Country / Territory
Related offices
On January 1, 2017, the minimum base salary for several work permit categories will increase in Brussels, Flanders and Wallonia.
• The minimum base salary for highly-skilled foreign workers applying for Type "B" work permits will increase to EUR 40,124 annually, up from EUR 39,824.
• The minimum base salary for senior management and executives will increase to EUR 66,942, up from EUR 66,442.
• The minimum base salary for EU Blue Card holders will increase to EUR 51,882, up from EUR 51,484.
Once the new salary requirements take effect, new work permit and EU Blue Card applications and renewal applications that fail to meet the new minimums will be rejected. Foreign nationals applying for work permits as trainees and specialized technicians are exempt from these minimum salary requirements.
Applications pending on or after January 1, 2017 will not be processed unless clear evidence is provided that the applicant will meet the updated salary threshold.
What This Means for Employers and Foreign Nationals
Employers should consult with their immigration professional about the new minimum salary requirements prior to filing new or renewal applications for Type "B" work permits or EU Blue Cards, and about notifying the authorities of compliance with the threshold for pending applications after January 1.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
Country / Territory
Related offices
Explore more at Fragomen
Media mentions
Partner Bo Cooper explains that while new H-1B fees affect future petitions, US opportunities for international talent remain highly valued.
Blog post
Assistant Manager Charo Medida explains the work permit requirements for employers and professionals under the UAE Golden Visa programme.
Media mentions
Partner Bo Cooper explains how proposed H-1B fee and lottery changes impact hiring of skilled international talent across sectors.
Media mentions
Partner Haider Hussain underlines the role of talent mobility in shaping future growth sectors in the Kingdom.
Fragomen news
Fragomen is recognised by the Financial Times for its innovative work in workforce mobility and cross-sector collaboration.
Media mentions
Partner Daniel Brown outlines steps companies can take to support employees and maintain smooth operations during compliance-related situations.
Awards
Fragomen has been recognized in the 2026 edition of The Best Law Firms™ in Germany, earning a Regional Tier 1 ranking in Hessen for Labor and Employment Law.
Media mentions
Partner Shayan Sultan discusses a rise in inquiries about UAE residency and remote work programmes amid global talent mobility trends.
Media mentions
Partner Rajiv Naik, Senior Manager Thomas Kingsmill and Manager Ko Ito highlight rising UK sponsor licence revocations and how HR and mobility leaders can manage the impact.
Media mentions
Partner Bo Cooper discusses the $100,000 H-1B fee and its impact on financial, banking and technology firms relying on international talent.
Media mentions
Media mentions
Partner Audrea Golding explains how the $100,000 H-1B fee could affect hiring across the tech industry.
Media mentions
Partner Bo Cooper explains that while new H-1B fees affect future petitions, US opportunities for international talent remain highly valued.
Blog post
Assistant Manager Charo Medida explains the work permit requirements for employers and professionals under the UAE Golden Visa programme.
Media mentions
Partner Bo Cooper explains how proposed H-1B fee and lottery changes impact hiring of skilled international talent across sectors.
Media mentions
Partner Haider Hussain underlines the role of talent mobility in shaping future growth sectors in the Kingdom.
Fragomen news
Fragomen is recognised by the Financial Times for its innovative work in workforce mobility and cross-sector collaboration.
Media mentions
Partner Daniel Brown outlines steps companies can take to support employees and maintain smooth operations during compliance-related situations.
Awards
Fragomen has been recognized in the 2026 edition of The Best Law Firms™ in Germany, earning a Regional Tier 1 ranking in Hessen for Labor and Employment Law.
Media mentions
Partner Shayan Sultan discusses a rise in inquiries about UAE residency and remote work programmes amid global talent mobility trends.
Media mentions
Partner Rajiv Naik, Senior Manager Thomas Kingsmill and Manager Ko Ito highlight rising UK sponsor licence revocations and how HR and mobility leaders can manage the impact.
Media mentions
Partner Bo Cooper discusses the $100,000 H-1B fee and its impact on financial, banking and technology firms relying on international talent.
Media mentions
Media mentions
Partner Audrea Golding explains how the $100,000 H-1B fee could affect hiring across the tech industry.