Global employers must adjust Austrian compensation packages after the government published higher minimum-salary thresholds for its main work-authorisation routes. From 1 January 2026 the gross salary floor 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” staff and posted-worker exemptions now start at €8,316 per month. ([visahq.com](https://www.visahq.com/news/2026-01-09/at/work-permit-salary-floors-jump-for-2026-red-white-red-and-eu-blue-cards/))
Because Austrian salaries are paid in fourteen instalments, companies must ensure that *each* monthly payment after deductions still satisfies the rule. Collective-bargaining agreements may stipulate even higher amounts, overriding the national minima. Existing card-holders are not forced to raise pay immediately, but any renewal must meet the new figures, and pending applications filed in late 2025 will be decided under the 2026 thresholds. ([visahq.com](https://www.visahq.com/news/2026-01-09/at/work-permit-salary-floors-jump-for-2026-red-white-red-and-eu-blue-cards/))
![Salary thresholds jump for 2026 Red-White-Red and EU Blue Cards]()
VisaHQ can streamline this transition by helping HR teams verify salary calculations, prepare compliant Red-White-Red or EU Blue Card submissions, and monitor renewal deadlines through an easy online dashboard. For practical guidance on Austrian requirements and other immigration services, visit our dedicated resource page: https://www.visahq.com/austria/.
Failure to comply can trigger immediate refusals or fines under Austria’s Wage-and-Social-Dumping Act. Mobility managers are advised to audit shadow-payroll calculations, update assignment budgets and adjust cost-of-living allowances where take-home pay dips below expectations after Austrian taxes and social-security contributions. ([visahq.com](https://www.visahq.com/news/2026-01-09/at/work-permit-salary-floors-jump-for-2026-red-white-red-and-eu-blue-cards/))
Immigration advisers expect rising interest in the “hard-to-fill occupation” route, which has lower salary benchmarks for specific shortage professions. However, companies must still prove labour-market demand and register the vacancy with the Public Employment Service at least ten days before filing. ([visahq.com](https://www.visahq.com/news/2026-01-09/at/work-permit-salary-floors-jump-for-2026-red-white-red-and-eu-blue-cards/))
Because Austrian salaries are paid in fourteen instalments, companies must ensure that *each* monthly payment after deductions still satisfies the rule. Collective-bargaining agreements may stipulate even higher amounts, overriding the national minima. Existing card-holders are not forced to raise pay immediately, but any renewal must meet the new figures, and pending applications filed in late 2025 will be decided under the 2026 thresholds. ([visahq.com](https://www.visahq.com/news/2026-01-09/at/work-permit-salary-floors-jump-for-2026-red-white-red-and-eu-blue-cards/))
VisaHQ can streamline this transition by helping HR teams verify salary calculations, prepare compliant Red-White-Red or EU Blue Card submissions, and monitor renewal deadlines through an easy online dashboard. For practical guidance on Austrian requirements and other immigration services, visit our dedicated resource page: https://www.visahq.com/austria/.
Failure to comply can trigger immediate refusals or fines under Austria’s Wage-and-Social-Dumping Act. Mobility managers are advised to audit shadow-payroll calculations, update assignment budgets and adjust cost-of-living allowances where take-home pay dips below expectations after Austrian taxes and social-security contributions. ([visahq.com](https://www.visahq.com/news/2026-01-09/at/work-permit-salary-floors-jump-for-2026-red-white-red-and-eu-blue-cards/))
Immigration advisers expect rising interest in the “hard-to-fill occupation” route, which has lower salary benchmarks for specific shortage professions. However, companies must still prove labour-market demand and register the vacancy with the Public Employment Service at least ten days before filing. ([visahq.com](https://www.visahq.com/news/2026-01-09/at/work-permit-salary-floors-jump-for-2026-red-white-red-and-eu-blue-cards/))
