Most work visa programmes have minimum salary requirements. If your job offer doesn't meet the threshold, your visa will be denied — no exceptions. Knowing these thresholds before you start your job search saves months of wasted effort.
We compiled the latest salary requirements for work visas across 50+ countries.
Europe
- UK Skilled Worker: £41,700/year (or going rate for occupation if higher)
- Germany EU Blue Card: €45,300/yr (shortage: €41,042)
- Netherlands Highly Skilled Migrant: €5,331/mo (under 30: €3,909)
- France Talent Passport: 1.5x minimum wage (€28,000+)
- Ireland Critical Skills: €38,000/yr (most roles) or €32,000 (shortage list)
- Spain Highly Qualified: No fixed minimum but must match market rates
- Portugal Tech Visa: No fixed minimum; must meet sector average
- Sweden Work Permit: SEK 28,480/month (€2,550)
- Denmark Pay Limit Scheme: DKK 465,000/year (€62,000)
Asia-Pacific & Middle East
- Singapore EP: SGD 5,600/month (financial sector: SGD 6,200)
- Japan HSP: No fixed minimum (points-based)
- UAE Skilled Worker: AED 4,000/month minimum
- Australia TSS 482: AUD 73,150/year (TSMIT)
- New Zealand Accredited Employer: NZD 29.66/hour (median wage)
- Hong Kong Employment: No fixed minimum; must match market rates
- South Korea E-7: No fixed minimum; GNI-based
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Get Your Free Verdict →Important Notes
- Thresholds change annually — always verify on official government websites before applying
- Some countries have lower thresholds for shortage occupations
- Age matters: younger applicants often face lower salary requirements
- Family visas may have higher income requirements per dependent
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if my salary is below the threshold?
Your visa application will be refused. Some countries allow employers to make up the difference with allowances (housing, education). Others strictly count base salary only. Always confirm what counts towards the threshold.
Do salary requirements include bonuses?
This varies by country. UK counts guaranteed base salary only. Germany includes regular bonuses. Australia counts guaranteed annual earnings. Netherlands counts holiday pay. Always check the specific definition for your target country.
Are salary thresholds different for shortage occupations?
Yes, in many countries. Germany's Blue Card threshold drops from €45,300 to €41,042 for shortage occupations. Ireland drops from €38,000 to €32,000. UK has specific rates for each shortage occupation. Check your occupation against the official shortage lists.
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About the author
António Mira is the founder of whereTOemigrate. For over a decade he has worked at the intersection of Portuguese real estate and overseas business, helping international clients navigate the cross-border decisions that come with relocating. He sits on the board of CCIAP (Portuguese-Arab Chamber of Commerce), the Portuguese-Saudi Business Council, and the Portugal-Hong Kong Business Association — always with one focus: enabling overseas business and human mobility into and out of Portugal.
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