EU Countries That Have Raised EU Blue Card Salary Requirements for Foreign Professionals in 2025

EU Countries That Have Raised EU Blue Card Salary Requirements for Foreign Professionals in 2025

Key Highlights:

  1. Three EU countries—Austria, Germany, and Hungary—have increased salary requirements for foreign professionals seeking an EU Blue Card in 2025.
  2. These changes aim to regulate migration and attract highly qualified workers.
  3. More EU member states are expected to adjust their EU Blue Card requirements throughout the year.

Rising Salary Requirements for EU Blue Card Holders

Despite ongoing labor shortages across various sectors, some EU countries have tightened requirements for highly skilled foreign professionals by increasing the minimum salary thresholds for EU Blue Card applicants.

The EU Blue Card grants non-EU professionals the right to live and work in a member state, provided they meet specific qualifications and salary criteria. In 2025, Austria, Germany, and Hungary have implemented higher salary thresholds to better regulate migration and ensure compliance with updated employment policies.

Updated EU Blue Card Salary Requirements in 2025

Austria

As of January 1, 2025, Austria requires EU Blue Card applicants to earn at least €3,678 gross per month, reflecting a 7.07% increase from the previous requirement of €3,418.

  • Validity: The Austrian EU Blue Card remains valid for two years.
  • Processing Time: Around eight weeks.

Germany

Germany introduced updated minimum salary thresholds for EU Blue Card applicants on January 1, 2025. The salary requirements vary based on occupation:

  • Non-shortage occupations: Minimum annual salary raised to €48,300 (previously €45,300).

  • Shortage occupations: Salary requirement increased to €43,759.80 (up from €41,041.80).

  • Young professionals (degree obtained within three years): Now required to earn €43,759.80 annually (previously €41,041.80).

  • Validity: The German EU Blue Card is valid for four years.

  • Processing Time: Up to 90 days.

Hungary

Since January 1, 2025, Hungary has raised its EU Blue Card salary requirements to HUF 883,671 (€2,166) gross per month, up from HUF 773,649 (€1,896).

Certain healthcare professionals—such as general practitioners, pharmacists, optometrists, dieticians, physiotherapists, nurses, and midwives—are subject to a lower threshold of HUF 706,937 (€1,733).

Sweden Simplifies EU Blue Card Rules

While Austria, Germany, and Hungary have raised salary thresholds, Sweden has taken a different approach by relaxing EU Blue Card requirements. Since January 1, 2025, Sweden has introduced less restrictive policies to attract skilled foreign professionals.

What’s Next?

As more EU member states review their migration and labor market strategies, further adjustments to EU Blue Card salary requirements may follow throughout 2025. Stay updated with official sources to track upcoming changes.

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