The comparative analysis also showed that Moldova has one of the highest rates of minimum wage growth.
Details by country:
Moldova: The minimum wage from January 1, 2026 is 6,300 lei (about 320 euros), 15% higher than in 2025 (5,500 lei).
Romania: Until July 1, 2026, the minimum gross wage remains at the 2025 level of 4,050 lei (about 795 euros). The nontaxable amount is 300 lei per month. From July 1, 2026, the minimum wage rises to 4,325 lei (+6.8%), while the non-taxable amount is reduced to 200 lei.
Latvia: From January 1, 2026, the minimum wage is 780 euros per month. Until now, the level of 740 euros has been in force since 2023. That is, the increase amounted to 5.4%.
Lithuania: The minimum monthly wage from January 1, 2026 increased from €1,038 to €1,153 (+11%), the minimum hourly rate – from €6.35 to €7.05.
Estonia: The minimum wage for 2026 has not yet been approved. Employers propose an increase of 5.1% (to about 931 euros), labor unions demand an increase of 11.8% (to 991 euros). The state has until January 6 to present a compromise solution. Until then, the 2025 level of 886 euros is in effect.
Poland: The gross minimum wage from January 1, 2026 is PLN 4,806 per month (about €1,100), up 3% from the 2025 level. Unlike in previous years, there is no mid-year increase.
Bulgaria: From January 1, 2026, the minimum wage increases by 12.6% compared to 2025 to 1,213 leva (about €620).
Germany: As of January 1, 2026, the minimum wage is 13.90 euros per hour. For a full month (about 173 hours with a standard 40-hour week), this is about €2,400-2,500 gross.
Russia: As of January 1, 2026, the federal minimum wage is 27,093 rubles per month (about 292 euros), which is 20.7% above the 2025 level. The minimum wage is taken into account before income tax is deducted, so after deductions an employee receives about 23,570 rubles. In some regions, the increase will be higher due to coefficients and allowances.
Ukraine: From January 1, 2026, the minimum wage will be UAH 8,647 (about EUR 174), which is UAH 647 more than the level of 2025 (+8%).
Belarus: From January 1, 2026, the minimum wage is 858 Belarusian rubles (about 318 euros), an increase of 18.2%.
Kazakhstan: In 2026, the minimum wage remains unchanged at 85,000 tenge (about 143 euros).
