2019 salary thresholds for work permit applications have been published in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany, and foreign workers entering Belgium will now use a single permit application for work activities lasting more than 90 days.
Employers sending non–European Union/European Economic Area assignees to Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany from January 1, 2019, will need to ensure that they meet the following new salary thresholds for the appropriate work permit category.
The Netherlands
|
Category
|
Minimum gross income per month excluding holiday allowance
|
|
Highly skilled migrant, 30 years or older
|
€4,500
|
|
Highly skilled migrant, younger than 30 years
|
€3,299
|
|
Intra corporate transferee (ICT), 30 years or older
|
€4,500
|
|
ICT, younger than 30 years
|
€3,299
|
|
Foreign nationals graduated in the Netherlands
|
€2,364
|
|
European Blue Card
|
€5,272
|
Belgium
|
Category
|
Minimum gross annual salary excluding discretionary bonus, cost-of-living allowances, and most other allowances
|
|
Work permit B for highly skilled work permits
|
€41,739
|
|
Work permit B for managerial work permits
|
€69,637
|
|
European Blue Card
|
€53,971
|
Germany
|
Category
|
Minimum gross annual salary
|
|
Certain shortage occupations
|
€41,808
|
|
European Blue Card
|
€53,600
|
Belgium: Single Permit
As of January 1, 2019, foreign workers entering Belgium for work activities lasting more than 90 days must apply for a single permit in Belgium, which combines work and residence authorizations into a single document. For short-term work (90 days or less), the current system will continue to apply in principle (although there may be minor changes).
The new single permit application process will require applicants to simultaneously submit documents related to employment and residence authorizations; this application process will also be used for work and residence permit renewals. Employers and foreign nationals are advised to plan for longer processing times due to the transition to the new system.
Processing Times During the Holiday Season
Many government offices worldwide will close or have reduced staff and operating hours during the holiday season. This is likely to result in processing delays for work permits, residence permits, and visas over the coming weeks and into the new year. Employers and foreign nationals with travel or relocation plans between now and early 2019 should contact their immigration service providers to discuss the impact of holiday closures on their specific circumstances.
