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Top 3 Updates in 2026

  • Autorenbild: Severin Stephan
    Severin Stephan
  • vor 18 Stunden
  • 3 Min. Lesezeit

1. Updated Minimum Salary Requirements for the EU Blue Card in 2026

The EU Blue Card remains one of the most attractive residence permits for highly qualified workers from non‑EU countries. It has adjusted minimum salary thresholds for 2026:

  • Standard EU Blue Card: €50,700 gross annually (≈ €4,225/month) for most skilled workers.

  • Reduced threshold (shortage occupations & young graduates): €45,934.20 gross annually (≈ €3,828/month).

👉 Shortage occupations include fields with high demand such as engineering, natural sciences, IT, healthcare, education, and professional services. The reduced threshold also applies to recent graduates and certain IT specialists with experience. Make It In Germany

These thresholds are binding: if the offered salary is below the applicable minimum, your Blue Card application may be rejected.



2. Expansion of Digital Processes in Germany

Germany is increasingly moving administrative processes online to improve convenience and reduce bureaucratic hurdles. Key developments include:

·         Since January 1, 2025, national visas (including work, study, family, and other categories) can be applied for online through the federal digital visa portal in all 167 German diplomatic missions and consulates worldwide. (auswaertiges-amt.de)

·         A centralized Serviceportal Migration Deutschland allows residents in participating municipalities to submit and manage applications for work‑related residence permits (including the EU Blue Card) and naturalization online, check status updates, and upload documents digitally. (serviceportal-migration-deutschland.de)

·         Various local authorities (e.g., Berlin) already accept online applications for residence titles such as work permits for skilled workers, researchers, and the Blue Card. (berlin.de)


➡️ This means less paperwork, more transparency, and often faster processing—if submissions are prepared digitally and accurately.



3 Health Insurance Updates: Additional Contributions & Contribution Ceilings

If your international hires or expats are covered under German statutory health insurance (GKV), two important cost factors have changed for 2026:

🔹 Additional Contribution (Zusatzbeitrag) Rates:

·         Many GKV providers have announced higher additional contributions for 2026, meaning the total contribution rate (including the base rate of 14.6%) could average around 17.5% of gross salary.

🔹 Contribution Assessment Ceiling (Beitragsbemessungsgrenze):

·         The maximum income subject to statutory health insurance contributions (BBG) rise to €69,750 per year (€5,812.50/month) from January 2026.

·         The compulsory insurance threshold (above which private insurance is possible) will increase to €77,400 per year.


📌 This affects payroll costs for employers and net income for employees—especially for those with higher incomes.



Fun (and slightly quirky) German New Year Fact — Bird of the Year 2026

Did you know that Germany’s Bird of the Year 2026 is the grey partridge (Rebhuhn)? 🕊️Chosen in a nationwide vote organized by NABU, the partridge draws attention to a species that has been severely threatened for many years—and highlights the importance of biodiversity, sustainable land use, and habitat protection.

A fitting reminder for the start of the year: good intentions, fresh air and a moment to reflect on what really matters. 🌱If you’re in Berlin, NABU recommends a walk along the Forest Climate Trail (Waldklimapfad) the Grunewald—an educational and thought-provoking route that raises awareness of climate change and sustainability. The walk can even end at the Grunewald Tower, where you can reward yourself with a hot chocolate and a view over the forest.

A small New Year inspiration: step outside, learn something new, and maybe rethink how we can all contribute—little by little—to a more sustainable future.




Helpful Official Resources

Updated Minimum Salary Requirements for the EU Blue Card in 2026: https://www.make-it-in-germany.com/en/visa-residence/skilled-immigration-act?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Moving to & Living in Germany: Practical information, tips, and support for expatriates and employers https://www.wilde-relocation.com/

 
 
 

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