Global employers must adjust Austrian salary packages after the government published higher 2026 thresholds for key work-authorisation routes. From 1 January 2026 the minimum gross salary for Red-White-Red Card holders rises to €3,465 per month, while EU Blue Card applicants must earn at least €55,678 annually. “Super Key” employees and posted-worker exemptions now start at €8,316 per month. ([fragomen.com](https://www.fragomen.com/insights/minimum-salary-changes-announced.html))
Employers and foreign nationals who need hands-on help navigating Austria’s evolving immigration rules can turn to VisaHQ. Their specialists monitor salary-threshold updates, pre-screen applications and submit the required paperwork for Red-White-Red Cards, EU Blue Cards and other permits, saving valuable time and reducing rejection risk. More details are available at https://www.visahq.com/austria/.
![Work-Permit Salary Floors Jump for 2026 Red-White-Red and EU Blue Cards]()
Salaries in Austria are paid in 14 instalments (12 monthly wages plus two special payments). Employers therefore need to verify that *each* monthly payment – after deductions – still satisfies the rule. Collective-bargaining agreements may stipulate even higher amounts for certain sectors, overriding the national minima.
Existing Red-White-Red holders are not automatically forced to raise pay, but any renewal must meet the applicable collective agreement. Companies planning 2026 transfers should budget for higher gross costs and update shadow-payroll calculations.
Failure to meet the new ceilings can lead to immediate application refusals or administrative fines under Austria’s Wage-and-Social-Dumping Act. Mobility managers are advised to audit pending files now, especially those lodged late in 2025 when lower figures still applied.
Employers and foreign nationals who need hands-on help navigating Austria’s evolving immigration rules can turn to VisaHQ. Their specialists monitor salary-threshold updates, pre-screen applications and submit the required paperwork for Red-White-Red Cards, EU Blue Cards and other permits, saving valuable time and reducing rejection risk. More details are available at https://www.visahq.com/austria/.
Salaries in Austria are paid in 14 instalments (12 monthly wages plus two special payments). Employers therefore need to verify that *each* monthly payment – after deductions – still satisfies the rule. Collective-bargaining agreements may stipulate even higher amounts for certain sectors, overriding the national minima.
Existing Red-White-Red holders are not automatically forced to raise pay, but any renewal must meet the applicable collective agreement. Companies planning 2026 transfers should budget for higher gross costs and update shadow-payroll calculations.
Failure to meet the new ceilings can lead to immediate application refusals or administrative fines under Austria’s Wage-and-Social-Dumping Act. Mobility managers are advised to audit pending files now, especially those lodged late in 2025 when lower figures still applied.
