Minimum Salary Changes Announced

Work permit minimum salary levels. Effective January 1, 2024:

• Red-White-Red Card (key employee): EUR 3,030 gross per month – up from EUR 2,925.
• EU Blue Card: EUR 3,418.22 gross per month – up from EUR 3,257.

Work authorization-exempt status minimum salary levels. As of May 2023, the minimum salary necessary for either international company executives or internationally renowned researchers to be granted work authorization-exempt status is EUR 7,272 gross per month – up from EUR 7,020. Salaries are counted over 14 payments (12 monthly payments plus two annual special payments).

Other relevant considerations: 

• Austrian university graduates. As of October 2022, Red-White-Red Card holders/applicants who are graduates from Austrian universities are not subject to a minimum salary level. Rather, their minimum salary is determined by the applicable collective bargaining agreement.
• Existing employees. Employers of foreign nationals currently under a Red-White-Red Card need not increase foreign nationals’ salaries to comply with the new rule.
• Unaffected categories. For the Short-Term Work Permit, the Short-Term Secondment Permit, the EU Intracompany Transferee (ICT) Permit and the Red-White-Red Card for professionals in shortage occupations, applicants and permit holders must meet the salary rate per the applicable collective bargaining agreement for the position. This requirement is not affected by the current changes. Employers are advised to monitor changes in collective bargaining agreements to ensure compliance. 
• Collective bargaining agreement. Salaries must meet the salary rate set by a collective bargaining agreement for the proposed position, if applicable. Exact figures depend on the company industry and the foreign worker’s qualifications and experience. 
• 14 payments per year. Salaries must be paid per the above-listed amounts 14 times per year in general (applicable to local hire permits).   
• Currency. Employers must guarantee the salary in EUR regardless of payroll location and/or exchange rate fluctuations. 
• Dependents, If dependents are accompanying the third-country national, then the income must be sufficient to provide for the family.
• Posted worker notification requirements. The following employees, posted by an employer based in the EU/EEA/Switzerland are exempt from posted worker notification requirements:
  • Employees with a gross monthly salary of at least EUR 7,272, up from EUR 7,020.

Updated June 3, 2024

As of July 1, 2023, the national minimum wage increased to AUD 23.23 per hour, up from AUD 21.38. The minimum salary threshold for the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold for employer-sponsored visa programs also increased to AUD 70,000, up from AUD 53,900.

From July 1, 2024, the national minimum wage will increase by 3.75% to AUD 915.90 per week (or AUD 24.10 per hour). 

Effective July 1, 2024, the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) for employer-sponsored visa programs will increase from AUD 70,000 to AUD 73,150.

Updated January 9, 2023

As of January 1, 2023, the national minimum wage increased to AZN 345 per month, up 15% from AZN 300 per month.

• • Affected categories. The increase affects all foreign nationals who must be paid at least the minimum wage; however, there is no minimum salary level for the work permit category as long as it is above the minimum wage. 
  • Compliance. In case of threshold changes, salaries of current work permit holders and new applications must all meet the new threshold.  
  • Benefits and allowances. Benefits and allowances cannot be included in the minimum salary calculation. 
     

Bangladesh’s minimum salary level requirements vary and are based on nationality and job designation. They range from USD 1200 or BDT equivalent (up from USD 650) for skilled workers to USD 3,000 or BDT equivalent (up from USD 2,000) for investors and executives. The E Visa and Work Permit category is subject to these minimum salary requirements. 

Updated October 30, 2024 

The new minimum salary levels for Special Work Permit and Temporary Residence Permit applications are:

• Highly qualified employees: Effective January 1, 2024, the minimum salary level for ‘highly qualified employees’ is BYN 3,130 per month (five times the minimum wage of BYN 626 per month) – up from BYN 2,770.
• Other applicants: The migration authorities recommend that the minimum salary level for other foreign nationals be at least BYN 2,000 per month – up from BYN 1,850.
• Dependents: Effective November 1, 2024 to January 31, 2025, foreign nationals seeking to sponsor a dependent spouse will need to earn BYN 2,468.58  per month for a couple (up from BYN 2,462.26); while those seeking to sponsor a child will need to additionally earn at least BYN 09 – 436.16  per child per month (depending on the child’s age) – up from BYN 273.78 – 428.23 per child per month. Further financial support requirements may also apply regarding other accompanying dependents. These figures are updated quarterly.

Other relevant considerations:

• Compliance. The new amounts apply to pending and new applications.
• Local payroll and currency. Foreign workers must be on Belarussian payroll and employers pay the salary in BYN. The amount of the salary may be set in a foreign currency at the rate of the service bank on the day of payment.
• Social security. The employer contributes an additional 34% of the monthly salary as mandatory social security insurance payments. 1% of the monthly salary is withheld from the foreign national as a mandatory social security insurance payment. The employer also pays a mandatory accident insurance contribution of approximately .6% of the salary.
• Income tax. 13% of the salary is withheld from the foreign national as personal income tax (in some cases, the payer is eligible for tax deductions).
• General provisions. The above is based on general provisions within the legislation. In some cases, different features may be established by specific legislation.

Updated October 28, 2024

Flanders: Effective January 1, 2025, all thresholds will be as follows (all entries are gross per year):

• Highly Skilled Permit: 
  • Executives: EUR 78,259, up from EUR 74,611.
  • Highly skilled: EUR 48,912, up from EUR 46,632.
  • Locally hired young graduates (under 30 years of age) or nurses: EUR 39,129.60, up from EUR 37,305.60.
• EU Blue Card: EUR 63,586, up from EUR 60,621.
• EU Intra-Company Transfer Permit 
  • • Managers: EUR 78,259, up from EUR 74,611.
    • Specialists and trainees: EUR 48,912, up from EUR 46,632.

Wallonia: Effective January 1, 2025, all thresholds will be as follows (all entries are gross per year):

• Highly Skilled Permit: 
  • Executives: EUR 86,110, up from EUR 83,936.
  • Highly skilled: EUR 51,613, up from EUR 50,310.
  • Employees under 30 years of age: EUR 41,290, up from EUR 40,248.
• EU Blue Card:
  • General: EUR 66,738, up from EUR 65,053.
  • Recent graduates (applied less than three years after higher education graduation): EUR 53,390, up from EUR 52,042.
• EU Intra-Company Transfer Permit:  
  • • Managers: EUR 66,738, up from EUR 65,053.
    • Specialists: EUR 53,390, up from EUR 52,042. 
    • Trainees: EUR 33,370, up from EUR 32,327.

Effective September 1, 2024, highly qualified permit types (for example, Highly Skilled Permits, EU Blue Cards, and EU Intra-Company Transfer Permits) are pro-rated according to the time actually worked by the employee. This allows such permit holders to work part time without putting at risk the validity of their work permit. Note that the salary should still satisfy relevant labor law requirements (including the guaranteed average monthly income).

Brussels:

Update October 2, 2024: The 2025 minimum salary amounts for Brussels have been announced as follows:

• Highly Skilled Permit: 
  • • Executives: EUR 6,647,20 per month, up from EUR 6,445.60 per month.
    • Highly skilled: EUR 3,703,44 per month up from EUR 3,591.12 per month.
• EU Blue Card: EUR 4,748, up from EUR 4,604 per month. 
• EU Intra-Company Transfer Permit 
  • Managers: EUR 5,460.20 per month, up from EUR 5,294.60 per month. 
  • Specialists: EUR 4,510,60 per month, up from EUR 4,373.80 per month. 
  • Trainees: EUR 2.611,40 per month, up from EUR 2,532.20 per month. 

Other relevant considerations include:

• Currency. Employers must guarantee the salary in EUR, regardless of payroll location or exchange rate fluctuations.
• Compliance. From the date of the effective change, the minimum salary levels for foreign workers holding any of the work authorizations listed above must increase to comply with the new rule.
• New, renewal and pending applications. From the date of the effective change, all foreign national work authorization applications (including renewals) must increase foreign nationals’ minimum salaries to comply with the new rule. This includes applications pending from before this date. Employers must also notify authorities about salary increases to such pending applications. Applications that do not meet the minimum salary will be rejected.
• Benefits and allowances. Benefits and cost allowances generally cannot be included in the minimum salary calculation. In exceptional cases, allowances can be included provided they are: (1) remuneration in return for work performed within the framework of the employment agreement; (2) guaranteed and fixed; (3) taxable; and (4) indicated in the employee’s pay slip.

Updated February 1, 2024 

Botswana’s minimum wage thresholds have increased for 2024 between 24% to 44%, based on sector.

UPDATED NOVEMBER 6, 2023: Effective January 1, 2024, the national minimum wage will increase to BGN 933 (around USD 500) per month – up from the current BGN 780 per month.

Updated January 2, 2024

Effective January 1, 2024, the minimum wage in Colombia increased to COP 1,300,000 per month (approximately USD 325), a 12% percent increase from the 2023 minimum wage. The increase does not directly affect the hiring of foreign nationals from an immigration perspective; however, employers sponsoring work visas should ensure that even with the increase in the minimum wage, their financial statements for the past three, four or six months (depending on the visa type) still show a monthly average balance of at least 100 times the minimum wage. For labor purposes, a foreign national’s salary may not be less than the monthly minimum wage.

Effective January 1, 2024, the national minimum wage will increase by 20% to EUR 840 per month, up from EUR 700.

• Affected categories. The increase affects EU nationals and general Stay and Work Permit applications. Stay and Work Permit applicants under the Key Personnel and EU Blue Card routes are subject to a separate salary threshold. Stay and Work Permit applicants under the EU Intra-Company Transferee Permit route should receive a salary comparable to locally hired staff in similar job roles (market salary rate). Posted workers’ salaries must be in line with the wage of a local worker according to Croatian law (collective bargaining agreement) if the law is more favorable than the employment agreement.  
• Compliance. In case the threshold changes, employers must adjust the salaries of current foreign workers and those with pending or new applications, if required.  
• Benefits and allowances. Benefits and allowances cannot be included in the minimum salary calculation.

Updated October 3, 2024 

Employee Card and Work Permit/Employee Card. As of January 1, 2025, the minimum salary thresholds for the Employee Card and Work Permit/Employee Card, which is equal to the national minimum wage, will increase to CZK 20,800 per month, up from the current CZK 18,900 per month. The minimum amount required for dependent sponsorship remains at CZK 3,130.

• Affected permit types. The increase affects minimum income requirements to sponsor dependents across all employment-based permit types, as applicants sponsoring dependent family must hold 15 times the minimum amount for the first month and twice the minimum for every other month of stay. The increase also affects long-term business visa applications.
• Updated amounts. If sponsoring a six-month stay, applicants must now hold CZK 78,250 per adult dependent (up from 68,500) or CZK 39,125 for dependents under 18 (up from CZK 34,250). If sponsoring a one-year stay, applicants must now hold CZK 115,810 per adult dependent (up from CZK 101,380) or CZK 57,905 for dependents under 18 (up from CZK 50,690). Long-term business visa applicants must hold 50 times the minimum subsistence amount per month (CZK 156,500 per month), for the full visa validity. The full required amount must be available in a bank account when filing the application.

EU Blue Card. Effective May 1, 2024, the gross monthly salary for EU Blue Cards increased to CZK 65,012 (up from CZK 60,530).

• Formalities. The amount must be specified in the employment contract.
• Benefits and allowances. Benefits and bonuses are not included in the calculation.
• Minimum subsistence amount. Applicants seeking to sponsor dependents must additionally hold the abovementioned minimum subsistence amounts.
• Compliance. In case of threshold changes, the new amount applies to current employees, pending applications, and new or renewal applications.

Updated May 13, 2024 

National minimum wage. Effective January 1, 2024, the national minimum wage (applicable only to Cypriot or EU nationals) is:

• Employees who have been with their employer for at least six months: EUR 1,000 per month (up from EUR 940) ­
• Employees who have been with their employer for less than six months: EUR 900 per month (up from EUR 885).

Local Hire permit category. The minimum salary level for the Local Hire permit category (applicable to non-EU foreign workers) is:

• Roles excluding executive directors: EUR 2,000-3,871 per month (salary level depends on the seniority of the role).
• Executive directors: EUR 3,872 per month.

Other relevant conditions:

• Benefits and allowances. Benefits and allowances cannot be included in the minimum salary calculation.
• Intra-corporate transferees, and posted workers. There are no minimum salary requirements for either Cyprus’s EU ICT permit or its Posted Worker permit.

Updated January 3, 2024 

Pay limit applications. Effective January 1, 2024, the gross minimum salary level for the following categories has increased:

• Pay Limit Scheme applications (including those filed under the Fast-Track Scheme): DKK 487,000 per year, up from DKK 465,000.
• Supplementary Pay Limit Scheme applications: DKK 393,000 per year, up from DKK 375,000.

Other relevant considerations:

• Currency. All amounts must be reflected in DKK in the employment contract, and if the salary is stated in a foreign currency an addendum stating the salary in DKK must be submitted. 
• Initial applications. Employers of foreign nationals seeking to obtain a Work Permit after these minimum salary level changes must increase the foreign national’s salary to comply with the new rule. Immigration applications that do not meet the minimum salary will be refused.
• Pending applications. These minimum salary level changes do not affect pending applications submitted prior to the change.
• Renewal applications. The minimum salary level for renewal applications remains the same as the minimum salary for the year the original application was submitted.
• Benefits and allowances. Benefits and allowances cannot be included in the minimum salary calculation. Only basic salary, paid holiday allowance and payments to the labor market pension scheme can be included in the minimum salary calculation.
• Payment in a Danish bank account. The foreign national’s full salary must be paid into a Danish bank account.

Updated May 1, 2024

As of May 1, 2024 the minimum salary for all employees in Egypt’s private sector has increased to EGP 6,000 per month.

Other relevant considerations:

• Annual bonuses. Private-sector employers must disburse a monthly bonus increase to employees of at least 3% of the employee’s social insurance subscription contribution for the year up to a maximum of EGP 327 (USD 10.69) per month. The social insurance subscription payment is calculated based on the employee’s contributary wage (including basic salary, cost of living allowance but excluding housing, clothing and transport allowances).

Updated June 4, 2024 

The following minimum salary thresholds apply for 2024:

• Specialist Permits: EUR 3,638 gross per month, up from EUR 3,473.
• EU Blue Cards: Effective May 13, 2024, EUR 3,638 gross per month, down from EUR 5,457.
• Residence permit for an employed person: if there is no collective agreement or the work is part-time, the salary must now be at least EUR 1,399 gross per month – up from EUR 1,331.

As of January 19, 2023, authorities are using the Finnish Incomes Register to verify that applicants extending permits based on employment or studies are being paid a sufficient income, whereas previously applicants were required to provide copies of pay slips. This is expected to improve the reliability of information authorities use to adjudicate extension applications and will reduce the amount of information they typically require for the application.  

Other relevant considerations:

• Benefits and allowances. Benefits and allowances cannot be included in the minimum salary calculation.
• Safe margin. Applicants paid close to the minimum salary threshold are likely to face clarification requests and/or refusals.
• Compliance. In case of threshold changes, the new threshold applies to current permit holders, pending and new applications. Uplifts must be completed at least three months before a renewal application is filed as renewal applications require payslips for the three months prior to the application.

Updated October 9, 2024 

Minimum wage and talent passports. Effective November 1, 2024, the French minimum salary will increase as follows:

• • hourly gross minimum wage will increase to EUR 11.88, up from EUR 11.65,
  • monthly gross minimum wage will increase to EUR 1,802.26, up from EUR 1,766.92

Talent passport. Effective November 1, 2024, the minimum salary for Talent Passports will increase as follows:

• • Talent Passport – Employee on mission (Salarié en Mission): EUR 38,928.78 per year, up from EUR 38,165.47.
  • Talent Passport – Young Graduate (Salarié Qualifié): EUR 43,254.20 per year, up from EUR 42,406.08.
  • Talent Passport – Legal Representative (Mandataire Social): EUR 64,881.30 per year, up from EUR 63,609.12.

EU Blue Card. Effective November 1, 2024 the minimum salary for an EU Blue Card will remain EUR 53,836.50.

Graduate job seeker (Recherche d'emploi et création d'entreprise). Effective November 1, 2024, the minimum salary for this category will be 32,440.65, up from 31,804.56.

Other relevant considerations:

• Benefits and allowances. Benefits and allowances may only be included if they are a fixed amount, taxable, subject to social security, and visible on the payslip.
• Compliance. The new threshold applies to current permit holders, pending and new applications.
• Unaffected categories. The EU Blue Card is subject to a separate salary threshold.

Updated February 27, 2024    

EU Blue Card.

• On January 1, 2024, the minimum gross salary increased to:
  • EUR 45,300 for non-shortage occupations; and
  • EUR 41,041.80 for shortage occupations.

Specialists with extensive work experience: EUR 40,770

Skilled Worker Permit / Local Hire Permit. Effective January 1, 2024, the minimum salary requirements for Skilled Worker Permit / Local Hire Permit applicants aged 45 and older will be EUR 49,830 per year (up from the current EUR 48,180 per year). Otherwise, applicants must evidence adequate retirement provisions.   

National minimum wage. Effective January 1, 2024, the national minimum wage will increase to EUR 12.41 per hour (up from the current EUR 12). The change does not affect employment-based permit holders, who are required to receive the market salary rate for their position and qualifications.

Other relevant considerations:

• Other permit types. Under the EU Intracompany Transferee (ICT) Permit (locally called ICT Card) and Local Hire Work & Residence Permit, foreign nationals must receive a salary comparable to a local worker.
• Benefits and allowances. Contact your immigration professional for advice on benefits and allowances.
• Currency. Employers are required to guarantee the salary in EUR, since EU Blue Card applicants must be on local payroll and paid in EUR.

Updated April 26, 2024 

National minimum wage. Effective April 1, 2024, the national minimum wage has increased to EUR 830 gross per month (calculated over 14 payments), up from the previous EUR 780. The increase is not expected to affect employment-based permit holders as they are primarily required to receive the market salary rate for their position.

EU Blue Card. The minimum salary threshold for the EU Blue Card is EUR 32,000 gross per year.

Other relevant considerations:

• Benefits and allowances. Benefits and allowances typically cannot be included in the minimum salary calculation.
• Currency. Employers are required to guarantee the salary in EUR, regardless of payroll location and/or exchange rate fluctuations.

Updated December 28, 2023 

EU Blue Card category: Effective January 1, 2024, the minimum salary level for the EU Blue Card will be HUF 773,649 per year, currently HUF 658,200.

Single Permit for Local Hire and Short-Term Work Permit categories: Effective December 1, 2023, the minimum salary for these categories is as follows:

• Non-graduate roles: HUF 266,800 per month, up from HUF 232,000 per month.
• Graduate roles (requiring at least secondary school education): HUF 326,000 per month, up from HUF 296,400 per month.

This increase primarily affects EU nationals, as other foreign workers are subject to different salary requirements that in most cases require a salary well above the minimum wage level.

Other relevant considerations:

• Existing employees. Employers of affected EU nationals and foreign nationals must increase foreign nationals’ salaries to comply with the new rule.
• Applications. To avoid rejection by immigration authorities, all new applications must ensure that the proposed minimum salary complies with the new minimum salary levels at the date of filing.
• Benefits and allowances. Benefits and allowances cannot be included in the minimum salary calculation.
• Net amounts. Net amounts may change based on factors such as family allowance, company cafeteria etc., which depend on personal conditions and company policies.
• Annual indexation. The threshold is indexed annually. The increased amount must immediately be paid to all foreign workers, including current permit holders.

Updated February 8, 2024 

Effective February 15, 2024, the minimum living standard threshold will increase for residence permit and citizenship applicants. The minimum required amount for individuals age 18 and over will increase to ISK 239,895 per month, up from ISK 217,799. For married couples, it will increase to ISK 383,832 per month, up from 348,476 per month. Amounts are based on pre-tax income.

Updated January 9, 2024

National minimum wage: Effective January 1, 2024, the national minimum wage increased to EUR 12.70 per hour, up from EUR 11.30 per hour.   

Minimum salary levels (MSL) for various permits:

• General Employment Permit:
  • General. Effective January 17, 2024, this permit’s MSL will increase to EUR 34,000, up from EUR 30,000. Additionally, from that date, the salary threshold exemption for graduate positions and language skills specialists will be removed.
  • UPDATE JANUARY 25: Healthcare assistants and home carers special category. The government has reversed its decision to raise the thresholds for the roles of healthcare assistants and home carers. The minimum salary will remain at EUR 27,000.
  • Horticultural workers and meat processors special category. Effective January 17, 2024, this permit’s MSL will increase to EUR 30,000, up from EUR 22,000.

• Atypical Working Scheme Permit. Effective January 17, 2024, this permit’s MSL will increase to EUR 34,000, up from EUR 30,000.
• Critical Skills Employment Permit. Effective January 17, 2024, this permit’s MSL will increase to EUR 38,000 for candidates requiring a relevant degree, up from EUR 32,000. The MSL will remain at EUR 64,000 for those individuals exempt from the relevant degree requirement.

• Intra-Company Transfer Employment Permit. Effective January 17, 2024, this permit’s MSL will increase to EUR 34,000 for trainee transferees, up from EUR 30,000, and to EUR 46,000 for all other transferee categories, up from EUR 40,000.

Other relevant considerations:

• Currency. Employers must guarantee the salary in EUR regardless of payroll location and/or exchange rate fluctuations.
• Compliance. New applications, as well as renewals, must meet the new minimum salary level threshold, otherwise they will be refused.
• Benefits and allowances. For most work authorization categories, the basic salary must meet the Irish national minimum wage before benefits and allowances may be considered.
• Minimum wage exemptions. Workers under the age of 18 are subject to lower minimum wage levels, according to a progressive downward scale. Workers who are employed by a close relative or in a statutory apprenticeship are not entitled to receive the minimum wage.

Updated March 25, 2024 

Minimum monthly wage: Effective April 1, 2024, the minimum monthly salary in Israel will increase to NIS 5,880 gross per month, up from NIS 5,500. The minimum monthly salary applies to foreign nationals employed under the Short-Term Employment Authorization (SEA) and Short-Term Expedited Authorization Process (STEP) as well as to asylum seekers and general B-1 visa holders. The threshold must be met by current permit holders, new applicants, and pending applications submitted on or after April 1, 2024.

Foreign national experts: Effective January 1, 2024, the minimum salary levels for foreign national experts (namely, B-1 Expert Work Visas and Hi-Tech B-1 Work Visas) have increased to NIS 24,758 gross per month – up from the previous NIS 23,460. The threshold must be met by employers of current permit holders and of new applicants, and for pending applications submitted on or after January 1, 2024. Foreign nationals with SEA B-1 or short-term STEP B-1 visas valid for up to 90 days are not affected by this increase.

Other relevant considerations:

• Benefits and allowances. Allowances can be included if guaranteed, paid via bank transfer, processed via payroll, paid monthly for the entire assignment or employment duration.
• Currency. Salaries can be paid in any currency as long as they meet the Israeli threshold, regardless of payroll location or currency fluctuations.

Updated August 8, 2024

As of January 1, 2024, the national minimum wage increased to KZT 85,000 gross per month, up from KZT 70,000.

• Market salary. As before, employers are expected to pay foreign workers the market salary rate for the proposed position.  
• Compliance. The new salary requirements apply to current permit holders, pending and new/renewal applications.  
• Benefits and allowances. Benefits and allowances cannot be included in the minimum salary calculation in Kazakhstan. 
• Currency. Employers must pay foreign workers in KZT.
• Payment timing. Salary payments can start once an employment agreement is signed by both parties. Employment agreements can only be signed once a work permit is granted. 

Updated February 9, 2024 

The minimum salary level for foreign nationals is KWD 75 (approximately USD 240 at the time of alert publication) per month. 

• With dependents. As of January 28, 2024, the monthly salary a foreign national must receive to be eligible to sponsor a residence visa for dependents is KWD 800 (approximately USD 2,600) per month (up from KWD 500).

Updated March 26, 2024 

Effective April 1, 2024, the average gross national wage is EUR 1,537 gross per month, up from EUR 1,373. This results in a corresponding minimum salary requirement increases as follows:

• Residence Permit with Work Authorization and EU Intra-Company Transferee Permit applicants: EUR 1,537 gross per month
• EU Blue Card applicants: EUR 2,306 gross per month
• Company officials (chairman of the board, board members, council members, etc.): EUR 3,074 gross per month

• Funds for sponsored dependents. Beginning January 1, 2024, applicants must additionally receive EUR 700 gross per month (national minimum wage), up from EUR 620, for accompanying spouses, and EUR 210 gross per month, up from EUR 186, per accompanying child.
• Benefits and allowances. Benefits and allowances may only be included in the minimum salary calculation if they are specified in the employment contract, guaranteed and fixed, and are not paid in kind. Specifically, discretionary compensation, insurance contributions, and non-recurring payments can be included in the salary calculation.
• Staff on home contract. For staff on home employment contract, benefits and allowances may not be intended as expense reimbursement to include them in the salary calculation. If the compensation package includes reimbursements, and various pay elements are insufficiently substantiated, the full home salary will be considered expense reimbursement and cannot be included in the calculation.
• Currency. Employers are required to guarantee the salary in EUR regardless of payroll location and/or exchange rate fluctuations.
• Affected categories. The increases affect EU nationals and foreign workers with accompanying family, as they must receive EUR 620 in addition to the minimum salary requirement for an accompanying spouse, and EUR 186 in addition to the minimum salary requirement for each accompanying child. Residence Permit with Work Authorization and EU Blue Card applicants are subject to a different salary requirement which remains unchanged.
• Compliance. The new amounts apply to current permit holders, pending and new applications.

Updated January 16, 2024 

National Minimum Wage: Effective January 1, 2024, the national minimum wage in Lithuania increased to EUR 924 gross per month, up from EUR 840 per month.

EU ICT Permit: EU ICT Permit applicants must receive a market-conforming salary (similar to a local worker with similar qualifications in a similar role).

EU Blue Card: Effective August 1, 2022, in most cases, EU Blue Card applicants must make 1.5 times the minimum gross monthly salary. As a limited exception,  individuals in certain professions, are subject to a lower requirement of 1.2 times the minimum gross monthly salary.

Updated July 17, 2024 

EU ICT Permit: Effective September 1, 2023, the minimum salary level is EUR 3,085.11 gross per month, up from EUR 2,936.48 gross per month. Salaries must be similar to a local employee in the same position.

Work Permit for Salaried Workers:

• Skilled Workers (academic or professional experience): Effective September 1, 2023, the minimum salary level is EUR 3,085.11 gross per month, up from EUR 2,936.48 gross per month.
• Unskilled workers: Effective September 1, 2023, the minimum salary level is EUR 2,570.93 gross per month, up from EUR 2,447.07 gross per month.

EU Blue Card:

• Effective July 1, 2024, the minimum salary level for EU Blue Card applicants decreased and is now pegged to the average gross annual salary (currently EUR 58,968). Furthermore, there is no longer a distinction between minimum salary levels for shortage or non-shortage occupations.
• Previously, the minimum salary level for shortage occupation roles was 1.2 times the average gross annual salary (EUR 67,824), and for all other roles was 1.5 times the average gross annual salary (EUR 88,452).
• All applications submitted from July 1, 2024 must meet the new threshold to be eligible for this scheme. All applications submitted before the effective date will be processed under the old threshold.

Other relevant considerations:

• Benefits and allowances. Benefits and allowances may be included if specified in the assignment letter or employment contract, processed through payroll for payment into the foreign national’s bank account, not paid in kind, paid at regular intervals throughout the assignment period (excluding one-off payments), guaranteed and fixed (excluding performance-based bonuses).
• Currency. Employers are required to guarantee the salary in EUR regardless of payroll location and/or exchange rate fluctuations.
• Conditions. If the rate is increased, the salary must meet the new threshold for all pending and new applications. Salaries must be indexed to meet the threshold, if necessary.

Updated December 19, 2023

Minimum salary: From January 1, 2024, the average weekly salary for full-time employees age 18 and over will increase to EUR 213.54, up from the current EUR 208.75.

Single Permit: From January 1, 2024, the average minimum monthly salary requirement for the Single Permit category will increase to EUR 925.34, up from the current EUR 835.  

Other relevant considerations:

• Cost-of-living adjustment. Effective January 1, 2024, the cost-of-living adjustment – which applies to all employees, including foreign workers on a Single Permit – will increase to EUR 12.81 per week, up from the current EUR 9.90. The adjustment amount is revised annually around October or November.
• Benefits and allowances. Contact your immigration professional for advice on benefits and allowances.
• Currency. Government guidance is for foreign workers to be paid in EUR.

Updated October 10, 2024 

Effective October 1, 2024, the minimum salary level is as follows: 

• Positions requiring first- to fifth-level educational qualifications. EUR 600 net a month. This category would include foreign nationals who have the minimum possible qualifications.
• Positions requiring sixth-level or higher education qualifications. EUR 800 net a month.

Previously, for the purpose of minimum salary levels, Montenegro did not make a distinction between lower and higher education roles. The previous national minimum wage in Montenegro was EUR 450 net per month.

Part-time employees. Part-time employees must receive at least 50% of the national minimum wage as applicable to their educational qualifications.

Other relevant considerations:

• Market salary. Foreign nationals’ salaries must additionally meet requirements based on applicable labor law and collective agreements.
• Benefits and allowances.Benefits and allowances typically cannot be included in the salary calculation. 
• Compliance. This threshold applies to initial and renewal applications, as well as pending applications. 

Updated November 22, 2023 

As of September 2023, the minimum salary levels have increased for the following sectors:

• Agricultural sector: MAD 2,303 (around USD 225), up from the previous MAD 2,193 (around USD 216).
• Industrial, trade and service sectors: MAD 3,111 (around USD 303), up from the previous MAD 2,970 (around USD 293).

All applications submitted after September 26, 2023 must meet the new threshold to be eligible for this scheme. All applications submitted before the effective date will be processed under the old threshold.

• Benefits and allowances. Contact your immigration professional for advice on benefits and allowances.
• Currency. Employers must pay foreign workers in MAD.

Updated June 18, 2024 

General minimum salary. Effective January 1, 2024, the national minimum salary level will be EUR 13.27 per hour. 

30% preferential tax treatment rule. Effective January 1, 2024, the minimum salary thresholds for the 30% preferential tax treatment rule will increase as follows:

• Employees under 30 with a qualifying master’s degree: annual taxable salary of more than EUR 35,048 (up from the current EUR 31,891); and
• All other employees: annual taxable salary of more than EUR 46,107 (up from the current EUR 41,954).

Work Permit-related minimum salary levels. The following minimum salaries will be in effect from January 1, 2024 (all figures exclude allowances):

• Short-term work permit (valid up to 90 days):
  • Short-Term Intra-Company Transferees:
    • Trainees: EUR 3,909 gross per month, up from the current EUR 3,672.
    • Key personnel and specialists: EUR 5,331 gross per month up from the current EUR 5,008.
  • Short-term Highly Skilled Migrant Work Permit:
    • Applicants under 30: EUR 3,909 gross per month, up from the current EUR 3,672.
    • Applicants 30 years or older: EUR 5,331 gross per month up from the current EUR 5,008.
    • Home base salary must meet Dutch national minimum wage.
  • EU Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) Permits:
    • Applicants under 30: EUR 3,909 gross per month, up from the current EUR 3,672.
    • Applicants 30 years or older: salary comparable to local workers in a similar position, but at least EUR 5,331 gross per month up from the current EUR 5,008.
  • Highly Skilled Migrants:
    • Applicants under 30: EUR 3,909 gross per month, up from the current EUR 3,672.
    • Applicants 30 years or older: EUR 5,331 gross per month up from the current EUR 5,008
    • Graduates and those transitioning from a job search permit: EUR 2,801 gross per month, up from the current EUR 2,631.

EU Blue Card: Effective June 12, 2024, the minimum salary level for EU Blue Card applications is:

• • For standard applications: EUR 5,331 gross per month (excluding holiday allowance), down from the previous EUR 6,245.
  • For employees who graduated within three years of submitting their Blue Card application: EUR 4,265 gross per month (excluding holiday allowance).

Other relevant considerations:

• Allowances: In addition to the base minimum salary, most authorities require that the gross base salary generally excludes allowances. However, the UWV has sometimes deviated from this practice when assessing short-term permit applications, requiring the gross base salary to additionally include allowances.
• Market conform salary. The salary must be similar to other employees’ salaries performing similar jobs at the sponsoring employer.
• Compliance. The new amounts apply to initial and renewal applications filed on or after January 1, 2023. Current permit holders do not require an automatic salary adjustment unless filing a renewal application in 2023.
• Benefits and allowances. Non-fixed or in-kind benefits and allowances cannot be included in the minimum salary calculation.
• Currency. Employers are required to guarantee the salary in EUR regardless of payroll location and/or exchange rate fluctuations. 

Updated March 4, 2024 

• Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) program and AEWV-linked visas: On February 28, 2024, the median annual wage remains NZD 61,692.80 per year or NZD 29.66 per hour (based on a 40-hour work week). As of this date, applicants for an AEWV must have an annual salary of NZD 123,385.60 per year, or the occupation must be on the Green List to be exempt from Labour Market Testing.
• Skilled Migrant Category, Parent Category, Green List Straight to Residence and Work to Residence visas, Transport Sector Work to Residence Visa (excluding bus drivers): Effective February 28, 2024, the median wage rate for these groups increased to NZD 31.61 per hour or NDZ 65,748.80 per year.

Other relevant considerations:

• Increased wage threshold requirements. Certain Residence Pathways such as those under the greenlist pathway will be subject to increased wage thresholds.
• Benefits and allowances. Minimum remuneration is calculated based on the base salary offered, which may include only the guaranteed accommodation allowance. Remuneration excludes any other employment-related allowances (for example, tool or uniform allowances) and bonuses, which are dependent on performance.
• Currency. Employers must ensure that the salary threshold for AEWV applications is met, regardless of payroll location and/or exchange rate fluctuations. The exchange rate at the time of alert publication is 1 NZD to 0.60 USD.

Updated May 16, 2023

Norway has published updated minimum salary requirements for 2023: NOK 480,900 gross per year for positions requiring a master’s degree (up from NOK 449,900 gross per year), or NOK 448,900 gross per year for positions requiring a bachelor’s degree (up from NOK 417,900 gross per year). However, lower salaries may be accepted by evidencing the standard occupational rate in the place of work. The new rates affect the Residence and Work Permit for Service Providers and Residence and Work Permit for Skilled Workers, Norway's two main work authorization options.

• Collective bargaining or market salary rate. Foreign nationals must receive at least the salary per the applicable collective bargaining agreement, or the market salary rate for the position (based on the industry and individual qualifications), or the abovementioned minimum salary level; whichever is higher. 
• Benefits and allowances. Benefits and allowances cannot be included in the minimum salary calculation. 
• Currency. Employers must guarantee the salary in NOK regardless of payroll location and/or exchange rate fluctuations. 
• Compliance. In case of threshold changes, the new amounts apply to all initial and renewal applications filed after the date of change. 

Effective February 2023, Oman has published updated monthly minimum salary requirements for foreign nationals sponsoring dependents, which have been reduced to OMR 150 from OMR 350. There is no minimum salary requirement for foreign nationals who are not sponsoring dependents.  

• Currency. Employers must guarantee the salary in OMR regardless of payroll location and/or exchange rate fluctuations. All salaries in Oman are paid through the Wages Protection System; wages must be transferred by bank transfer to the employee’s bank account which must be held with one of the licensed banks in Oman. 

Updated September 5, 2023 

The Work Visa category is not subject to a minimum salary requirement; however, employees' wages must be in line with prevailing market trends for the job title in question. While the minimum monthly wage for Pakistani nationals was raised in 2023 to PKR 32,000, up from PKR 25,000, foreign nationals employed in Pakistan are paid significantly more and therefore employment contracts ​with a lower salary (or zero salary) may be subject to scrutiny.

Updated February 12, 2024 

Minimum wage and civil contract holders. Effective January 1, 2024, the minimum wage will increase to PLN 4,242 gross per month – up from the current PLN 3,600. This figure will then further increase to PLN 4,300 from July 1, 2024.

Effective January 1, 2024, the minimum hourly rate for civil contract holders will increase to PLN 27.70 gross per hour (up from the current PLN 23.50). This figure will then further increase to PLN 28.10 from July 1, 2024.

Further considerations:

• Unaffected categories. These increases affect Work Permit and Single Permit for Local Hire applicants only. Salary requirements for other permit types (namely, Intracompany transfer and EU Blue Card) are subject to a separate threshold.
• Market conform salary. The salary must be similar to that of other employees performing similar jobs at the sponsoring employer.
• Sufficient funds. The salary must be sufficient to support the foreign national and any dependents during their stay.
• In case of threshold changes, the new thresholds apply to current permit holders, pending applications, and new or renewal applications. Employers must increase foreign workers' salaries to comply with the new rules if required.
• Benefits and allowances. Benefits and allowances may not be included in the minimum salary calculation for local hires.
• Currency. Foreign nationals must be on local payroll and paid in PLN.

Work Permit for Intracompany Transfer – Effective November 20, 2023:

• Warsaw: PLN 5,255.99 gross/month, up from PLN 4,714.59.
• Kraków: PLN 4,487.73 gross/month, up from PLN 3,970.99.
• Wrocław: PLN 4,593.43 gross/month, up from PLN 4,118.58.
• Other cities in Poland are subject to other minimum salaries or this permit type.

EU Intracompany Transferee (ICT) Permit – Effective November 20, 2023:

• Warsaw: PLN 5,255.99 gross/month, up from PLN 4,714.59.
• Kraków: PLN 4,487.73 gross/month, up from PLN 3,970.99.
• Wrocław: PLN 4,593.43 gross/month, up from PLN 4,118.58.
• Other cities in Poland are subject to other MSLs for this permit type.

Additionally, EU ICT permit holders must receive a salary comparable to other local workers and certain applications may be subject to a case-by-case review, regardless of meeting the necessary threshold.

EU Blue Card. Effective February 9, 2024, the minimum salary level for EU Blue Card applicants increased to PLN 10,733.22 gross per month (150 percent of the average national salary) – up from the previous PLN 9,519.23. We expect this figure will increase in February 2025. EU Blue Card applications submitted from January 1, 2024 should also meet this requirement, even if submitted before the 2024 threshold was introduced.

Updated November 24, 2023 

National minimum wage:

Effective January 1, 2024, Portugal's national minimum wage will increase to EUR 820 per month (up from the current EUR 760 per month), calculated over 14 payments (12 calendar months plus a Christmas and a vacation allowance). 

Visa-specific minimum salary levels:

• Temporary Stay Visa: Effective January 1, 2024, EUR 820 per month (up from the current EUR 760 per month), calculated over 14 payments (12 calendar months plus a Christmas and a vacation allowance).
• Residence Visa - Highly Qualified Staff: Effective January 1, 2024, the minimum salary will increase to EUR 2,308 per month (up from the current EUR 2,050 per month), calculated over 14 payments (12 calendar months plus a Christmas and a vacation allowance). This figure corresponds to 1.5 times the average gross salary per year. Fragomen recommends a minimum salary threshold of at least EUR 33,000 per year.
• Residence Visa - Local Hires: Effective January 1, 2024, the minimum salary will increase to EUR 820 per month (up from the current EUR 760 per month), calculated over 14 payments (12 calendar months plus a Christmas and a vacation allowance). Fragomen recommends a minimum salary threshold of at least EUR 12,000.
• Residence Visa - Remote Work: Effective January 1, 2024, the minimum salary will increase to EUR 3,360 per month, up from the current EUR 2,820 per month, calculated over 14 payments (12 calendar months plus a Christmas and a vacation allowance). Fragomen recommends a minimum salary threshold of at least EUR 48,000 per year.
• EU Blue Card: Currently, EUR 2,050 per month (up from EUR 2,043 per month), calculated over 14 payments (12 calendar months plus a Christmas and a vacation allowance). Fragomen recommends a minimum salary threshold of at least EUR 30,000 per year.

Other relevant considerations:

• Additional funds for dependents. Applicants should additionally receive EUR 410 per month for an accompanying spouse or child over 18 (50% of the minimum salary); and an additional EUR 246 per month per accompanying child under 18 (30% of the minimum salary), calculated over 14 payments (12 calendar months plus a Christmas and a vacation allowance).
• Compliance. The threshold must be met by both current permit holders and new applicants.
• Benefits and allowances. If staying on home contract, the cost of living and housing allowances can be included in the calculation, provided that these allowances are transferred to the foreign national’s bank account, paid monthly, taxable, processed via payroll, guaranteed and fixed.
• Salary reductions. Salary cannot be prorated except in the first and last month of employment or assignment.
• Currency. The employer must guarantee that salary payments meet the threshold in EUR regardless of payroll location or currency fluctuations.
• Collective bargain agreements. If collective bargain agreements apply to the particular role, the minimum salary level may be higher.

Updated June 20, 2024 

The minimum salary level framework is:

• EU Blue Card: Effective March 2024, RON 7,567 gross per month, down from RON 13,578.
• EU Intracompany Transferee (ICT) Permit applicants and EU ICT Work Permit for Short-Term Mobility and Long-Term Mobility: Effective July 1, 2024, RON 3,700 gross per month, up from RON 3,300.
• Local Hire Work and Residence Permit: Effective July 1, 2024, RON 3,700 gross per month, up from RON 3,300.
• Additional salary amounts required for sponsored dependents, applicable across all permit types: Effective July 1, 2024, RON 3,700 gross per month, up from RON 3,300.
• Contract workers and au pairs: Effective July 1, 2024, RON 3,700 gross per month, up from RON 3,300.
• Applicants in the construction industry: Effective October 1, 2023, RON 4,582 gross per month, up from RON 4,000.

Other relevant considerations:

• Compliance. If the salary threshold is indexed, employers must increase foreign workers' salaries for new applications, pending applications and current permit holders.
• Additional funds for dependents. Local hires should additionally receive once the applicable minimum salary rate per accompanying dependent. In general, the salary must be sufficient to sustain the foreign national for the entire duration of stay.
• Benefits and allowances. Benefits and allowances may only be included if they are specified in the assignment letter; guaranteed and fixed; and not paid in kind. Holiday allowance cannot be included.
• Currency. Employers must guarantee that the threshold is met in RON, regardless of contract and payroll location.

As of May 2022, minimum salary requirements in Romania were harmonized across several work authorization types – there is no distinction between graduate and non-graduate thresholds.

Updated February 1, 2024 

• High Qualified Specialists: Effective March 1, 2024, the minimum salary for Highly Qualified Specialists (HQS) will increase to RUB 250,000 per month (up from the current RUB 167,000) and RUB 750,000 per quarter (up from the current RUB 501,000). This amount is expected to apply for the entire first quarter of 2024 if the HQS is still employed as of March 1, 2024. Affected employers should contact their immigration professional, as this may vary in various situations.
• Minimum wage for Moscow: As of January 1, 2023, the regional minimum wage for Moscow when applying for a standard work permit has increased to RUB 24,801, up from RUB 20,589.

Updated December 28, 2023

Effective January 1, 2024, the national minimum wage will increase to RSD 271 per hour, up from RSD 230 per hour.

• Affected categories. The minimum salary level applies to locally hired foreign nationals.  
• Monthly variation. The salary required per month fluctuates, depending on the number of working hours that month (ranging from 160 working hours in February to 184 working hours in January).  
• Benefits and allowances. Benefits and allowances may not be included in the salary calculation. 
• Compliance. The new threshold applies to new applications, pending applications, and current permit holders. 

Updated March 6, 2024 

Updated March 22, 2024 

• National Minimum Wage. As of January 1, 2024, the national minimum wage increased to EUR 1,253.90 gross per month, up from the previous EUR 1,203.36.
• Single Permit applications. A Single Permit applicant must earn either the national minimum wage or a salary comparable to a local worker in the same position (per the applicable collective bargaining agreement), whichever is higher.
  • Subsistence income. From April 1, 2024, Single Permit applicants will need to prove a subsistence income for themselves of at least EUR 484.88 per month for the duration of their stay in Slovenia (an increase from the current amount of EUR 465.34).
  • Dependents. From April 1, 2024, Single Permit applicants with accompanying dependents will need to have access to a further monthly income of EUR 484.88 per dependent (an increase from the current amount of EUR 465.34). The exact amount may vary depending on the number of dependents, whether the person is a single parent, or whether the spouse is employed, among other factors.

• Compliance. If the threshold changes, the new thresholds apply to current permit holders, pending and initial applications.
• Benefits and allowances. Benefits and allowances cannot be included in the minimum salary calculation.
• Currency. Employers must guarantee compliance with the salary level in EUR regardless of payroll location. For local hires, employers must pay the salary in EUR.

Updated June 20, 2024 

• General minimum salary. The general minimum salary for each industry is set out in the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreement. Although this figure varies depending on the industry, it cannot in any circumstances be lower than the Minimum Interprofessional Wage, which for 2024 is EUR 15,876. Recent foreign graduates and low-skilled foreign workers will often be subject to this general minimum salary.
• EU Intra-corporate Transfer Permit/National Intra-corporate Transfer Permit: No specific minimum salary is stated. However, the foreign worker cannot be paid less than the salary set out in the industry-specific Collective Bargaining Agreement. Although this figure varies depending on industry, it cannot in any circumstances be lower than the Minimum Interprofessional Wage, which for 2024 is EUR 15,876.
• Local Hire Permit/Highly Qualified Professionals. The minimum salary level is currently:
  • Managers/directors: EUR 55,000 gross per year.
  • Specialists (including non-directors/managers, technicians, scientific/intellectual property professionals): EUR 41,000 gross per year.
  • Foreign nationals under 30 years old may benefit from a 25 percent reduction on the applicable threshold.
• EU Blue Card Permit: The minimum salary level is currently:  
  • Managers/directors: EUR 55,000 gross per year.
  • Specialists (including non-directors/managers, technicians, scientific/intellectual property professionals): EUR 41,000 gross per year.

Updated August 26, 2024

National Work Permit: Effective June 18, 2024, the minimum salary level (at least 80% of the median salary as posted by Statistics Sweden) increased to SEK 28,480 per month (up from the previous SEK 27,360). This increase will not affect EU Blue Card and EU Intra-Company Transferee Permit holders or seasonal workers, or individuals holding temporary residence status in any other EU Member State, as they are subject to different thresholds.

​​​EU Blue Card: Effective July 23, 2024, the minimum salary level for an EU Blue Card or is SEK 59,850 per month (up from the previous SEK 57,450 per month).

Residence Permit for Visiting Researcher: Effective January 1, 2024, the minimum salary level for a Visiting Researcher is SEK 10,314 per month.

Intra-Company Transferee (ICT) Permit: The minimum salary level for EU ICT Permit must be the equivalent of the applicable collective bargaining agreement or the level customary for the profession or industry.

Other relevant considerations:

• Existing employees. Employers of foreign nationals currently under a work permit must increase foreign nationals’ salaries before filing an extension application.
• Initial and renewal applications. Any new minimum salary level applies to both initial and renewal applications.
• Pending applications. Applications that are pending as of the effective date stated above and that are below any new minimum salary level will not be processed.
• Benefits and allowances. Benefits and allowances cannot be included in the minimum salary calculation.
• Maintenance/dependents. Foreign workers must have an income sufficient to cover the cost of housing and living expenses for themselves and their dependents. For 2024, the standard amount of maintenance is:
  • SEK 6,090 for a single adult or SEK 10,061 for cohabiting spouses or cohabiting partners; and
  • An additional amount if the foreign worker has children, as follows:
    • SEK 3,255 for each child who is 0 - 6 years of age;
    • SEK 3,906 for each child who is 7 - 10 years of age;
    • SEK 4,558 for each child who is 11 - 14 years of age; and
    • SEK 5,208 for each child who is 15 years of age or older.
  • Currency. Salary thresholds must be met in SEK regardless of payroll location.

Updated October 8, 2024

Minimum wage. Effective January 1, 2024, Türkiye’s minimum wage increased to TRY 20,002.50 gross per month, up from TRY 13,414.50.

Other minimum salary levels. Effective October 1, 2024:

• High-level managers and pilots. TRY 100,012.50 gross per month (five times the minimum wage), down from TRY 130,016.25.
• Engineers and architects. TRY 80,010 gross per month (four times the minimum wage), up from TRY 53,658 (pre-January 1, 2024 amount).
• Managers. TRY 60,007.50 gross per month (three times the minimum wage), down from TRY 80,010.
• Employees with expertise. TRY 40,005 gross per month (two times the minimum wage), down from TRY 60,007.50.
• All other positions (excluding domestic worker). TRY 20,002.50 (minimum wage), down from TRY 30,003.75.
• Unlike before October 1, 2024 the minimal salary level for teacher and tourism positions are no longer specified. However, as such roles will generally require expertise, it is expected that such roles would be subject to the corresponding ‘expertise’ minimum level requirement.

Other relevant considerations include:

• Initial and renewal applications. Employers of foreign nationals who submitted an initial or renewal work permit application on or after the official date of the minimum wage increase must increase foreign nationals’ salaries to comply with the new rule. Aside from household or tourism workers, work permit applications stating a salary less than three times the minimum wage will face increased scrutiny.
• Pending applications. Employers of foreign nationals with pending work permit applications as the official date of the minimum wage increase may need to increase foreign nationals’ salaries upon Ministry of Labor’s request.
• Benefits and allowances. As before, benefits and allowances may not be included in the minimum salary calculation.
• Safe margin. As before, Fragomen recommends slightly rounding the salary up, to maintain a safe margin above the threshold.
• Permit duration. As before, employers are required to guarantee the salary throughout the validity of the work permit.

Updated December 28, 2023 

Effective January 1, 2024, the minimum salary level for foreign nationals will increase to 7,100 gross per month – up from the current UAH 6,700. This figure will then further increase to UAH 8,000 on April 1, 2024. This minimum salary only applies to local hire work permits and not to work permits based on a service agreement between a foreign employer and a Ukrainian entity.

Notably, the government removed the exemption from the threshold for graduates of top-100 universities; information technology professionals employed by software development companies; workers in creative professions; founders, shareholders, and/or ultimate beneficiary owners of companies, and employees of Ukraine-based representative offices of foreign entities. The government also removed the availability of a three-year permit (instead of a one-year permit) for applicants earning a monthly gross salary of at least UAH 325,000.

• Compliance. The new salary levels apply to current permit holders, pending, and new applications.
• Benefits and allowances. Benefits and allowances cannot be included in the minimum salary calculation.
• Currency. Employers are required to guarantee the salary in UAH regardless of payroll location and/or exchange rate fluctuations.

Updated August 20, 2024 

‘Scientists and Specialists’ UAE Golden Visa:

• Applicants for Dubai who do not have a government nomination. Effective May 2024, AED 30,000 per month as a basic salary i.e., excluding all allowances such as housing and transport allowances, among others. Previously, total monthly salary was acceptable i.e., allowances could be included in this amount. Update August 20, 2024: The government now allows allowances to be included in this amount i.e., a total monthly salary of AED 30,000 is acceptable. 
• Applicants for Dubai who have a government nomination. Effective May 2024, AED 30,000 per month, with at least 50 percent of the income not being made up of allowances (for instance, housing and transport, among others). Previously, there was no percentage restriction on the amount of the salary that could be made up of allowances.
• Applicants for all other emirates. AED 30,000 per month including allowances (for instance, housing and transport, among others).

Updated September 10, 2024 

National minimum wage (which applies to both foreign nationals and local employees):

• Effective April 1, 2024, the national minimum wage is GBP 11.44, and now applies to individuals aged 21 years or older (down from the previous 22 years or older).

Visa-specific minimum salary levels:

Effective April 4, 2024, minimum salary thresholds are as follows for new applicants:

• Skilled Worker Visa
  • GBP 38,700, up from GBP 26,200 (minimum rate for the visa category or the occupation if higher, based on market-rate salaries and Standard Occupation Classifications (SOC) codes);
  • GBP 34,380, up from GBP 23,580, if the applicant has a PhD that is relevant to the role; or
  • GBP 30,960, up from GBP 20,960, if the applicant (1) has a PhD relevant to the role in a STEM subject, (2) the role is on the shortage occupation list, (3) the applicant is a new entrant as defined by the authorities, or (4) the role is in a listed health or education occupation.
• Senior or Specialist Worker Visa​​: GBP 48,500, up from GBP 45,800 (minimum rate for the visa category or the occupation if higher, based on market-rate salaries and SOC codes)
• Graduate Trainee Visa: GBP 25,410, up from GBP 24,200 (minimum rate for the visa category or the occupation if higher, based on market-rate salaries and SOC codes)
• Scale-up Worker Visa: GBP 36,300, up from GBP 34,600 (minimum rate for the visa category or the occupation if higher, based on market-rate salaries and SOC codes)

Update September 10, 2024: The maintenance requirement for student visa applicants to demonstrate they have funds to support themselves for each month of their course (up to nine months) must now match the maintenance loans available for UK students for the 2024-25 academic year. UKVI will ensure the amount aligns with UK students’ maintenance loans in the future. 

Other salary-related considerations:

• Allowable work hours. SOC code salary thresholds for affected workers are now calculated based on a 37.5-hour work week, rather than the standard 39-hour work week.
• Thresholds for employees with fluctuating work hours. Additional guidance has been released regarding salary thresholds for workers with fluctuating work hours week-to-week. Changes include the following:
  • work in excess of 48 hours in some weeks can be considered toward the salary threshold, provided the average over a regular cycle (which can be less than, but not more than, 17 weeks) is not more than 48 hours a week;
  • any unpaid rest weeks will count toward the average when considering whether the salary thresholds are met; and
  • any unpaid rest weeks will not count as absences from employment for the purpose of the rules which allow the cancellation of permission where there are absences from work for more than four weeks.
• Tightened authority discretion on threshold compliance. It is now mandatory for authorities to deny applications where there are reasonable grounds to believe that the salary threshold does not comply with the National Minimum Wage Regulations or Working Time Regulations, whereas previously compliance guidance for thresholds was unclear.

Updated July 9, 2024 

Accreditation Card: As of January 2023, the minimum salary level for the accreditation card and work permit is SUM 1,050,000 (USD 83) per month.

Updated July 10, 2024 

Effective July 1, 2024, the Vietnam government increased the minimum regional wage by 6%. All employees who work under labor contracts under the labor code which includes businesses, organizations, cooperatives, households and individuals who hire employees will benefit from the increase.

• Regional variation. The government will increase the minimum monthly wage to the following amounts depending on the region where the employee is located: VND 4,960,000 in region 1; VND 4,410,000 in region 2; VND 3,860,000 in region 3; and VND 3,450,000 in region 4.
• Hourly pay. The government will also increase the minimum hourly wage rates to the following amounts: VND 23,800 per hour in region 1; VND 21,200 per hour in region 2; VND 18,600 per hour in region 3; and VND 16,600 per hour in region 4.
• Compliance. The new salary levels apply to current permit holders, pending and new applications.
• Benefits and allowances. Benefits and allowances may not be included in the minimum salary calculation for local hires.
• Currency. Employers are required to guarantee the salary in VND regardless of payroll location and/or exchange rate fluctuations.