Hungary ranks among top expat hotspots with surprisingly low salary requirements
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While the UKβs high visa fees continue to deter international workers, a recent study by financial experts at Remitly highlights a more welcoming landscape across Europeβparticularly in Hungary. Ranked fourth globally for its low salary threshold for securing a work visa, Hungary offers access to the EU Blue Card scheme with a minimum salary requirement of just GBP 19,144. The findings position Hungary alongside other Central and Eastern European nations that are making it easier for skilled professionals to relocate and contribute to their economies.
The new research comes from the financial experts atΒ Remitly, who analysed global data to revealΒ the countries with the lowest minimum salary threshold for securing a work visa.
The countries with the lowest minimum salary:
| Rank | Country | Visa name | Minimum salary required |
| 1 | Portugal | EU Blue Card | GBP 13,192 |
| 2 | Iceland | Residence permit for employment | GBP 16,973 |
| 3 | Slovak Republic | EU Blue Card | GBP 17,059 |
| 4 | Hungary | EU Blue Card | GBP 19,144 |
| 5 | Latvia | EU Blue Card | GBP 20,508 |
| 6 | Poland | EU Blue Card | GBP 22,794 |
| 7 | Estonia | EU Blue Card | GBP 25,144 |
| 8 | Czechia | EU Blue Card | GBP 25,788 |
| 9 | Greece | EU Blue Card | GBP 26,445 |
| 10 | Italy | EU Blue Card | GBP 27,753 |
Portugal has the lowest minimum required salary, at just over GBP 13,190.Β The average salary in Portugal is GBP 29,669, so moving to the country has the potential to more than double your current salary.
Just like application fees, the salary thresholds for EU Blue Cards can also differ depending on the country of work. The Netherlands requires applicants to earn a minimum wage of GBP 56,530 per year, making it the highest threshold for both the EU Blue Card Scheme and overall.
The UK has the highest minimum required salary outside the EU, at GBP 38,700. This threshold may be adjusted if current visa holders extend their Skilled Worker Visa or have a new job or employer.
Further study insights:
- Latvia ranks as the easiest country for skilled worker visas, with a low application fee of GBP 83 and a short processing time of ten working days.
- The United States offers the longest maximum visa duration (6+ years)Β but ranks sixth due to processing times and costs.
- Italy offers the most affordable work visa at GBP 41, while Australia has the highest fee at GBP 1,569 and the longest processing time (90% of applications processed in six months).
- Kazakhstan has the highest UK visa success rate (99.52%), while Pakistan has the lowest (82.39%) among the top 20 countries for UK entry clearance.
- Canada issues the most work visas among OECD countries, granting nearly 240,000 in 2023.