Luxembourg Lowers Salary Threshold for EU Blue Card to Attract Global Talent – April 2025 Update

In a significant step toward becoming more welcoming to international professionals, Luxembourg has implemented crucial reforms to its EU Blue Card scheme. As of recent updates, the minimum annual salary threshold has been lowered to €58,968, making it notably easier for non-European Union nationals to qualify for this prestigious residence and work permit.

This change is particularly aimed at drawing highly skilled workers in sectors facing talent shortages — including IT, engineering, and finance — while aligning Luxembourg’s policy with broader European efforts to stay competitive in the global talent race.

What’s Changed?

Previously, Luxembourg had two separate salary thresholds under the EU Blue Card framework: one for general high-skilled professionals (1.5 times the average national salary), and another slightly lower threshold for shortage occupations (1.2 times the average). These figures were significantly higher than what most skilled foreign professionals could feasibly meet.

Now, by streamlining the requirement into a single benchmark of €58,968 — which corresponds to the national average gross salary — the country has made the path clearer and more accessible for talented individuals from outside the EU.

Additional Reforms That Matter:

• Shorter Contract Requirement: Applicants now only need a minimum 6-month job contract instead of 12 months, giving more flexibility to both employers and foreign workers.
• Faster Access to Local Job Market:  EU Blue Card holders will now have full access to Luxembourg’s labor market after just 12 months, as opposed to the earlier 2-year restriction.
• Eligibility for International Protection Beneficiaries: People already residing in Luxembourg under international protection can now apply for the EU Blue Card if they meet the qualification criteria.
• Enhanced Mobility Across the EU: The updated Blue Card rules also enable holders to work more freely across other EU countries without having to start the visa process from scratch.

Why This Matters

Luxembourg’s latest updates not only simplify the immigration process but also show a clear intent to position itself as a talent-friendly economy in the heart of Europe. By lowering the financial barrier and offering greater job flexibility, the country is set to attract more global professionals ready to contribute to its growth and innovation.

Whether you're an IT expert, finance analyst, or engineer, the new EU Blue Card criteria could be your gateway to building a successful career in one of Europe’s most stable and prosperous nations.