Monthly Minimum Wages in All EU Countries for 2024

Monthly Minimum Wages, Visa Types, and Work Permits in All EU Countries (2024)

Are you seeking updated details about minimum wages, visa types, and work permit requirements across the European Union? Here's an extensive guide for all 27 EU member countries in 2024.

Countries with Statutory Minimum Wages

1. Luxembourg

• Minimum Wage: €2,387 (highest in the EU).
• Visa Types: EU Blue Card, National Work Visa.
• Work Permit: Employer-sponsored; required for non-EU workers.

2. Germany

• Minimum Wage: €2,080.
• Visa Types: EU Blue Card, Job Seeker Visa.
• Work Permit: Residence Permit for Employment; expedited for in-demand professions.

3. Netherlands

• Minimum Wage: €1,995.
• Visa Types: Highly Skilled Migrant Visa.
• Work Permit: Employer sponsorship is required for highly skilled professionals.

4. Belgium

• Minimum Wage: €1,955.
• Visa Types: Single Permit, EU Blue Card.
• Work Permit: Proof of no suitable local worker is required unless there is a shortage of roles.

5. France

• Minimum Wage: €1,709.
• Visa Types: Talent Passport Visa, Seasonal Work Visa.
• Work Permit: Employer sponsorship unless for shortage occupations.

6. Ireland

• Minimum Wage: €1,850.
• Visa Types: Critical Skills Employment Permit, General Employment Permit.
• Work Permit: Job offer required for non-EU nationals.

7. Slovenia

• Minimum Wage: €1,313.
• Visa Types: National D Visa.
• Work Permit: Dual permit covering both residence and employment.

8. Spain

• Minimum Wage: €1,260.
• Visa Types: EU Blue Card, Seasonal Work Visa.
• Work Permit: Employer sponsorship or self-employment visa for entrepreneurs.

9. Portugal

• Minimum Wage: €886.
• Visa Types: Work Visa, Golden Visa.
• Work Permit: Flexibility for remote workers; required for non-EU nationals.

10. Poland

• Minimum Wage: €815.
• Visa Types: National D Visa.
• Work Permit: Type A (employer-sponsored) or Type B (long-term residence employment).

11. Czech Republic

• Minimum Wage: €750.
• Visa Types: Employee Card, Blue Card.
• Work Permit: Employer must secure it before visa application.

12. Hungary

• Minimum Wage: €715.
• Visa Types: Work Visa, EU Blue Card.
• Work Permit: Simplified for roles in shortage sectors.

13. Slovakia

• Minimum Wage: €700.
• Visa Types: Single Permit for Work and Residence.
• Work Permit: Issued after a labour market test.

14. Lithuania

• Minimum Wage: €840.
• Visa Types: National Visa (D), EU Blue Card.
• Work Permit: Requires employer sponsorship and proof of a labour market test.

15. Latvia

• Minimum Wage: €620.
• Visa Types: Long-Stay Visa.
• Work Permit: Typically linked to the residence permit.

16. Romania

• Minimum Wage: €610.
• Visa Types: Long-Stay Visa for Employment.
• Work Permit: Employer must secure it before visa application.

17. Bulgaria

• Minimum Wage: €480 (lowest in the EU).
• Visa Types: Type D Visa for Employment.
• Work Permit: Employer sponsorship is required for non-EU nationals.

Countries Without Statutory Minimum Wages

18. Austria

• Minimum Wage: Determined by collective agreements (~€1,800/month).
• Visa Types: Red-White-Red Card, EU Blue Card.
• Work Permit: Focused on shortage occupations or skilled worker status.

19. Denmark

• Minimum Wage: Determined by union agreements (~€2,500/month).
• Visa Types: Positive List Work Visa, Pay Limit Scheme.
• Work Permit: Prioritized for high-income earners and in-demand roles.

20. Finland

• Minimum Wage: Determined by sectoral agreements.
• Visa Types: Residence Permit for Employment.
• Work Permit: Employer-sponsored; expedited for critical workers.

21. Italy

• Minimum Wage: Set by industry-specific collective agreements (~€1,500).
• Visa Types: Work Visa (Nulla Osta).
• Work Permit: Employer applies for authorisation before visa issuance.

22. Sweden

• Minimum Wage: Determined through union agreements (~€2,500/month or more).
• Visa Types: Work Visa, EU Blue Card.
• Work Permit: Employer must prove the job was advertised locally before hiring non-EU workers.

23. Cyprus

• Minimum Wage: Determined by sectoral agreements or government regulations.
• Visa Types: Temporary Residence and Work Permit.
• Work Permit: Mandatory employer sponsorship.

24. Malta

• Minimum Wage: Determined by collective agreements (~€800-€900/month).
• Visa Types: Single Permit for Employment.
• Work Permit: Issued jointly with the residence permit.

Regional Highlights

Highest Minimum Wages

• Luxembourg (€2,387), Germany (€2,080), Netherlands (€1,995).

Lowest Minimum Wages

• Bulgaria (€480), Romania (€610), Latvia (€620).

Countries Without Minimum Wages

• Austria, Denmark, and Sweden rely on collective agreements, often resulting in higher salaries.

Key Takeaways

1. Western Europe: Leads in high minimum wages and flexible visas for skilled workers.
2. Eastern Europe: Offers affordable living and simplified work permits, with steady wage growth.
3. Nordic Countries: Emphasize collective agreements and prioritise high-income workers for visas.
4. Southern Europe: Focus on seasonal work opportunities and entrepreneurial visas like Portugal's Golden Visa.

This guide offers essential details for understanding wages, visa types, and work permits in the EU for 2024. Let us know if you need more visuals or further information for your blog!

Monthly Minimum Wages, Visa Types, and Work Permits in Non-EU European Countries (2024)

In addition to the EU member states, several non-EU European countries have distinct minimum wages, visa options, and work permit policies. Below is an overview for 2024:

1. United Kingdom

• Minimum Wage:
  • £10.42/hour (~£1,800/month) for workers aged 23 and over.
• Visa Types:
  • Skilled Worker Visa.
  • Health and Care Worker Visa.
  • Innovator Visa for entrepreneurs.
• Work Permit:
  • Employer sponsorship is required under the points-based immigration system.
  • High-demand professions like healthcare receive expedited processing.

2. Switzerland

• Minimum Wage:
  • No national minimum wage; some cantons have local minimums (~€3,500 - €4,000/month).
• Visa Types:
  • L Permit (short-term residence).
  • B Permit (initial residence permit for employment).
• Work Permit:
  • Non-EU nationals require employer sponsorship, and quotas apply.
  • Priority given to highly skilled professionals.

3. Norway

• Minimum Wage:
  • No statutory minimum wage; collective agreements apply (~€2,500 - €3,000/month).
• Visa Types:
  • Skilled Worker Visa.
  • Seasonal Worker Visa.
• Work Permit:
  • Must secure a job offer; permits tied to specific employment contracts.

4. Iceland

• Minimum Wage:
  • ~€2,500/month (negotiated through unions).
• Visa Types:
  • Work Visa.
  • Residence Permit for Employment.
• Work Permit:
  • Employer sponsorship is required, as well as permits linked to sectors like fishing, tourism, and energy.

5. Liechtenstein

• Minimum Wage:
  • No statutory minimum wage; negotiated through agreements (~€3,000/month).
• Visa Types:
  • Work and Residence Permit.
• Work Permit:
  • Minimal quotas; non-EU nationals face strict requirements.

6. Serbia

• Minimum Wage:
  • ~€400/month.
• Visa Types:
  • Work Visa.
  • Temporary Residence Permit for Employment.
• Work Permit:
  • Employer must apply; simplified for IT and manufacturing sectors.

7. Albania

• Minimum Wage:
  • ~€300/month (lowest in Europe).
• Visa Types:
  • Work Visa Type C or D.
• Work Permit:
  • Mandatory for non-nationals; issued upon proof of employment.

8. Ukraine

• Minimum Wage:
  • ~€200/month.
• Visa Types:
  • Work Visa.
  • Temporary Residence Permit.
• Work Permit:
  • Employer sponsorship is required; it is streamlined for IT professionals.

9. Russia

• Minimum Wage:
  • ~€170/month (varies by region).
• Visa Types:
  • Highly Qualified Specialist Visa.
  • Standard Work Visa.
• Work Permit:
  • Employer applies for permits; fast-tracked for high-demand roles.

10. Turkey

• Minimum Wage:
  • ~€440/month.
• Visa Types:
  • Work Visa.
  • Independent Work Permit for freelancers and entrepreneurs.
• Work Permit:
  • Employer-sponsored; freelancers must prove economic activity.

Regional Highlights for Non-EU European Countries

Western Europe (e.g., Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein)

• High minimum wages or collective agreements (~€2,500-€4,000/month).
• Work permits prioritise highly skilled professionals.

Eastern Europe (e.g., Serbia, Albania, Ukraine)

• Lower minimum wages (~€200-€400/month).
• Simplified work permits for IT and manufacturing roles.

Other Countries (e.g., the UK, Turkey, Russia)

• Diverse wage structures reflecting economic conditions.
• Streamlined visas for high-demand professions like healthcare, IT, and entrepreneurship.

Key Insights

1. Highest Minimum Wages:

   • Switzerland (€3,500 - €4,000/month in some cantons).
   • Iceland (~€2,500/month).

2. Lowest Minimum Wages:

   • Albania (€300/month).
   • Ukraine (€200/month).

3. Visa Flexibility:

   • High-income and skilled workers are prioritised across most countries.
   • Seasonal and sector-specific visas are common for non-EU nationals.

This comprehensive guide highlights the minimum wages, visa types, and work permits across non-EU European countries in 2024, helping job seekers and businesses navigate opportunities effectively. Let me know if you need visuals, infographics, or additional details!