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Effective January 1, 2026, Austria increased the minimum gross monthly salary threshold from EUR 7,740 to EUR 8,085 under the Wage and Social Dumping Combating Act (LSD-BG). This threshold applies to workers posted to Austria by EU, EEA, or Swiss employers and affects EU Blue Card eligibility. Employers meeting this threshold remain exempt from posted worker notification requirements. The salary must be paid 14 times per year (12 monthly payments plus two additional payments) and applies both before and during the posting period.
Effective January 1, 2026, Austria increased the minimum gross monthly salary threshold from EUR 7,740 to EUR 8,085 under the Wage and Social Dumping Combating Act (LSD-BG). The increase applies to workers posted to Austria by employers based in the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), or Switzerland, and affects eligibility requirements for the EU Blue Card.
Who is affected
The new threshold affects three groups:
- Employers based in the EU, EEA, or Switzerland posting workers to Austria who wish to remain exempt from posted worker notification requirements
- Foreign nationals applying for an EU Blue Card to work in Austria
- Employers hiring foreign workers under Austria's skilled worker immigration categories, including those sponsoring EU Blue Card applications
What's changing
| Category | Previous threshold | New threshold | Effective date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Posted workers (LSD-BG exemption) | EUR 7,740/month | EUR 8,085/month | 2026-01-01 |
| EU Blue Card minimum salary | EUR 7,740/month | EUR 8,085/month | 2026-01-01 |
The salary must be paid 14 times per year: 12 regular monthly payments plus two additional payments. The threshold applies both before the worker arrives in Austria and throughout the posting period. Employers who meet or exceed this threshold remain exempt from Austria's posted worker notification requirements under the LSD-BG.
What NEO partners and clients should do
- By December 31, 2025: Review compensation for all employees currently posted to Austria or scheduled for posting in 2026. Adjust salaries to meet the EUR 8,085 minimum if the employer intends to maintain exemption from notification requirements.
- Before filing EU Blue Card applications in 2026: Verify that salary offers meet or exceed EUR 8,085 gross per month (paid 14 times annually).
- By January 1, 2026: Update payroll validation rules and compensation planning tools to reflect the new Austrian minimum salary threshold for posted workers and EU Blue Card holders.
- Ongoing: Document that the EUR 8,085 threshold is met both at the time of posting and continuously during the assignment period.
