Meridian · Freshness tracker

What's changed.

Dated updates to visa, tax, residency, citizenship, housing, and labour policy across every country tracked. Every entry cites its primary source and the date we last verified it.

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In force 1 Jan 2025
In force Visa & immigration

EU Blue Card 2025 salary thresholds updated

The annual update to the EU Blue Card salary thresholds for 2025 was published. Thresholds are indexed to the German statutory pension-insurance contribution ceiling (Beitragsbemessungsgrenze) and rise each year. Applicants should confirm the current figure on BAMF or Make it in Germany before applying; the practical rule of thumb is "regular" ≈ pension ceiling × 50%, "shortage" ≈ × 45.3%.

Who it affects: Non-EU applicants for the EU Blue Card in 2025.

Make it in Germany (Federal Government) ↗ · BAMF — Bundesamt für Migration und Flüchtlinge ↗ · verified 2026-04-18

In force 1 Jun 2024
In force Visa & immigration

Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) comes into force

The points-based job-seeker residence permit introduced under Stage 3 of the Fachkräfteeinwanderungsgesetz reform came into force, allowing qualified non-EU nationals to enter Germany for up to one year to look for employment, with points awarded for qualifications, age, German/English language ability, and connection to Germany. Holders may work up to 20 hours per week or take two-week trial employment during the search.

Who it affects: Qualified non-EU nationals looking to enter Germany to search for qualified employment.

BAMF — Bundesamt für Migration und Flüchtlinge ↗ · Make it in Germany (Federal Government) ↗ · Bundesregierung (Federal Government) ↗ · verified 2026-04-18

In force 1 Mar 2024
In force Visa & immigration

Skilled Immigration Act reform — Stage 2 enters force

Second stage introduced the "experienced worker" path — non-EU workers with at least two years of relevant qualified professional experience (and a qualification recognised in their country of origin) can work in Germany without prior German recognition of their credentials, provided a minimum salary threshold is met. Also introduced the "recognition partnership" enabling arrival while the formal recognition process runs in Germany.

Who it affects: Non-EU skilled workers without formally recognised German credentials; IT specialists in particular.

BAMF — Bundesamt für Migration und Flüchtlinge ↗ · Make it in Germany (Federal Government) ↗ · Bundesregierung (Federal Government) ↗ · verified 2026-04-18

In force 1 Jan 2024
In force Visa & immigration

EU Blue Card 2024 salary thresholds set

Under the reformed thresholds, the EU Blue Card minimum gross annual salary for 2024 was set at €45,300 for standard qualified occupations and €41,041.80 for shortage occupations (MINT subjects, medicine, and several others) and recent graduates — a significant reduction from pre-reform levels.

Who it affects: Non-EU applicants for the EU Blue Card in 2024.

Make it in Germany (Federal Government) ↗ · BAMF — Bundesamt für Migration und Flüchtlinge ↗ · verified 2026-04-18

In force 18 Nov 2023
In force Visa & immigration

Skilled Immigration Act reform — Stage 1 enters force

The first stage of the Fachkräfteeinwanderungsgesetz reform came into force, lowering Blue Card salary thresholds, expanding the list of eligible professions, and allowing Blue Card holders to switch employers more flexibly within the first twelve months.

Who it affects: Non-EU skilled workers with tertiary qualifications seeking employment in Germany.

BAMF — Bundesamt für Migration und Flüchtlinge ↗ · Bundesregierung (Federal Government) ↗ · Make it in Germany (Federal Government) ↗ · verified 2026-04-18