EU Blue Card for Ukrainians: who can obtain it and what salary is required in 2026

Ukrainians working in Europe and planning for long-term residence in the EU may consider obtaining the Blue Card. This permit is intended for highly qualified workers but requires relevant qualifications, a contract, and a specified salary level. Relocate reports on this.

EU Blue Card: who can apply in 2026

The EU Blue Card allows citizens from countries outside the European Union to live and work based on highly qualified employment. The system provides opportunities for family reunification and professional mobility, but it does not apply in Denmark and Ireland.

Main requirements for applicants:

• recognized higher education or another qualification recognized by the country of employment;
• an employment contract or mandatory job offer for at least six months;
• salary not lower than the established national threshold;
• valid passport, employment documents, and health insurance;
• for regulated professions, including doctors, access to professional activity is required.

A diploma alone is not sufficient: the proposed job must also meet the program's requirements. For certain categories of workers, professional experience may be considered instead of a university education.

Temporary protection and the Blue Card have different legal bases. The EU Council's recommendation allows Ukrainians to transition to other permits if they meet the conditions. However, the specific procedure depends on the country of residence.

Under the recommended mechanism, simultaneous use of temporary protection and permit under the Blue Card directive is not provided. Therefore, before changing status, it is necessary to clarify when the previous permit will expire and on what basis the person will remain in the country during the application review.

The practical first step is to check three things: whether the specific position is suitable, how to confirm qualifications, and if the salary is sufficient. The experience of Ukrainians who go through credential recognition abroad shows that job requirements in their field may include additional exams and professional permits.

Blue Card in Germany: salary thresholds and timelines in 2026

According to the official portal Make it in Germany, the following minimum salaries are established in Germany:

• General category: 50,700 euros per year, or 4,225 euros per month.
• Shortage professions: 45,934.20 euros per year, or 3,827.85 euros per month.
• Specialists who obtained their last diploma or relevant qualification less than three years ago: 45,934.20 euros per year.
• Certain IT specialists without a formal diploma: 45,934.20 euros per year, provided they meet the experience requirements.

All amounts are gross before tax and social contributions. German thresholds do not apply to Poland, the Czech Republic, France, or other states: each sets its own requirements.

For IT specialists without a diploma, at least three years of relevant experience within the last seven years is required. Its level must be comparable to a university qualification. For certain categories with reduced salary thresholds, approval from the Federal Employment Agency is also necessary.

In Germany, the Blue Card is issued for a maximum of four years. If the contract is shorter, the permit is usually issued for the duration of the contract plus six months, but within this maximum period.

The Blue Card itself is not a permanent residence permit. By meeting other requirements, its holder can apply for permanent residence in Germany:

• after 27 months of relevant work with German language knowledge at level A1;
• after 21 months with language knowledge at level B1.

After 12 months of residence under the Blue Card in the first country, relocation to another EU state applying relevant rules is possible through a simplified procedure. This does not mean automatic rights to work anywhere: in the new country, one must obtain the appropriate permit.

If the salary does not reach the Blue Card threshold, it is worth checking other work permits. When choosing status, not only salaries of Ukrainians in Germany matter, but also job relevance, qualification recognition, and living conditions for family members.