Costs and salary limits 2026

Blue Card thresholds, visa fees, living-cost proof.

• Blue Card: €50,700 (50% of the pension contribution ceiling of €101,400); €45,934.20 for shortage occupations, career starters and IT (with approval of the Federal Employment Agency).
• Qualified employment with experience: €45,630 (alternative threshold, check whether it applies to you).
• First residence permits for employment, age 45+ without adequate pension provision (§ 18 (2) no. 5 AufenthG; also applies to § 16d, per Embassy Jakarta): €55,770 (55% of the ceiling).
• National visa (§ 16d): €75 fee, up to 12 weeks processing.
• Accelerated procedure (§ 81a): €411 plus €75 visa fee.
• Living-cost proof (§ 16d): €1,200 gross per month (about €941 net); a blocked account only covers the shortfall if your income is below that.
• Placement fees: none allowed for workers placed via the Indonesian system (Law 18/2017 Art. 30).

Thresholds change every year on 1 January. Confirm on the Federal Employment Agency page.