The German government has approved an adjustment to the contribution assessment ceiling for pension insurance for 2026. The Bundesrat still has to give its approval. However, it is foreseeable that the salary limits for visas/residence permits for employment purposes will increase as follows from 01.01.2026:
- EU Blue Card: € 50,700.00
- EU Blue Card in shortage occupation/ IT specialist or university degree obtained less than 3 years ago: € 45,934.20
- Employment with extensive professional experience in accordance with Section 6 of the Employment Ordinance, not subject to collective agreements (“experience pillar”): 45.630,00 €
- Professional athletes and trainers § 22 No. 4 and 5 BeschV: € 50,700.00
- First-time employment of employees over 45 years of age in accordance with § 18a AufenthG (skilled workers with vocational training), § 18b AufenthG (skilled workers with a degree) or the Employment Ordinance (only professional drivers § 24a, practical work experience § 6, nursing assistants § 22a and Western Balkans regulation § 26): 55.770,00 €
