How salary thresholds work across countries
Most countries set a minimum salary that an employer must pay to sponsor a foreign worker. The approaches differ widely: some set a fixed national floor (the UK's £41,700), others use the 'going rate' for each specific occupation, and others - notably the Gulf states - set no statutory minimum at all and leave pay to the employer. Points-based countries such as Canada and Australia have no salary threshold at all; they use a points test instead. This checker lets you compare every approach side by side.
Countries use three different approaches to salary requirements. Fixed-floor countries like the UK set one number for all roles (£41,700 since April 2024). Going-rate countries like Germany set thresholds per visa type (€50,700 for EU Blue Card, €45,934 for IT shortage roles). Employer-set countries like the Gulf states have no government minimum - your salary is whatever your employer offers, though it must be enough to secure a work permit. Points-based countries like Canada and Australia don't use salary thresholds at all - they assess you on age, education, language, and experience instead.
Understanding the comparison
- "No minimum" - common in the Gulf, where salary is negotiated directly with the employer.
- "Going rate" - the UK and several others publish occupation-specific pay tables; your offer must match the rate for your job.
- "Shortage discount" - many countries set a lower threshold for occupations on an official shortage list.
- Currency note - thresholds are shown in each country's local currency; use an indicative exchange rate to compare like for like.
Countries with the highest salary thresholds
- Switzerland - among the highest salary expectations in the world, reflecting its very high pay levels.
- Germany - the EU Blue Card threshold is €50,700, reduced to €45,934 for shortage and IT roles.
- United Kingdom - £41,700 general threshold, or the occupation going rate if higher.
- Netherlands - the Highly Skilled Migrant threshold varies by age, with a lower rate for under-30s.
The highest salary thresholds in 2026:
- Switzerland: CHF 90,000+/year (varies by canton and role)
- United States: $60,000+ effective for H-1B (prevailing wage)
- United Kingdom: £41,700 general / £29,000 Health & Care
- Germany: €50,700 EU Blue Card / €45,934 IT shortage
- Netherlands: €5,688/month (Highly Skilled Migrant, age 30+)
- Ireland: €38,000 Critical Skills / €34,000 General
Countries with no minimum salary
The Gulf states - the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman - set no statutory salary floor for work visas. Your pay is whatever you negotiate with the employer, and because income is tax-free, take-home pay can be competitive even at headline figures that look modest. Some Asian destinations similarly leave salary to the employer rather than legislating a minimum.
The Gulf states (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman) have no government-set salary floors. Your employer negotiates your package. However, to sponsor family dependants, many Gulf countries require a minimum salary - typically AED 10,000-15,000/month in the UAE.
Who should use this checker
- Job seekers comparing realistic salary expectations across destinations
- Professionals checking whether a job offer meets the visa threshold
- Anyone weighing tax-free Gulf pay against taxed Western salaries
- HR and mobility teams benchmarking sponsorship costs
How to use this comparison
Start by filtering to your target country above. Compare the minimum salary against your expected offer. If your offer falls below the threshold, check whether your occupation qualifies for a shortage discount or whether a different visa category has a lower bar. Use our UK Skilled Worker Checker or Opportunity Card Calculator for detailed points breakdowns.
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What is a visa salary threshold?
It is the minimum salary an employer must pay to sponsor a foreign worker for a work visa. It exists to protect local wages and to show the role is genuinely skilled.
Which country has the highest salary threshold?
Switzerland has among the highest salary expectations, followed by Germany's EU Blue Card (€50,700) and the UK (£41,700). High thresholds usually reflect high local pay levels, not just stricter rules.
Do all countries have a minimum salary for work visas?
No. The Gulf states set no statutory minimum - pay is negotiated with the employer. Points-based countries such as Canada and Australia have no salary threshold either; they assess applicants on points.
Does a higher threshold mean a country is harder to enter?
Not necessarily. A high threshold often simply reflects a high cost of living and high prevailing wages. Compare the threshold against typical salaries and living costs, not in isolation.
How do shortage occupation discounts work?
Many countries publish a shortage occupation list and apply a reduced salary threshold to roles on it - for example the UK's Immigration Salary List or Germany's shortage-occupation Blue Card rate.
Should I choose a tax-free Gulf job or a taxed Western salary?
Tax-free Gulf pay can mean strong short-term savings, but there is no permanent residency. Western salaries are taxed but come with PR pathways and family rights. The right choice depends on whether you want to settle or save.