Section 19c IT Visa: Salary Threshold 2026
TL;DR
2026 threshold: For the Section 19c IT visa you need a minimum €45,630 gross per year (about €3,802.50 per month). The figure is reviewed each year and usually goes up. Your contract must show at least this gross amount to qualify.
Official requirements: Make it in Germany (skilled workers).
What this means for you
Use your annual gross salary (before tax and social security). Only guaranteed pay counts—base salary and contractually guaranteed bonuses. One-off bonuses, equity, and benefits don’t count. If you’re below €45,630 you don’t qualify for this visa; negotiate with the employer or look at other options (e.g. Skilled Worker if you have a degree). Confirm the current threshold on the official sites below before you apply.
2026 Threshold: €45,630 Gross Per Year
The Section 19c IT visa requires €45,630 gross per year in 2026. That’s about €3,802.50 per month. “Gross” means before income tax and social contributions (health, pension, unemployment). The amount is in euros and applies from 1 January 2026. Net salary is not used for the check.
Full Section 19c guide: Section 19c IT Visa (2026).
Do You Qualify? Quick Check
Take your annual gross from your contract. If it’s €45,630 or more, you meet the requirement. If you have monthly gross, multiply by 12.
Examples: €50,000/year ✅ | €45,630 ✅ | €45,000 ❌ | €4,000/month (€48,000/year) ✅ | €3,500/month (€42,000/year) ❌
Minimum monthly gross = €45,630 ÷ 12 = €3,802.50.
What Counts Toward the Salary?
Counts: Base salary, contractually guaranteed bonuses, guaranteed 13th month, holiday pay if part of guaranteed annual pay. Does not count: One-off or discretionary bonuses, stock/equity, benefits in kind, reimbursements, net salary. The contract should clearly state gross annual salary. When in doubt, ask the immigration office.
How the Threshold Is Set
Thresholds are updated every year (usually from 1 January) based on wage developments and are published by the competent authorities (e.g. Federal Employment Agency). They tend to rise. Always check the current figure before applying.
Monthly Breakdown and Net (Rough)
€45,630/year = €3,802.50/month gross. Net depends on tax class, marital status, etc.; at this level, net for a single person (tax class I) is often around €2,400–€2,600/month—use a German tax calculator for your case. Remember rent, health insurance (~7–8% of gross), and other deductions when planning.
Comparison With Other Visas (2026)
| Visa type |
Threshold (2026) |
Monthly (approx.) |
Note |
| Section 19c IT |
€45,630 |
€3,802.50 |
Same as Blue Card IT |
| EU Blue Card (IT) |
€45,630 |
€3,802.50 |
IT / shortage |
| EU Blue Card (general) |
€50,700 |
€4,225 |
General occupations |
| Skilled Worker |
Varies |
Varies |
Often lower |
IT options compared: IT Specialist Visa Options (2026).
If Your Salary Is Below €45,630
You don’t qualify for Section 19c at that salary. Options: try to negotiate at least €45,630 gross with your employer; if you have a recognised degree, check the Skilled Worker visa (often lower threshold); or aim for a higher-paying role and reapply when you meet the threshold.
Common Mistakes
Using net instead of gross: Always use annual gross. Including non-guaranteed bonuses: Only guaranteed salary and guaranteed bonuses count. Monthly vs annual: Compare annual figures (monthly × 12). Ignoring yearly updates: Thresholds change each year—confirm before applying. Including benefits/equity: Only guaranteed gross salary components.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 2026 Section 19c salary threshold?
€45,630 gross per year (about €3,802.50/month). Check official sources for the current year.
How do I know if my salary qualifies?
Compare your annual gross to €45,630. If it’s ≥ €45,630, you meet it. Only guaranteed gross components count.
What counts toward the threshold?
Base salary and contractually guaranteed bonuses (e.g. 13th month, holiday pay if guaranteed). Not: one-off bonuses, stock, benefits, reimbursements, net.
Can I include bonuses?
Only if they are guaranteed in the contract. Discretionary or one-off bonuses normally don’t count.
My salary is just below €45,630. What can I do?
You don’t qualify for Section 19c at that level. Negotiate a higher salary, or look at other visas (e.g. Skilled Worker with a degree).
Does the threshold go up every year?
Usually. It’s set annually; confirm the current amount (e.g. on Make it in Germany or the Federal Employment Agency) before applying.
Is it the same as the Blue Card IT threshold?
Yes. Section 19c IT and EU Blue Card (IT/shortage) both use €45,630 in 2026. The general Blue Card threshold is €50,700.
Can I negotiate to reach the threshold?
Yes. You can try to negotiate gross salary to at least €45,630 (or a bit above for a buffer).
Official Sources
Only government and official institutional sources. Use these for current thresholds and rules.
Last checked: February 2026. Thresholds are updated annually; confirm before applying.
Next Steps
Check your annual gross against €45,630. Ensure your contract clearly shows gross annual salary and what’s guaranteed. If you’re below, try to negotiate or consider the Skilled Worker route. Before applying, confirm the current threshold on Make it in Germany or the authorities above.
More: Section 19c IT Visa (2026), IT Specialist Visa Options (2026), Permanent Residency: All Visa Types & Language (2026).
