Higher Minimum Salary Levels Forthcoming in Flanders

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Executive Summary  

On January 1, 2018, the minimum base salary for several work permit categories will increase in Flanders.

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The situation

Minimum salary increases.

A closer look

On January 1, 2018, the minimum base salary for several work permit categories will increase in Flanders as follows:

• The minimum base salary for highly-skilled foreign workers applying for Type "B" work permits will increase to EUR 40,972 annually, up from EUR 40,124.

• The minimum base salary for senior management and executives will increase to EUR 68,356, up from EUR 66,942.

• The minimum base salary for EU Blue Card holders will increase to EUR 52,978, up from EUR 51,882.

Implications

• Effect on applications. Once the new salary requirements take effect, new work permit and EU Blue Card applications and renewal applications that fail to meet the new minimums will be rejected. Applications pending on and after January 1, 2018 will not be processed unless clear evidence is provided that the applicant will meet the updated salary threshold.

• Exemptions. Foreign nationals applying for work permits as trainees and specialized technicians are exempt from these minimum salary requirements.

• Other areas. Wallonia and Brussels are also expected to increase the minimum base salary for several work permit categories on January 1, 2018.

• Consequences for employers. Employers should consult with their immigration professional about the new minimum salary requirements prior to filing new or renewal applications for Type "B" work permits or EU Blue Cards, and about notifying the authorities of compliance with the threshold for pending applications after January 1.

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].