Czechia’s Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs confirmed that the minimum gross wage for EU Blue-Card applicants has risen to CZK 73 823 per month (approximately EUR 3 050) for the period 1 May 2026–30 April 2027. The figure reflects the newly published national average wage of CZK 49 215 and is 1.5 times that benchmark, as required by the Foreigners’ Residence Act. Applications submitted before May but still pending must be updated to meet the higher salary, otherwise the Interior Ministry will refuse to issue or extend the permit. Employers in the Key & Scientific Personnel Programme and the Highly Qualified Employee Programme must also attach a revised affidavit confirming that the higher wage will be paid. The Ministry of Industry and Trade has released new affidavit templates for immediate use.
![EU Blue-Card salary threshold in Czechia jumps to CZK 73 823 per month]()
In this context, employers and foreign professionals can look to VisaHQ for help navigating the updated Blue Card rules. The company’s Czech Republic portal offers real-time guidance on salary thresholds, document requirements and application forms, ensuring submissions stay compliant and on schedule.
The 6.6 % hike is the steepest annual rise since the Blue Card was introduced in Czechia. HR cost models for 2026 expatriate budgets should therefore be revisited, especially for junior IT and engineering roles whose pay bands sit near the new floor. Some multinationals are considering switching candidates to the standard Employee Card, which carries no minimum wage multiple but is quota-restricted. Companies already employing Blue-Card holders do not need to raise salaries immediately, but the new threshold will apply at renewal. Immigration counsel recommend documenting any top-up payments in an addendum rather than issuing a fresh contract, to avoid triggering a labour-office review.
In this context, employers and foreign professionals can look to VisaHQ for help navigating the updated Blue Card rules. The company’s Czech Republic portal offers real-time guidance on salary thresholds, document requirements and application forms, ensuring submissions stay compliant and on schedule.
The 6.6 % hike is the steepest annual rise since the Blue Card was introduced in Czechia. HR cost models for 2026 expatriate budgets should therefore be revisited, especially for junior IT and engineering roles whose pay bands sit near the new floor. Some multinationals are considering switching candidates to the standard Employee Card, which carries no minimum wage multiple but is quota-restricted. Companies already employing Blue-Card holders do not need to raise salaries immediately, but the new threshold will apply at renewal. Immigration counsel recommend documenting any top-up payments in an addendum rather than issuing a fresh contract, to avoid triggering a labour-office review.
