Understanding the minimum gross monthly wage is important for foreign workers considering employment in Europe. A minimum wage is the legal lowest amount employers must pay workers for full-time work before taxes and social security deductions. Not all EU countries have a national minimum wage — some rely on sectoral or collective agreements instead.
As of 1 January 2026, 22 out of 27 EU member states had a legally defined national minimum wage. Denmark, Italy, Austria, Finland and Sweden do not have national statutory minimum wages and instead set wages through collective agreements or other systems.
🇪🇺 EU Minimum Gross Monthly Wages – 2026 (Before Tax)
The table below shows the latest gross monthly minimum wage amounts applicable in EU countries with national minimum wages.
| Country | Minimum Gross Monthly Wage (€) |
|---|---|
| Bulgaria | €620 |
| Latvia | €780 |
| Romania | €795 |
| Hungary | €838 |
| Estonia | €886 |
| Slovakia | €915 |
| Czechia | €924 |
| Malta | €994 |
| Greece | €1,027 |
| Croatia | €1,050 |
| Portugal | €1,073 |
| Cyprus | €1,088 |
| Poland | €1,139 |
| Lithuania | €1,153 |
| Slovenia | €1,278 |
| Spain | €1,381 |
| France | €1,823 |
| Belgium | €2,112 |
| Netherlands | €2,295 |
| Germany | €2,343 |
| Ireland | €2,391 |
| Luxembourg | €2,704 |
Source: Eurostat first 2026 minimum wage release.
🧠 What This Means for Foreign Workers
Minimum wages in Europe vary widely by country. Western and Northern EU countries tend to offer the highest statutory minimum wages. For example, Luxembourg’s minimum gross wage is the highest in the EU at around €2,704 per month, followed by Ireland and Germany. Eastern and some Southern EU countries have lower minimum wages, with Bulgaria’s minimum around €620 per month.
💡 Countries with Highest Minimum Wages
- Luxembourg: €2,704
- Ireland: €2,391
- Germany: €2,343
- Netherlands: €2,295
- Belgium: €2,112
💼 Mid-Range Minimum Wages
- Spain: €1,381
- Slovenia: €1,278
- Poland: €1,139
- Cyprus: €1,088
- Croatia: €1,050
📉 Lower Minimum Wages
- Bulgaria: €620
- Latvia: €780
- Romania: €795
- Hungary: €838
- Estonia: €886
📌 Notes and Tips
1. Not All EU Countries Have a Minimum Wage
Countries such as Denmark, Italy, Austria, Finland and Sweden do not have a national statutory minimum wage, but rather rely on collective agreements and sector-specific rules.
2. Gross vs Net
The figures above are gross monthly wages — the amount before income tax and social security contributions are deducted. The actual take-home pay (net wages) will be lower depending on each country’s tax system.
3. Minimum Wage and Cost of Living
Although the minimum wage in Western Europe is higher, living costs (rent, food, transport) are also usually higher. For example, countries with minimum wages above €2,000 often have higher housing and living expenses compared to those with minimum wages below €1,000. 7
📍 Useful for Foreign Workers
If you are planning to work in the EU, knowing the minimum gross monthly wage can help you plan finances, understand expected earnings, and compare destinations. Always check official government or labour department resources for the specific job sector, visa rules, and minimum salary requirements applicable to your profession.
📌 Summary
- 22 EU countries have statutory minimum wages in 2026.
- Minimum wages range from about €620 in Bulgaria to around €2,704 in Luxembourg.
- Living costs and tax systems affect net pay.
