Minimum Salary Changes Announced
April 30, 2024
The following countries have announced changes in salary requirements:
Albania
Updated January 5, 2024
Effective August 2023, the national minimum wage increased to ALL 40,000 gross per month – up from ALL 34,000.
Other relevant considerations:
- Market salary. Foreign workers must receive the market salary rate for the proposed minimum wage level.
- Compliance. The new requirements will apply to current permit holders, as well as all new, pending or renewal applications.
- 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.
- Currency. Employers must ensure that the salary threshold in ALL is met, regardless of payroll location and/or exchange rate fluctuations. The exchange rate at the time of alert publication is 1 ALL to 0.0083 USD.
- Cost of living. The foreign national’s salary must be sufficient to cover the cost of living of the principal and any accompanying dependents. Applicants must submit bank statements with their residence permit application to demonstrate access to sufficient funds.
Austria
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.
Australia
Updated December 13, 2023
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.
Azerbaijan
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.
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- 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.
Belarus
Updated April 25, 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 May 1, 2024 to July 31, 2024, foreign nationals seeking to sponsor a dependent spouse will need to earn BYN 2,448.99 per month for a couple (up from BYN 2,434.60); while those seeking to sponsor a child will need to additionally earn at least BYN 264.93 – 413.07 per child per month (depending on the child’s age) – up from BYN 260.39 – 406.03 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.
Belgium
Updated April 9, 2024
Effective January 1, 2024, minimum salary level (MSL) requirements in all Belgian regions will increase, with Brussels and Wallonia seeing particularly marked increases.
Flanders: all thresholds will increase as follows (all entries are gross per year):
- Highly Skilled Permit:
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- Executives: EUR 74,611, up from EUR 73,574.
- Highly skilled: EUR 46,632, up from EUR 45,984.
- Locally hired young graduates (under 30 years of age) or nurses: EUR 37,305.60, up from EUR 36,787.20.
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- EU Blue Card: EUR 55,958, up from EUR 55,181.
- Effective May 1, 2024, this minimum salary will increase to EUR 60,621.
- EU Intra-Company Transfer Permit
- Managers: EUR 74,611, up from EUR 73,574.
- Specialists and trainees: EUR 46,632, up from EUR 45,984.
Brussels and Wallonia: all thresholds will increase as follows (all entries are gross per year):
- Highly Skilled Permit:
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- Executives: EUR 83,936, up from EUR 78,704.
- Highly skilled: EUR 50,310, up from EUR 47,175.
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- EU Blue Card: EUR 65,053, up from EUR 60,998.
- EU Intra-Company Transfer Permit
- Managers: EUR 65,053, up from EUR 60,999.
- Specialists: EUR 52,042, up from EUR 48,798.
- Trainees:
- In Brussels: EUR 32,526, up from EUR 30,499.
- In Wallonia: EUR 32,327, up from EUR 30,499.
Other relevant considerations include:
- Currency. Employers must guarantee the salary in EUR, regardless of payroll location or exchange rate fluctuations.
- Compliance. From January 1, 2024, 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 January 1, 2024, 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) a 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.
Botswana
Updated February 1, 2024
Botswana’s minimum wage thresholds have increased for 2024 between 24% to 44%, based on sector.
TRADE/INDUSTRY |
Minimum Wage 2023 |
Minimum Wage 2024 |
Percent change |
Building, construction, exploration, and quarry industries |
BWP 7.34 per hour |
BWP 9.06 per hour |
24% increase |
Wholesale distributive trades |
|||
Manufacturing, service, and repair trades |
|||
Hotel, catering and entertainment trades |
|||
Garage, motor trade and road transport |
|||
Guards who are not employed by security companies |
|||
Guards employed by security companies |
|||
Retail distributive trade |
BWP 6.31 per hour |
BWP 9.06 per hour |
44% increase |
Domestic services sector |
BWP 1,084 per month |
BWP 1,500.00 per month |
38% increase |
Agricultural sector |
BWP 1,084 per month |
BWP 1,500.00 per month |
38% increase |
Bulgaria
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.
- Affected categories. The increase affects the EU Intra-Company Transferee Permit, the Combined Permit and EU nationals. EU Blue Card applicants are subject to a different threshold.
- Compliance. In case of threshold changes, salaries of current permit holders, workers with pending applications and new applications must all meet the new threshold.
- Market salary rate. Applicants should receive the market salary rate for the proposed position, or the salary rate set by collective bargaining agreement, if applicable. The minimum wage serves as a final salary requirement.
- Benefits and allowances. Benefits and allowances cannot be included in the minimum salary calculation.
Colombia
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.
Croatia
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.
Czech Republic
Updated April 30, 2024
- Employee Card and Work Permit/Employee Card. As of January 1, 2024, 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 18,900 per month, up from CZK 17,300 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 will increase 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.
Cyprus
Effective January 1, 2023, the national minimum wage will increase to EUR 940 per month, up from EUR 924 per month.
- Affected categories. The national minimum wage applies to all workers except those who have negotiated a higher salary in their contract and domestic workers.
- Conditions. The initial minimum wage within the first six months of employment is EUR 885 per month, subsequently rising to EUR 940 per month if the employee remains with their employer after this period.
- Benefits and allowances. Benefits and allowances cannot be included in the minimum salary calculation.
Denmark
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:
- 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.
Egypt
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).
Estonia
Updated April 15, 2024
Minimum Wage: Effective January 1, 2024, the minimum wage has increased to EUR 820 per month (up from the previous EUR 725).
Residence Permit for Employment & Short-Term Employment Program category:
- Top specialists: Effective March 6, 2024, the average for other employees in the local company or EUR 2,748 per month (1.5x the average gross monthly salary per Statistics Estonia), whichever is higher, up from EUR 2,528.
- Other specialists (experts, advisors, consultants): Effective March 6, 2024, EUR 1,832 per month (average gross monthly salary per Statistics Estonia), up from EUR 1,685.
EU Blue Card: Effective March 6, 2024, EUR 2,748 per month; or EUR 2,272 per month for specific sought-after occupations (up from EUR 2,748 per month; or EUR 2,272 per month for specific sought-after occupations).
Other relevant considerations:
- Additional funds for dependents. A minimum income of EUR 400 per month for the first dependent (regardless of the dependent’s age); EUR 480 per month for each additional family member below 18 years of age; and EUR 320 per month for each additional family member at or above 18 years of age. Spouses of foreign nationals on D-visas must show that they possess at least EUR 130.80 for each day they plan to spend in Estonia. This does not apply if the principal applicant’s short-term employment in Estonia is registered for the purpose of research and development, as an academic employee or as an intra-corporate transferee.
- Compliance. Current permit holders and pending applications continue to fall under former thresholds. Salaries need only be indexed when filing a new / renewal application.
- Benefits and allowances. Benefits cannot be included in the calculation of the threshold.
- Currency. Employers are required to guarantee the salary in EUR regardless of payroll location and/or exchange rate fluctuations.
- Start of payments. The salary must be paid per the threshold from the first day of work onwards. The salary must be paid monthly and cannot be prorated.
Finland
As of January 1, 2024, the minimum salary threshold for the below categories has increased:
- Specialist Permits: EUR 3,638 per month, up from EUR 3,473 per month
- EU Blue Cards: EUR 5,457 per month, up from EUR 5,209 per month
- Residence permit for an employed person: If there is no collective agreement or the work is part-time, the salary must be at least EUR 1,331 per month.
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.
- 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.
France
Effective January 1, 2024, the French minimum wage, called “SMIC”, will increase by 1.13%. The new hourly base minimum wage will be EUR 11.65, up from EUR 11.52, and the new monthly base minimum wage will increase to EUR 1,766.92, up from EUR 1,747.20. This increase will impact the following immigration categories for which the threshold is based on the SMIC:
- Talent – Employee on mission (Salarié en Mission) : EUR 38,165.47 per year, up from EUR 37,739.52 per year.
- Talent – Young Graduate (Salarié Qualifié): EUR 42,406.08 per year, up from EUR 41, 933 per year.
- Talent – Legal Representative (Mandataire Social): EUR 63,609.12 per year, up from EUR 62,899.20 per year.
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.
Georgia
- Compliance. There is no restriction on decreasing salaries of foreign workers, provided that the new minimum salary level continues to be met.
- Benefits and allowances. Benefits and allowances may only be included in the minimum salary calculation if they are specified in the employment contract, are guaranteed and fixed, and not paid in kind. Holiday allowance cannot be included in the minimum salary calculation.
Germany
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.
Greece
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.
Hungary
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.
Iceland
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.
Ireland
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.
Israel
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.
Kazakhstan
Updated February 24, 2023
As of January 1, 2023, the national minimum wage increased to KZT 70,000 gross per month, up from KZT 60,000. The exchange rate at the time of alert publication is 1 KZT to 0.0022 USD.
- 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.
Kuwait
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).
Latvia
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.
Lithuania
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.
Luxembourg
Updated March 25, 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 March 24, 2024, the minimum salary level for EU Blue Card applicants increased for both regular and shortage occupations:
- Regular occupations: EUR 88,452, up from EUR 84,780.
- Shortage occupations: EUR 70,762, up from EUR 67,824.
All applications submitted after March 24, 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.
- 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.
Malta
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.
Montenegro
Updated January 20, 2023
As of January 1, 2022, the national minimum wage in Montenegro increased to EUR 450 net per month (for 40-hour working weeks), up from EUR 250 net per month. Part-time employees must receive at least 50% of the national minimum wage; EUR 225 net per month (20-hour working weeks). These thresholds will likely remain the same for 2023.
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. The new threshold applies to initial and renewal applications, as well as pending applications.
Morocco
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.
Netherlands
Updated December 5, 2023
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.
- Blue Card: EUR 6,245 gross per month, up from the current EUR 5,867.
- Short-Term Intra-Company Transferees:
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.
New Zealand
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.
Norway
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.
Oman
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.
Pakistan
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.
Poland
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.
Portugal
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.
Romania
Updated March 15, 2024
The minimum salary level framework is:
- EU Blue Card: As of March 2024, RON 7,567 gross per month, down from RON 13,578 gross per month.
- EU Intracompany Transferee (ICT) Permit applicants and EU ICT Work Permit for Short-Term Mobility and Long-Term Mobility: Effective October 1, 2023, RON 3,300 gross per month – up from the previous RON 3,000.
- Local Hire Work and Residence Permit: Effective October 1, 2023, RON 3,300 gross per month – up from the previous RON 3,000.
- Additional salary amounts required for sponsored dependents, applicable across all permit types: Effective October 1, 2023, RON 3,300 gross per month per accompanying dependent – up from the previous RON 3,000.
- Contract workers and au pairs: Effective October 1, 2023, RON 3,300 gross per month – up from the previous RON 3,000.
- Applicants in the construction industry: Effective October 1, 2023, RON 4,582 gross per month – up from the previous 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.
Russia
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.
Serbia
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.
Singapore
Updated March 6, 2024
CATEGORY |
DETAILS |
Initial EP applications
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As of September 1, 2022, employers of foreign nationals applying for EPs must pay a monthly salary of at least SGD 5,000 (increases progressively with age). Employers of foreign nationals applying for EPs in the financial services sector must pay a monthly salary of at least SGD 5,500 (increases progressively with age). UPDATED MARCH 6, 2024: From January 1, 2025, employers of foreign nationals applying for EPs will be required to pay a monthly salary of at least SGD 5,600 (increases progressively with age), up from SGD 5,000. Employers of foreign nationals applying for EPs in the financial services sector will be required to pay a monthly salary of at least SGD 6,200 (increases progressively with age), up from SGD 5,500. These increases will affect EP renewal applications on January 1, 2026. As a reminder, the minimum salary for older and more experienced applicants is assessed depending on the foreign national’s age and overall profile at the time of application. For example, an EP applicant in their mid-40s will need to earn around SGD 10,700 or SGD 11,800 for those in the financial services sector. The revised figures will apply to passes expiring from January 1, 2026 onwards.
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Initial S Pass applications |
Since September 1, 2023, employers of foreign nationals applying for S Passes are required to pay a monthly salary of at least SGD 3,150 (increases progressively with age), up from SGD 3,000. Also, employers of foreign nationals applying for S Passes in the financial services sector are required to pay a monthly salary of at least SGD 3,650 (increases progressively with age), up from SGD 3,500. As a reminder, the minimum qualifying salary for initial S Pass applications is also set increase to at least SGD 3,300 and SGD 3,800 for those in the financial services sector from September 1, 2025. The amounts will be finalized and confirmed closer to the implementation date.
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Personalised Employment Pass
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Fixed monthly salary of at least SGD 22,500 |
Slovakia
Updated December 4, 2023
Effective January 1, 2024, the national minimum wage will increase to EUR 750 per month, up from the current EUR 700 per month.
- Affected categories. The increase generally affects all local-hired employees, including EU, non-EU and Slovakian nationals. EU ICT Permit applicants are not subject to minimum salary requirements as they remain on home payroll. EU Blue Card applicants should receive at least 1.5 times the average industry wage.
- Compliance. In case of threshold changes, the new amounts apply to pending and new applications and current permit holders.
- Benefits and allowances. Benefits and allowances cannot be included in the minimum salary calculation.
- Sufficient means. All foreign nationals must have sufficient financial means of support, i.e. must have funds available at the level of the minimum living allowance per month (amounts indexed annually in July; threshold varies based on the number of dependents).
Slovenia
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.
Spain
- Work Authorization under General Framework: The minimum is set by the Collective Bargaining Agreement applicable to the company, which must be according to to the Minimum Interprofessional Wage approved yearly by the Spanish government (the fixed amount for 2024 is 15,876 EUR).
- Work Authorization under the Entrepreneur’s Act:
- EU Intracompany Transfer (ICT) Permit under the Entrepreneur’s Act & National Intracompany Transfer (ICT) Permit: Usually, the salary will be determined by home contract compensation and upon agreement with the worker. The Entrepreneur’s Act does not set a minimum, so it is up to the company to negotiate. However, it is important to note that the foreign worker cannot be paid less than salary set in the Spanish Collective Bargaining Agreement applicable to the company.
- Entrepreneur’s Act Local Hire Permit/Residence Permit for Highly Qualified Professionals:
- EUR 55,000 gross per year for managers/directors;
- EUR 40,077 for non-directors/managers, technicians, scientific/intellectual property professionals. Those under 30 may benefit from a 25% reduction on the applicable threshold, valid until they reach 30 years old.
- EU Blue Card Permit: Spain has still not published the thresholds, but salaries should range between 1 and 1.6 times the annual median gross salary. In the interim, authorities are still applying the same thresholds as the Highly Qualified Professionals. Reductions may apply in certain circumstances, pending clarification from the Ministry.
Sweden
Updated January 4, 2024
National Work Permit: Effective November 1, 2023, the Swedish government increased the minimum salary requirements for work permits. The minimum salary level (at least 80% of the median salary as posted by Statistics Sweden) is SEK 27,360 per month (up from the previous SEK 13,000). 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 Cards and Intra-Company Transferee (ICT) Permit: Effective August 28, 2023, the minimum salary level for an EU Blue Card or an EU ICT Permit is SEK 57,450 per month (up from the previous SEK 55,650 per month).
Residence Permit for Visiting Researcher: Effective August 28, 2023, the minimum salary level for a Visiting Researcher is SEK 9,700 per month.
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 2023, the standard amount of maintenance is:
- SEK 5,717 for a single adult or SEK 9,445 for cohabiting spouses or cohabiting partners; and
- An additional amount if the foreign worker has children, as follows:
- SEK 3,055 for each child who is 0 - 6 years of age;
- SEK 3,667 for each child who is 7 - 10 years of age;
- SEK 4,279 for each child who is 11 - 14 years of age; and
- SEK 4,889 for each child who is 15 years of age or older.
- Currency. Salary thresholds must be met in SEK regardless of payroll location.
Turkiye
Updated December 28, 2023
Effective January 1, 2024, Türkiye’s minimum wage will increase to TRY 20,002.50 gross per month, up from TRY 13,414.50.
- High-level managers and pilots: TRY 130,016.25 gross per month (6.5 times the minimum wage), up from TRY 87,194.25 gross per month
- Department managers, engineers, architects: TRY 80,010 gross per month (four times the minimum wage), up from TRY 53,658 gross per month
- Employees with expertise, teachers: TRY 60,007.50 gross per month (three times the minimum wage), up from TRY 40,243.50 gross per month
- Tourism: TRY 40,005 gross per month (two times the minimum wage), up from TRY 26,829 gross per month
- All other positions (e.g. sales officer, low-level marketing officers): TRY 30,003.75 (1.5 times the minimum wage), up from TRY 20,121.75 gross per month
- Household workers cannot be paid less than minimum wage.
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.
Ukraine
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.
United Kingdom
Updated April 4, 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)
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.