EU Blue Card
Blaue Karte EU. The residence permit for non-EU professionals with a German job offer. 2026 salary thresholds: €50,700 (standard) or €45,934 (shortage occupations, recent graduates, experienced IT specialists).
For property buyers, the Blue Card matters through financing: holders with German employment are treated like residents by most banks: 80–90% LTV instead of the non-resident 50–60%: and it accelerates permanent residency (21–27 months with German language skills).
Shortage occupations include STEM, physicians, IT, nursing and teaching. Thresholds reset every January (they track the pension contribution ceiling), so re-verify before planning.
Frequently asked questions
What is the EU Blue Card salary threshold in 2026?
€50,700 as the standard threshold, or €45,934 for shortage occupations, recent graduates and experienced IT specialists. The thresholds reset each January because they track the pension contribution ceiling.
Does an EU Blue Card help me get a German mortgage?
Substantially. Holders in German employment are treated as residents by most banks, which means 80% to 90% loan-to-value instead of the 50% to 60% typically offered to non-residents.
Which jobs count as shortage occupations?
STEM professions, physicians, IT, nursing and teaching, among others. Because the thresholds and lists are revised annually, they should be re-checked before relying on them for planning.
Do I need permanent residency to buy property in Germany?
No. Germany places no residency requirement on buying residential property. Residency status affects your financing terms, not your right to own.