Blue Card

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Netherlands: Minimum Salary and Government Filing Fees to Increase

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On or after January 1, 2017, non-European Economic Area nationals applying for work and/or residence authorization will be subject to higher minimum salary levels.

Knowledge Migrant Salary Threshold

Highly-skilled Knowledge Migrants will be subject to new minimum gross monthly salary requirements as follows (excluding holiday pay):

  • Applicants over 30: EUR 4,324 (approximately USD 4,515), up from EUR 4,240;

  • Applicants under 30: EUR 3,170 (approximately USD 3,310), up from EUR 3,108; and

  • Applicants who already possess or fulfill the requirements of an Orientation Year permit: EUR 2,272 (approximately USD 2,373), up from EUR 2,228.

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Belgium: New minimum salary levels announced for Brussels and Flemish regions

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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.

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Germany: Blue Card minimum salary increases on January 1 2016

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Starting January 1, 2016, non-EEA nationals with valid job offers applying for work authorization under the EU Blue Card program will be subject to higher minimum salary levels in Germany.

The minimum salary for shortage occupations will be €38,688, up from €37,752; and for non-shortage occupations, the minimum will be €49,600, up from €48,400.

The German government re-evaluates the minimum salary requirements for the Blue Card program annually. The new salary thresholds apply to Blue Card applicants with employment contract start dates of January 1 or later.

What This Means for Employers and Foreign Nationals

Employers should ensure that all relevant teams and managers are aware of the salary increases and plan for the impact on corporate budgets.