The level of minimum wages in the EU in 2026 varies significantly depending on the country and purchasing power. Find out where they pay the most, in which countries incomes have not grown, and what this means for Ukrainians planning to work in Europe
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The European labor market in 2026 remains uneven: minimum wages in different countries vary several times over, and nominal amounts do not always reflect the real standard of living. According to Euronews, as of the beginning of the year, approximately 12.8 million workers in EU countries receive the minimum wage.
For Ukrainians who are considering working abroad or already working in EU countries, these figures are crucial — after all, they determine not only income levels, but also access to social guarantees, taxes, and labor protection.
Which EU countries have the highest minimum wages
In 2026, the gap between the highest and lowest minimum wages in the European Union will exceed four times. Luxembourg remains the absolute leader, with a minimum wage of €2,704 per month.
The group of countries with a minimum wage of over €2,000 also includes:
● Ireland — €2,391
● Germany — €2,343
● Netherlands — €2,295
● Belgium — €2,112
These countries traditionally attract migrant workers with high wage standards, but at the same time are characterized by high costs of housing, healthcare, and everyday services.
Countries with average minimum wages
The middle segment of minimum wages in the EU is formed by France (€1,823) and Spain (€1,381). This group also includes Slovenia, Lithuania, Poland, Cyprus, Portugal, Croatia, and Greece.
These countries often become a compromise option for foreign workers: incomes here are lower than in Western Europe, but the overall cost of living is usually more moderate.
At the same time, in 15 of the 29 countries analyzed, the minimum wage does not exceed €1,000 per month, which significantly affects the real ability of workers to cover their basic needs.
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What is the situation outside the EU?
If we take into account the countries that are candidates for EU membership, the lowest minimum wages are recorded in Ukraine (€173) and Moldova (€319). This once again highlights the scale of the economic gap between the EU and its neighboring countries and explains the high level of labor migration.
Purchasing power: why “on paper” does not mean “in real life”
Nominal minimum wage amounts do not always accurately reflect the real level of well-being. After recalculation based on purchasing power parity (PPP), the difference between countries decreases.
In this conversion, minimum wages in 22 EU countries range from 886 conventional units in Estonia to 2,157 in Germany. Romania showed the biggest gain: due to relatively low prices, it rose from 20th to 12th place. In contrast, the Czech Republic and Estonia lost eight positions each due to high domestic costs.
Did minimum wages increase in 2026?
Despite inflationary pressure, the minimum wage did not increase everywhere in 2026. About a third of workers receiving the minimum wage saw no change in their income between July 2025 and January 2026.
Salaries remained unchanged in Belgium, Estonia, Greece, Spain, Luxembourg, and Slovenia. In contrast, the most significant growth — over 11% — was recorded in Bulgaria, Lithuania, Hungary, and Slovakia.
For Ukrainians planning to work abroad, it is important to consider not only the minimum wage, but also real purchasing power, tax burden, and contract terms. That is why, before signing an employment contract, it is worth checking its compliance with the legislation of the country of employment. In such situations, it may be useful to consult lawyers on employment issues for Ukrainians abroad at Visit Ukraine — they help to understand the terms of the contract, social guarantees, and the risks of illegal employment before departure or while working in the EU.
Reminder! How much will an hour of your work actually cost in different countries around the world in 2026? Read about how hourly wages differ in Ukraine, the European Union, and the United States, what portion of income is “eaten up” by taxes, and where earnings provide higher purchasing power.
Photo: shutterstock
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Frequantly
asked questions
Which EU country will have the highest minimum wage in 2026?
The highest minimum wage in 2026 will be in Luxembourg — €2,704 per month.
In which countries did the minimum wage not increase in 2026?
Belgium, Estonia, Greece, Spain, Luxembourg, and Slovenia did not see any increases.
Can Ukrainians legally work in the EU for the minimum wage?
Yes, if they have the appropriate work permits and a legal employment contract.