New salary thresholds set for work permit holders

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Belgian immigration authorities have announced 2019 salary thresholds for high-skilled or executive work permit holders and for EU Blue Card holders.

What does the change mean? Authorities in all three regions – Flanders, Wallonia and Brussels – have announced the new thresholds, which will take affect for permits issued on or after Jan. 1:

• Highly skilled foreign employees: €41,739 (increased from €40,972).
• Foreign executives holding management positions: €69,637 (increased from €68,356).
• EU Blue Card holders: €53,971 (increased from €52,978).

Analysis & Comments: Salary thresholds in Belgium are indexed annually, and will increase in the coming year by almost 2 percent. Companies should budget for the higher salary minimums.

Source: Deloitte LLP. Deloitte LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales with registered number OC303675 and its registered office at 1 New Street Square, London EC4A 3HQ, United Kingdom.