BELGIUM: 2017 Minimum Salary Increases for Work Permits

January 11, 2017


The Belgian government has announced a slight increase in the minimum salary requirements for Type B work permits and Blue Cards from 1st January 2017. The Belgian government annually increases its minimum salary requirements for foreign nationals in line with inflation.

Once the new salary requirements have been implemented, applications for work permit and EU Blue Card applications and renewal applications that fail to meet the new minimums will run the risk of being rejected if the new minimum requirements have not been met.  There is an exemption from the salary requirements for those applying for work permits as trainees and specialised technicians.

Minimum Salary Thresholds

  • The minimum annual salary for highly skilled foreign nationals applying for Type B work permits will increase to €40,124 EUR, (from €39,824 EUR in 2016)
  • The minimum annual salary for senior management and executive-level foreign nationals applying for Type B work permits will increase to €66,942 EUR (from €66,442 EUR in 2016)
  • The minimum annual salary for Blue Card applicants will increase to €51,822 EUR (from €51,494 EUR in 2016)

Our advice

Employers should review the salaries of any current and future foreign national employees sponsored for Type B work permits in Belgium. Employers and applicants are advised in advance that applications pending on or after 1st January 2017 will not be processed unless clear evidence is provided that the applicant will meet the updated salary threshold.

Applicants and employers who require further guidance on this matter are advised to contact our Global Immigration Team at [email protected].