EU Blue Card salary minimum increases

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? The monthly salary threshold for EU Blue Card holders has increased to 44,256 Czech korunas (about US$2,075 or €1,735).

What does the change mean? This represents an 11.5-percent increase over last year’s level. Employers should plan their budgets accordingly.

• Implementation time frame: Ongoing. The change took effect May 1.
• Visas/permits affected: EU Blue Cards.
• Who is affected: Czech companies sponsoring non-EU nationals on EU Blue Cards.
• Business impact: Businesses may see an increase in labor costs.
• Next steps: Applicants for new and renewal EU Blue Cards must meet the new salary levels.

Background: EU Blue Card salaries are indexed annually and must be at least 1.5 times the average salary in the issuing country. The Czech Republic’s new salary requirements for EU Blue Card holders took effect May 1. The general minimum salary, meanwhile, was increased to 12,200 Czech korunas on Jan. 1.

BAL Analysis: Employers should be sure to account for the new salary levels when planning their budgets.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group and our network provider located in the Czech Republic. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.

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