Global employers with staff in Austria must adjust compensation packages after the government published higher minimum-salary thresholds for its main work-authorisation routes. With effect from 1 January 2026, Red-White-Red Card holders must earn at least €3,465 gross per month, while EU Blue Card applicants need an annual salary of €55,678. Super-Key staff and posted-worker exemptions now start at €8,316 per month. ([visahq.com](https://www.visahq.com/news/2026-01-10/at/salary-thresholds-jump-for-2026-red-white-red-and-eu-blue-cards/))
Because Austrian salaries are paid in 14 instalments, companies must ensure that *each* monthly payment still meets the rule after deductions—annual averaging will not suffice. Collective-bargaining agreements in sectors such as IT and engineering may stipulate even higher amounts, overriding the national minima. ([visahq.com](https://www.visahq.com/news/2026-01-10/at/salary-thresholds-jump-for-2026-red-white-red-and-eu-blue-cards/))
![Minimum salaries for Red-White-Red and EU Blue Cards jump in 2026]()
Employers looking for hands-on help with the new requirements can leverage VisaHQ’s Austria platform, which offers end-to-end support with work-permit filing, document tracking and up-to-date salary guidance: https://www.visahq.com/austria/. Outsourcing these tasks lets HR teams stay focused on compensation planning while ensuring every application satisfies the latest thresholds.
Existing card-holders are not forced to raise pay immediately, but any renewal filed in 2026 must comply. Pending applications submitted in late 2025 will also be decided under the new thresholds, catching out employers that based budgets on last year’s figures. Failure to comply can trigger immediate refusals and fines under Austria’s Wage-and-Social-Dumping Act. ([visahq.com](https://www.visahq.com/news/2026-01-10/at/salary-thresholds-jump-for-2026-red-white-red-and-eu-blue-cards/))
Immigration advisers expect rising interest in the shortage-occupation route, which offers lower salary benchmarks for designated professions. Nevertheless, companies still have to advertise vacancies with the Public Employment Service at least ten days before filing. Mobility teams are urged to audit shadow-payroll calculations, adjust cost-of-living allowances and brief recruiters on the new numbers. ([visahq.com](https://www.visahq.com/news/2026-01-10/at/salary-thresholds-jump-for-2026-red-white-red-and-eu-blue-cards/))
Because Austrian salaries are paid in 14 instalments, companies must ensure that *each* monthly payment still meets the rule after deductions—annual averaging will not suffice. Collective-bargaining agreements in sectors such as IT and engineering may stipulate even higher amounts, overriding the national minima. ([visahq.com](https://www.visahq.com/news/2026-01-10/at/salary-thresholds-jump-for-2026-red-white-red-and-eu-blue-cards/))
Employers looking for hands-on help with the new requirements can leverage VisaHQ’s Austria platform, which offers end-to-end support with work-permit filing, document tracking and up-to-date salary guidance: https://www.visahq.com/austria/. Outsourcing these tasks lets HR teams stay focused on compensation planning while ensuring every application satisfies the latest thresholds.
Existing card-holders are not forced to raise pay immediately, but any renewal filed in 2026 must comply. Pending applications submitted in late 2025 will also be decided under the new thresholds, catching out employers that based budgets on last year’s figures. Failure to comply can trigger immediate refusals and fines under Austria’s Wage-and-Social-Dumping Act. ([visahq.com](https://www.visahq.com/news/2026-01-10/at/salary-thresholds-jump-for-2026-red-white-red-and-eu-blue-cards/))
Immigration advisers expect rising interest in the shortage-occupation route, which offers lower salary benchmarks for designated professions. Nevertheless, companies still have to advertise vacancies with the Public Employment Service at least ten days before filing. Mobility teams are urged to audit shadow-payroll calculations, adjust cost-of-living allowances and brief recruiters on the new numbers. ([visahq.com](https://www.visahq.com/news/2026-01-10/at/salary-thresholds-jump-for-2026-red-white-red-and-eu-blue-cards/))
