Starting January 1, 2016, non-EEA nationals with valid job offers applying for work authorization under the EU Blue Card program will be subject to higher minimum salary levels in Germany.
The minimum salary for shortage occupations will be €38,688, up from €37,752; and for non-shortage occupations, the minimum will be €49,600, up from €48,400.
The German government re-evaluates the minimum salary requirements for the Blue Card program annually. The new salary thresholds apply to Blue Card applicants with employment contract start dates of January 1 or later.
What This Means for Employers and Foreign Nationals
Employers should ensure that all relevant teams and managers are aware of the salary increases and plan for the impact on corporate budgets.