Planning your move to Germany’s strong economy in 2026? The Germany EU Blue Card is the best residence permit for skilled workers from outside the EU. It gives great benefits like faster path to permanent residency and easier family reunification. But before you plan your trip, you need to know all the costs involved.
From January 1, 2026, Germany updated its rules and fees under the Skilled Immigration Act. This guide explains the main fees, extra costs, and new salary rules you must follow to get the Blue Card.
Statutory Fees & Transactional Costs
The process to get the EU Blue Card has different official fees. Here is the list for 2026.
- Consular Visa Fee (Section 18g) If you apply from outside the EU, you need a national Type D visa first. This costs €75. You pay this at the German embassy or consulate in your home country.
- Electronic Residence Title (eAT) Fee When you arrive in Germany, you go to the local immigration office (Ausländerbehörde). They give you the physical EU Blue Card. This costs €100.
- Visa Extension Surcharge If you need to renew or extend your permit later, the fee is €93 for extensions over 3 months. For shorter extensions, it is €96.
- VFS Global / TLScontact Service Charge In many countries, you apply through a service center like VFS Global or TLScontact. They charge extra for their help. This is usually between €30 and €40.
- Fast-track Procedure for Skilled Workers Your employer can pay for a faster process. This is under Section 81a of the Residence Act (AufenthG). The extra fee is €411. With this, the immigration office gives quick preliminary approval. It shortens the waiting time a lot.
These are the main official costs. But there are more things to pay for in the process.
2026 Eligibility: New Salary Thresholds
The Blue Card is not only about fees you pay. It also depends on your salary. Germany updates these salary rules every year. For 2026, here are the minimum gross annual salaries you need.
- Standard Occupations For most jobs, you must earn at least €50,700 gross per year. This is for normal professional roles.
- Shortage Occupations (Mangelberufe) If your job is in a high-demand field, the salary is lower. This includes IT, engineering, mathematics, medicine, and other shortage jobs. The minimum is €45,934.20 gross per year.
- Career Starters & New Entrants If you finished your degree in the last three years, you can use the lower threshold. You need €45,934.20 gross per year. This helps young people start in Germany faster. It works for any profession if you meet other rules.
- IT Specialists (No Degree) IT experts without a university degree can get the Blue Card. You need at least three years of experience in the last seven years. Your salary must be at least €45,934.20 gross per year.
These salary numbers come from official sources like Make it in Germany. They are based on pension insurance rules and change each year. You must meet these to qualify. The job offer must match your skills, and for some jobs, you need approval from the Federal Employment Agency.
The “Extras”: Hidden Costs of Relocation
Many people forget about these extra costs. They can add up and surprise you.
- Statement of Comparability (ZAB) If your degree is not listed in the Anabin database as equal to a German one, you need an official check. The Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB) does this. It costs €208.
- Certified Translations All important documents like degrees, birth certificates, or marriage papers must be in German. You need certified translations. Each page costs about €40 to €70.
- Apostille & Legalization You must authenticate documents from your home country. This can cost €20 to €100 per document. It depends on your country’s rules and fees.
- Incoming Health Insurance When you first arrive, you need travel or incoming health insurance until your German public insurance starts. This usually costs €30 to €50 for the first weeks.
- Biometric Photos You need special photos for the application. They must follow ICAO rules. A set costs about €10 to €20.
These extras are common for most applicants. The total can be high if you have many documents to translate or check.
The Digitalization Impact: Consular Services Portal
In 2026, Germany improved its online system a lot. The Consular Services Portal lets you apply for the Blue Card mostly online. You can upload all your documents there. They check them before you go for your biometric appointment in person.
The portal is free to use. But you may need to pay for good scanning or PDF making if your files are not ready. This makes the process easier and faster for many people.
FAQ: Germany EU Blue Card 2026
Here are answers to common questions.
Can I pay the visa fee in my local currency?
Yes. Most German embassies let you pay the €75 in your local money at the current exchange rate.
Is there a fee for family members?
Yes. Your spouse pays the normal €75 visa fee. For children under 18, it is half, so €37.50.
How long does the fast-track procedure take?
If your employer pays the €411, the office usually gives preliminary approval in about three weeks. This happens if all papers are complete.
The EU Blue Card process has many steps. The main fees are around €75 for visa, €100 for the card, and extras like service charges. With fast-track, translations, and other things, the total cost can be €1,000 to €1,500 or more. But it is worth it. Germany offers good jobs, high quality of life, and a stable economy.
The Blue Card helps you get permanent residency faster—often after 21 to 33 months with German language skills. Family can join easily too.
Disclaimer: This guide uses the latest information for 2026. Always check official websites like Make it in Germany or the German Federal Foreign Office for the most up-to-date details. Rules can change.