier for skilled workers in the country by simplifying the EU Blue Card process.

The EU Blue Card, which grants third-country nationals the right to live and work in Germany, has traditionally been difficult to obtain due to high salary thresholds and limited job categories.

However, recent changes to this policy aim to address these challenges and make Germany a more attractive destination for international talent.

The DAAD exchange reports that Germany has lowered salary requirements and expanded the list of professions eligible for the EU Blue Card, providing more opportunities for skilled workers.

The changes are expected to help Germany address its persistent shortage of skilled labor in sectors such as healthcare, IT and engineering.

New salary requirements for Blue Card applicants

One of the most significant changes to the EU Blue Card program is the reduction in the minimum salary requirement for applicants. Previously, applicants had to earn a high salary to qualify for the Carte Bleue, but now the bar has been lowered to make it more accessible.

Currently, applicants must earn at least €45,300 gross per year, around 1.5 times the average German salary. However, the minimum wage is even lower for those working in high-demand fields.

If your profession is on the list of shortage professions in Germany, such as healthcare, IT or engineering, the minimum wage drops to €41,041.80.

This change aims to attract qualified workers to regions where there is a significant labor shortage.

Expanded list of eligible professions

DAAD reports that Germany is actively looking for workers in various sectors and that, as part of the 2024 changes, the list of professions eligible for the Blue Card has been expanded.

In addition to IT, health and engineering, the new rules open the possibility for other qualified professionals to apply for a blue card. This includes sectors such as natural sciences, technology and management.

The expansion of eligible occupations indicates that more workers with specialized skills will now be able to benefit from the Blue Card program.

It also reflects the growing demand for talent across a wide range of sectors in Germany, as the country seeks to maintain its competitive edge in the global market.

Benefits for recent graduates

• The new rules also provide significant benefits to recent college graduates. According to reports, if you graduated within the last three years, you can now apply for the EU Blue Card with a salary below €41,041.80, regardless of the field you studied in.
• This makes it easier for young graduates to find a job in Germany and start their career abroad.
• Additionally, the German government encourages young professionals to settle in the country and helps fill skills gaps in various sectors.

IT professionals can qualify without a degree

• Reports point to another significant change to the Blue Card program, namely that IT professionals with at least three years of relevant work experience can now apply for the EU Blue Card, even if they do not don’t have a university degree.
• This shift recognizes the value of hands-on experience and opens the door to IT professionals who may not have followed a traditional academic path but have gained significant skills through the job.
• This policy change is a direct response to the growing demand for skilled IT workers, particularly in areas such as software development, cybersecurity and data management.
• Germany hopes that by relaxing training requirements for IT professionals, it can attract more talent to the technology sector.

Simplified application process

• In addition to changes to salaries and eligibility criteria, Germany is also making the blue card application process faster and simpler.
• The new system is designed to reduce the amount of paperwork and processing time, making it easier for applicants to obtain their Blue Card and start working in Germany sooner.
• This will likely be a welcome change for many, as it reduces the time spent on administrative tasks and allows candidates to focus more on settling into their new roles and life in Germany.
• Changes to the EU Blue Card aim to make it easier for skilled workers to contribute to the German economy and take on key roles in sectors essential to the country’s future growth, DAAD informs.
• By lowering salary requirements, expanding eligible occupations and streamlining the application process, Germany hopes to attract top talent and maintain its status as a global leader in innovation and economic strength.