2025 EU Blue Card Salary Thresholds by Country
One of the key requirements for the EU Blue Card is meeting minimum salary thresholds. This comprehensive guide covers salary requirements for all 25 participating EU countries.
Understanding Salary Thresholds
Under the revised EU Blue Card Directive (2021/1883), salary thresholds are calculated based on each country's average gross annual salary. Member states can set their thresholds within defined ranges:
Standard Occupations
of the average gross annual salary
Shortage Occupations
for jobs on the shortage list
Complete Salary Threshold Table
Below are the approximate salary thresholds for 2025. These figures are based on the most recent average salary data and official announcements.
| Country | Standard Threshold | Shortage Occupation | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇦🇹 Austria | €46,344 | €37,075 | Updated annually in January |
| 🇧🇪 Belgium | €45,984 | €36,787 | Regional variations may apply |
| 🇧🇬 Bulgaria | €12,000 | €9,600 | Lowest threshold in EU |
| 🇭🇷 Croatia | €18,500 | €14,800 | Growing IT sector |
| 🇨🇾 Cyprus | €26,000 | €20,800 | Financial services hub |
| 🇨🇿 Czech Republic | €24,000 | €19,200 | Strong manufacturing sector |
| 🇪🇪 Estonia | €24,500 | €19,600 | Digital-first economy |
| 🇫🇮 Finland | €42,000 | €33,600 | Tech and gaming industry |
| 🇫🇷 France | €39,000 | €31,200 | Large expat community |
| 🇩🇪 Germany | €45,300 | €41,042 | Most Blue Cards issued |
| 🇬🇷 Greece | €22,000 | €17,600 | Growing startup scene |
| 🇭🇺 Hungary | €20,000 | €16,000 | Automotive industry |
| 🇮🇹 Italy | €30,000 | €24,000 | Northern regions pay more |
| 🇱🇻 Latvia | €18,000 | €14,400 | IT sector growing |
| 🇱🇹 Lithuania | €21,000 | €16,800 | Fintech hub |
| 🇱🇺 Luxembourg | €72,000 | €57,600 | Highest in EU |
| 🇲🇹 Malta | €28,000 | €22,400 | iGaming industry |
| 🇳🇱 Netherlands | €46,107 | €36,886 | English-friendly workplace |
| 🇵🇱 Poland | €22,500 | €18,000 | Large IT sector |
| 🇵🇹 Portugal | €23,000 | €18,400 | Growing tech scene |
| 🇷🇴 Romania | €17,000 | €13,600 | Outsourcing hub |
| 🇸🇰 Slovakia | €18,500 | €14,800 | Automotive sector |
| 🇸🇮 Slovenia | €27,000 | €21,600 | High quality of life |
| 🇪🇸 Spain | €33,908 | €27,126 | Barcelona tech hub |
| 🇸🇪 Sweden | €45,000 | €36,000 | Strong work-life balance |
* All figures are approximate annual gross salaries in EUR. Exchange rates and official thresholds may vary. Verify with official sources before applying.
Shortage Occupations Explained
If your profession is on the country's shortage occupation list, you benefit from a lower salary threshold (typically 0.8x instead of the standard rate). This makes it easier to qualify for a Blue Card.
Common Shortage Occupations Across EU
Software developers, data scientists, cybersecurity, DevOps
Doctors, nurses, pharmacists, medical specialists
Civil, mechanical, electrical, chemical engineers
Researchers, physicists, biologists, mathematicians
Pro Tip
Each country maintains its own shortage occupation list. Check the specific list for your destination country, as professions that qualify in one country may not qualify in another.
How Salary is Calculated
The salary threshold applies to your gross annual salary, which includes:
- Base salary
- Guaranteed bonuses (e.g., 13th month salary where applicable)
- Regular allowances specified in the contract
The following typically do not count toward the threshold:
- Variable bonuses dependent on performance
- Stock options or equity
- Signing bonuses
- Overtime pay
- Benefits in kind (company car, housing, etc.)
Important Consideration
Your salary must meet the threshold at the time of application and throughout your Blue Card validity. If your salary drops below the threshold, it could affect your renewal.
Tips for Meeting Salary Requirements
Negotiate Your Salary
When job hunting, ensure your salary offer meets or exceeds the threshold. Employers familiar with Blue Cards often factor this into offers.
Consider Shortage Occupations
If your profession qualifies as a shortage occupation, you may qualify even with a lower salary than the standard threshold.
Look at Different Countries
Salary thresholds vary significantly. A salary that doesn't meet Germany's threshold might easily exceed Spain's or Poland's requirements.
Include All Guaranteed Compensation
Make sure your contract clearly states all guaranteed compensation elements that count toward the salary threshold.
Country Comparisons
Here's how the thresholds compare relative to typical salaries in each country:
Highest Thresholds
- Luxembourg: €72,000 - Highest in EU, but also highest salaries
- Netherlands: €46,107 - Competitive IT salaries often exceed this
- Austria: €46,344 - High cost of living, especially Vienna
Lowest Thresholds
- Bulgaria: €12,000 - Most accessible threshold
- Romania: €17,000 - Growing tech sector with competitive salaries
- Latvia: €18,000 - Emerging startup scene
Best Value (Salary vs Cost of Living)
- Poland: €22,500 threshold with affordable living costs
- Czech Republic: €24,000 threshold, Prague is popular with expats
- Portugal: €23,000 threshold, growing Lisbon tech scene
Ready to Check Your Eligibility?
Now that you understand salary requirements, learn about other eligibility criteria for the EU Blue Card.