Introduction: Easing Restrictions to Address Labor Shortages
In 2024, four European Union member states – Greece, Estonia, Italy, and Slovakia – have taken significant steps to simplify their EU Blue Card rules. This strategic move aims to attract more highly qualified non-EU workers to live and work within the bloc, addressing ongoing labor shortages across various industries. The 2024 EU Blue Card reforms top European countries for skilled workers reflect a broader trend of adapting immigration policies to meet specific labor market needs.
The EU Blue Card is a document that allows skilled professionals from outside the EU to legally reside and work in the European Union. While there are standard eligibility criteria, each member state has the flexibility to modify certain rules to better suit their specific labor market needs.
In addition to these four countries, Sweden has also announced plans to ease its own EU Blue Card conditions in the near future.
Greece Relaxes Pre-Screening and Visa Requirements
As part of its efforts to make it easier for highly skilled foreigners to work in the country, Greece has implemented several changes to its EU Blue Card rules since June 2024. The 2024 EU Blue Card reforms top European countries for skilled workers include Greece’s new policies aimed at attracting more talent.
Firstly, Greece now permits individuals entering the country under the visa-free regime or holding a short-stay Schengen visa to apply for an EU Blue Card. Previously, this was not an option.
Secondly, Greece has made the pre-screening process for EU Blue Card applicants optional. While this step can prolong the processing time, applicants now have the choice to undergo the pre-screening or not. This added flexibility is intended to streamline the application process.
When applying for a Greek EU Blue Card, the initial fee is €300, and the card is valid for two years. Renewal requires a €450 fee.
Estonia Expands Eligibility and Eases Job Mobility
In April 2024, Estonia introduced several facilitations to its EU Blue Card rules. The most significant change is that foreigners with at least five years of relevant professional experience can now apply for the card, even if they do not hold a university degree.
Previously, only those with higher education qualifications were eligible for the Estonian EU Blue Card. This new provision allows a wider pool of skilled workers to access the program.
Additionally, Estonia has reduced the required job offer duration and the employment period during which a Blue Card holder can remain unemployed within the country’s territory. Specifically, Blue Card holders with less than six years of experience can be unemployed for up to three months, while those with more than two years of experience can be unemployed for up to six months.
Furthermore, Estonia has simplified the process for Blue Card holders to change employers, removing the need for labor market testing. However, they must still inform their current employer of their intention to change jobs.
Italy Streamlines Employer Applications Online
To make the hiring of highly qualified non-EU workers more efficient, Italy has introduced an online portal for employers to submit requests for EU Blue Card positions.
Through this digital platform, Italian employers can easily request skilled professionals in various fields. Once the employer makes a request, eligible non-EU workers can apply for the position and, if they meet the requirements, be issued an EU Blue Card.
The minimum salary threshold for an Italian EU Blue Card is set at around €24,790. The initial application fee is €00, and the renewal fee is the same.
Slovakia Relaxes Experience Requirements and Lowers Salary Thresholds
Facing labor shortages, Slovakia has also taken steps to simplify its EU Blue Card rules. The 2024 EU Blue Card reforms top European countries for skilled workers include Slovakia’s updated policies aimed at expanding the talent pool.
Effective July 2024, the country has relaxed its professional experience eligibility pathways, allowing employers to hire from a wider pool of skilled foreign workers.
Additionally, Slovakia has increased the validity period of the EU Blue Card from four to five years and lowered the minimum salary requirement. The new minimum salary for a Slovak EU Blue Card is 1.2 times the average salary in the country, down from the previous threshold.
Sweden Plans to Reduce Salary Thresholds and Ease Transitions
While the other countries have already implemented changes, Sweden has announced plans to ease its EU Blue Card conditions in the near future.
The key change Sweden intends to make is lowering the minimum salary requirement for the EU Blue Card. Currently, applicants must earn at least 1.5 times the average monthly salary in Sweden. This will be reduced to 1.25 times the average monthly salary, equating to approximately €4,300 per month instead of €5,200.
Additionally, Sweden aims to simplify the process for foreigners holding Swedish residence and work permits to transition to the EU Blue Card. The country also plans to streamline the application procedure for those who already hold an EU Blue Card issued by another member state.
Eligibility Criteria for the EU Blue Card
To be eligible for an EU Blue Card, foreign workers must meet the following criteria:
- Prove they have higher professional qualifications.
- Work as a paid employee.
- Have an annual gross income of at least one and a half times the average national salary, except when a lower salary threshold is applied.
- Present a work contract in an EU country with a validity of at least one year.
- Have all necessary travel documents, including health insurance.
- Prove fulfillment of legal requirements to practice the profession, if the occupation is regulated.
The application for an EU Blue Card must be submitted to the competent authorities in the country where the foreign worker wishes to be employed.
Conclusion: Attracting Global Talent to Address Labor Shortages
By simplifying their EU Blue Card rules, Greece, Estonia, Italy, Slovakia, and soon Sweden, are taking proactive steps to attract highly skilled non-EU professionals to work within their borders. This strategic move aims to address ongoing labor shortages across various industries and strengthen the competitiveness of the European labor market.
The eased requirements, such as relaxed visa and pre-screening processes, expanded eligibility criteria, streamlined employer application procedures, and reduced salary thresholds, are expected to make the EU Blue Card program more accessible and appealing to global talent. As a result, these countries are positioning themselves as attractive destinations for skilled foreign workers, fostering economic growth and innovation.
For those navigating the complexities of the EU Blue Card application and other immigration matters, booking a consultation with our experts can provide invaluable assistance. Our team is well-versed in the latest regulations and reforms, ensuring that your application is handled efficiently and accurately. We offer personalized guidance to help you understand the requirements, gather the necessary documentation, and address any potential issues. Let us manage the details and streamline the process, so you can focus on your new opportunities. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and take the first step towards a successful immigration journey.
FAQs
1: What is the EU Blue Card?
The EU Blue Card is a residence and work permit that allows highly qualified non-EU citizens to live and work in an EU member state. It provides more favorable conditions compared to other work visas, such as the ability to move freely between EU countries and easier access to long-term residency.
2: Who is eligible for the EU Blue Card?
To be eligible for an EU Blue Card, you must:
- Have a valid job offer or employment contract of at least 1 year
- Earn a minimum salary that is at least 1.5 times the average national salary in the EU country you are applying to (some countries have lower thresholds)
- Have higher professional qualifications, such as a university degree or at least 5 years of relevant work experience
- Provide the necessary travel documents and proof of health insurance.
3: Which EU countries participate in the EU Blue Card scheme?
25 out of the 27 EU member states participate in the EU Blue Card program. The countries that issue EU Blue Cards include Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, and many others. The specific requirements and salary thresholds vary by country. Denmark and Ireland do not participate in the EU Blue Card scheme.
4: What are the benefits of the EU Blue Card?
Key benefits of the EU Blue Card include:
- The ability to live and work in the EU country that issued the card
- The option to renew the card and extend your stay
- The right to bring family members and have them work in the EU
- Easier access to long-term residency in the EU
- Freedom to travel to other EU countries for up to 90 days.
5: How do I apply for an EU Blue Card?
To apply for an EU Blue Card, you or your employer must submit an application to the competent authorities in the EU country where you want to work. The application process typically involves:
- Securing a job offer from an EU-based employer
- Undergoing a labor market test (if required by the country)
- Gathering the necessary documents, such as your passport, qualifications, work contract, and proof of health insurance
- Submitting the completed application form and paying any required fees
The authorities must provide a decision on your application within 90 days