Immigration

Luxembourg | Increase of salary threshold for EU Blue Card

Summary

By Luxembourg’s Ministerial Regulation of 23 February 2026, the minimum salary threshold for EU Blue Card holders has increased to €65,652 (previously €63,408) with an effective date of 3 March 2026. If this threshold is not met, foreign nationals will instead need to apply for a Salaried Worker Permit and employers will be required to complete a labour market test.

The detail

As of 3 March 2026, the new salary threshold applies to all EU Blue Card applications submitted in Luxembourg.

• New and renewal applications: All applications filed on or after 3 March 2026 must meet the new minimum salary threshold of €65,652.
• Pending applications: Applications submitted before 3 March 2026 will continue to be assessed based on the previous threshold (€63,408).
• Shortage occupations: Since June 2024, Luxembourg no longer applies a reduced salary threshold for shortage occupations.

Where the salary offered does not meet the required threshold, applicants must instead apply for a Salaried Worker Permit, which is subject to a labour market test. This process requires the employer to demonstrate that no suitable candidate is available on the local or EU labour market before hiring a third-country national.

What this means

This increase in salary threshold reinforces the Luxembourg authorities’ intention to maintain the EU Blue Card as a route reserved for highly qualified and highly paid profiles, and may impact both hiring strategies and ongoing assignments.

• Increased compliance requirements for employers
  Employers must ensure that compensation packages meet the new threshold at the time of application and, ideally, throughout the duration of the assignment to avoid complications at renewal stage.
• Impact on renewal and long-term planning
  If a Blue Card holder no longer meets the salary threshold at the time of renewal, they may no longer qualify under the Blue Card scheme and could be required to switch to a Salaried Worker Permit. This would trigger a labour market test, potentially affecting continuity of employment.
• Additional administrative burden where the threshold is not met
  The labour market test requires employers to demonstrate recruitment efforts on the local and EU market, which can extend processing timelines and create uncertainty in hiring.
• Reduced flexibility for certain roles
  With no reduced threshold for shortage occupations, roles that previously qualified more easily under the Blue Card scheme may now fall outside its scope, requiring alternative immigration routes.
• Strategic workforce considerations
  Employers may need to reassess salary structures, hiring budgets, and mobility strategies to ensure continued access to the Blue Card route, particularly for key talent.

How we can help

Our Luxembourg immigration team actively monitors legislative updates to keep clients informed. We provide:

• Strategic immigration advisory and compliance guidance
• Work and residence permit support
• Assistance with posted worker declarations (eBadge)

For tailored support on EU Blue Card applications and compliance with the new threshold, please reach out to Vialto Partners Luxembourg.

Contact us

For a deeper discussion on the above, please reach out to your Vialto Partners point of contact, or alternatively:

Maud Aupetit
Immigration Director

Rébecca Serval
Senior Immigration Associate

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