Salary Requirements (2026)

As of 1 January 2026, the following gross monthly salary thresholds apply to highly skilled migrant applications (excluding 8% holiday allowance):

Standard rate (30+ years): €5,942 per month

Standard rate (under 30): €4,357 per month

Reduced salary criterion (Orientation Year graduates): €3,122 per month

European Blue Card: €5,942 (standard) / €4,754 (reduced criterion)

Only fixed and guaranteed salary components count; holiday allowance, payments in kind, and variable income (bonuses, overtime) are excluded. For applications submitted before 1 January 2026, the 2025 thresholds remain applicable as long as the permit is valid and employment continues. A change of employer triggers the new thresholds.