Foreign nationals with a recognized university degree are eligible to work in Germany under the European Union (EU) Blue Card system. The minimum salary for EU Blue Cards has increased. Effective January 1, 2020, Blue Card holders in Germany must be paid an annual salary of EUR 55,200 (53,600 in 2019). Blue Card holders in shortage occupations must be paid at least EUR 43,056 (41,808 in 2019). Employers of foreign nationals planning to apply for or renew an EU Blue Card in Germany in 2020 should ensure that salaries meet the new minimum salary thresholds.