Luxembourg raised its EU Blue Card salary threshold for 2026 and continues to run a high-wage, skills-focused system for foreign workers. This guide explains the latest rules in plain English.

The thresholds change periodically, so always confirm the current figures before you act.

The Big Picture

Citizens of the EU, the EEA and Switzerland can work in Luxembourg freely. Other workers need a residence permit for a salaried activity, usually either the EU Blue Card for highly qualified roles or the standard Salaried Worker Permit for other employment.

The EU Blue Card

From 3 March 2026, the minimum annual salary for an EU Blue Card rose to EUR 65,652 (from EUR 63,408). The role must come with a contract of at least six months and the higher professional qualifications the position requires. Applications filed before 3 March 2026 are assessed under the previous figure. Importantly, Luxembourg no longer applies a reduced threshold for shortage occupations, so some roles that previously qualified more easily now fall outside the Blue Card.

The Salaried Worker Permit

Where the Blue Card threshold is not met, the worker applies instead for a Salaried Worker Permit, which triggers a labour market test. The employer must declare the vacancy to the national employment agency (ADEM) and show that no suitable candidate was available on the local or EU market, which can extend timelines. A legislative proposal is under review to modernise the framework, including more structured rules on job changes and labour market testing.

What Foreign Workers and Employers Should Do

• Check whether the salary meets the new EUR 65,652 Blue Card threshold.
• If it does not, plan for the Salaried Worker Permit and its labour market test.
• File near-ready Blue Card applications with the correct threshold in mind.
• Watch for the modernising legislation as it progresses.

Quick Summary

1. From 3 March 2026, the EU Blue Card needs at least EUR 65,652 per year.
2. There is no longer a reduced Blue Card threshold for shortage occupations.
3. Below the threshold, the Salaried Worker Permit applies, with a labour market test.
4. A reform to modernise the framework is under review.