Effective January 1, 2016, the minimum base salary for several work permit categories will increase. Regional authorities for Brussels and Flanders have provided unofficial salary figures for 2016, but authorities for Wallonia have yet to do so. Until the 2016 salary thresholds are published officially, they remain subject to change.
- The minimum base salary for highly skilled foreign workers applying for Type “B” work permits will increase for highly skilled workers to €39,824 annually, from €39,802.
- The minimum base salary for senior management and foreign nationals in executive-level positions will increase to €66,442 from €66,405.
- European Blue Card holders will have to earn an annual gross salary of at least €51,494, up from €51,466.
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.
What This Means for Employers and Foreign Nationals
Employers should consult with their immigration service providers about the new minimum salary requirements prior to filing new or renewal applications for Type “B” work permits or EU Blue Cards.