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- EU Blue Card holders are allowed to work part-time alongside their main full-time job, typically up to 20 hours per week. This work must not interfere with their primary employment responsibilities and must comply with German labor and immigration laws.
- Additional employment beyond the primary job requires prior approval from the local Foreigners' Registration Office (Ausländerbehörde). Approval ensures the secondary job does not violate labor laws, impact salary thresholds, or hinder the holder's main job duties.
- Salary thresholds for the EU Blue Card must always be met. Holders must earn at least €48,300 annually (€43,759.80 for bottleneck professions) from their primary employment. Falling below this threshold risks revocation of the Blue Card.
- The EU Blue Card also provides a pathway to permanent residency in Germany after 33 months of continuous employment or 21 months with sufficient German language skills. Engaging in part-time or approved additional work does not affect this timeline as long as all conditions are met.
Germany remains one of the most attractive destinations for skilled professionals globally, with its strong economy, excellent quality of life, and progressive immigration policies. For non-EU citizens seeking to work in Germany, the EU Blue Card continues to be a highly popular option.
Many EU Blue Card holders wonder about their rights to engage in part-time or additional employment alongside their primary role. This article provides updated insights into these provisions for 2026, including key salary adjustments.
Part-Time Employment with the EU Blue Card
Flexibility for Part-Time Work
EU Blue Card holders are permitted to engage in part-time work in addition to their primary full-time employment. Restrictions apply to prevent interference with main job responsibilities. Typically, part-time side work is limited to up to 20 hours per week, making it ideal for supplementing income or pursuing other professional interests.
Conditions for Part-Time Work
Part-time employment must fully comply with German labor laws and immigration regulations. The primary employment tied to the EU Blue Card must remain the holder's main focus and continue to meet all legal salary thresholds. If part-time work impacts the ability to fulfill primary obligations or causes total income from the main job to drop below the required threshold, it risks jeopardizing the residence permit.
Additional Employment with the EU Blue Card
Approval Required
EU Blue Card holders may take on additional (secondary) employment beyond their primary job, but this generally requires prior approval from the local Foreigners' Registration Office (Ausländerbehörde). This review ensures the secondary role does not conflict with immigration rules or hinder primary job duties.
Why Is Approval Necessary?
The EU Blue Card is granted based on strict criteria, including salary thresholds and qualifications. Any changes in employment status, such as adding secondary jobs, must be assessed to confirm ongoing compliance. Approval is usually granted if:
- The additional job complies with labor laws.
- The holder continues meeting salary requirements from their primary job.
- The secondary job does not affect obligations under the main employment contract.
Other Key Considerations
Salary Requirements (Updated for 2026)
Salary thresholds are adjusted annually and are critical—even with part-time or additional work, holders must maintain at least the minimum gross annual salary from their primary employment. As of January 1, 2026:
- Standard occupations: At least €50,700 gross per year.
- Shortage occupations (e.g., STEM fields like IT, engineering, natural sciences; healthcare/medical professions; certain managers in manufacturing/construction): At least €45,934.20 gross per year (requires approval from the Federal Employment Agency in some cases).
These represent an increase from 2025 levels (roughly 5%), tied to the national pension insurance ceiling. Falling below the applicable threshold (even due to side work adjustments) could lead to revocation of the Blue Card.
Pathway to Permanent Residency
A major benefit of the EU Blue Card is the route to permanent residency. After 33 months of continuous employment (or 21 months with sufficient German language proficiency, typically B1 level), holders can apply for a settlement permit. Part-time or additional employment does not affect this timeline, provided all conditions—including salary thresholds—are met.
Trial Employment
Under related programs like the Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte), individuals can undertake trial jobs of up to two weeks without prior approval. This is separate from the EU Blue Card but highlights Germany's flexible approach to employment testing.
Summary
The EU Blue Card remains an outstanding opportunity for highly skilled non-EU professionals to live and work in Germany. While centered on full-time qualified employment, it allows flexibility for part-time and additional work under specific conditions:
- Part-time work is permitted up to 20 hours per week.
- Additional employment requires prior approval from local authorities (Ausländerbehörde).
- Salary thresholds must be maintained at all times (€50,700 for standard roles or €45,934.20 for shortage occupations as of 2026) to stay compliant.
Germany's immigration policies continue evolving to attract global talent while upholding fair labor standards. Whether planning your move or already holding an EU Blue Card, understanding these 2026 updates—especially the higher salary requirements—will help you make informed career decisions.
Note: Always verify the latest details with official sources like the local Ausländerbehörde or Make it in Germany portal, as individual cases may vary.
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