A voltage level shifter for high voltage applications has a low voltage domain current mirror having first and second branches. A high voltage switch and a resistor are connected in series with the second branch. An output stage provides an output signal that is a function of a voltage difference across the resistor, and the output stage and the resistor are in the high voltage domain. Assertion of an input signal in the low voltage domain develops a first current in the first branch, and causes the high voltage switch to pass in the resistor a second current from the second branch that is a function of the first current and develops the voltage difference across the resistor. Only the high voltage switch needs to have high breakdown voltage characteristics.