Alongside the Fachkräfteeinwanderungsgesetz reform, Germany transposed the revised EU Blue Card Directive (2021/1883/EU) into national law on 18 November 2023, amending §§ 18g–18i AufenthG.
Reduced salary thresholds
The annual gross salary threshold required for the EU Blue Card was materially reduced from its previous level. Two tiers now apply: a general threshold for most occupations, and a lower threshold for shortage occupations as defined in the current BeschV positive list (primarily IT, engineering, mathematics, and healthcare). Applicants in shortage fields benefit from a significantly lower bar, making the Blue Card accessible at salary levels common in mid-career positions at German employers.
No degree-field matching for IT professionals
A pre-existing provision allowing IT specialists to qualify for the Blue Card without a degree directly matching their role was retained and extended in practice. Applicants demonstrating at least three years of documented professional experience in IT can qualify under this route.
Intra-EU mobility after 12 months
Blue Card holders who have been legally resident in Germany for 12 months (reduced from 18 months) can now apply to transfer their Blue Card to another EU member state under the long-term resident framework without returning to zero. This change reflects Germany's position as a gateway for non-EU nationals who may later wish to work in other EU countries.
Accelerated permanent residence
The reform introduces a faster route to the Niederlassungserlaubnis (settlement permit) for Blue Card holders: 27 months of contribution to the statutory pension scheme with B1-level German proficiency, or 21 months with C1-level proficiency. This pathway existed before the reform but is now more clearly codified.
Family reunification without language pre-requirement
Spouses of EU Blue Card holders are no longer required to demonstrate basic German language skills (A1) before joining the permit holder in Germany. They receive an unrestricted work permit upon arrival.
Practical relevance
The combination of lower salary thresholds and faster settlement pathways makes the EU Blue Card significantly more competitive as an entry route compared to the standard skilled-worker permit for university-educated applicants in high-demand sectors.