As we approach the end of 2025, governments are once again reviewing and adjusting minimum salary thresholds for work permits—a change that can have a direct impact on workforce planning and mobility strategies. Minimum salary thresholds are a key determinant of visa and work permit eligibility, with higher thresholds often applying to certain roles. Failure to meet the required salary levels can result in processing delays or application refusals, making it essential for employers to verify salary compliance and all other eligibility requirements before proceeding with an application. As minimum salary requirements for work permits begin to rise across various jurisdictions, we have outlined a snapshot of some key upcoming changes below.
| Country | Implementation Date | Minimum Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Belgium | January 1, 2026 | Wallonia: – Highly Skilled: EUR 53,220 per annum – Highly Skilled (<30 years old): EUR 53,220 per annum – EU Blue Card: EUR 68,815 per annum – EU Blue Card (<3 years experience): EUR 55,052 per annum – ICT Managerial: EUR 68,815 per annum – ICT Specialist: EUR 55,052 per annum – ICT Trainee: EUR 34,408 per annum Minimum salaries for Brussels and Flanders are to be confirmed as of the date of this update. If no update is provided before January 1, 2026, the current minimum salary levels will remain the same. |
| Bulgaria | January 1, 2026 | Local hire permits: EUR 620.20 per month Note: Bulgaria is adopting the Euro currency from January 2026. Salary assessments should take this into account. |
| Czechia | January 1, 2026 | Work permit for local hire (Employee Card): CZK 22,400 gross per month |
| Denmark | January 1, 2026 | Pay Limit scheme: DKK 552,000 Supplementary Pay Limit Scheme: DNK 446,000 |
| France | January 1, 2026 | Standard Local Hire Permit and Student Permit: EUR 1,823.06 gross per month |
| Germany | January 1, 2026 | EU Blue Card (non-shortage occupations): EUR 50,700 per annum EU Blue Card (shortage occupation): EUR 45,934.20 per annum Residence Permit for Employment (IT Specialist): EUR 45,630 per annum |
| Hungary | January 1, 2026 | Skilled Workers: HUF 373,200 per month EU Blue Card: HUF 1,001,048 per month EU Blue Card (Healthcare and shortage occupations): HUF 800,838 per month |
| Ireland | March 1, 2026 | General Employment Permit (GEP): EUR 36,605 per annum Critical Skills Employment Permit (CSEP): EUR 40,904 per annum, where applicant holds a relevant degree or EUR 68,911 per annum where applicant does not hold a relevant degree Intra-Company Transfer Permit (ICT): EUR 49,523 per annum |
| Netherlands | January 1, 2026 | EU Blue Card and HSM (>30 yr): EUR 5,942 HSM (<30 yr): EUR 4,357 Search year and HSM after search year: EUR 3,122 EU Blue Card (within 3 years of obtaining Diploma): EUR 4,754 |
| Poland | January 1, 2026 | Local hire work permits (except EU Blue Card): PLN 4,806 gross per month |
