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GERMANY: Minimum Salary Increases for EU Blue Card
January 3, 2020
The German government has increased the minimum salary requirements for European Union (EU) Blue Cards, effective 1 January 2020.
New Salary Thresholds
- Regular Blue Card holders in Germany must be paid at least EUR 55,200 per year (up from EUR 53,600 in 2019).
- Blue Card holders in shortage occupations must be paid at least EUR 43,056 per year (up from EUR 41,808 in 2019).
Background
The Blue Card (Blaue Karte) is applicable to highly-skilled employees with a local job offer. and a salary at least two-thirds of the German pension fund contribution ceiling (Beitragsbemessungsgrenze der deutschen Rentenversicherung), which changes slightly every year.
The Blue Card regulation also applies to skilled employees in shortage occupations (‘Mangelberufe’ – scientists, mathematicians, engineers, doctors in human medicine, academic specialists in IT and communication) with an annual salary of at least 52% of the German pension fund contribution ceiling.
For shortage occupations, the labour authorities must check that the employment conditions match the local standards, and the employer must submit an official format job description.
Our Advice
Employers of foreign nationals planning to apply for or renew an EU Blue Card in Germany in 2020 – or with pending Blue Card applications for work starting in 2020 – should ensure that salaries meet the 2020 minimum salary requirement.
Employers who may be affected are encouraged to contact a Newland Chase immigration specialist for case-specific advice.
For general advice and information on immigration and business travel to Germany, please contact us.
