September 9th, 2024 at 10:29 am

EU Blue Card Regulations: How European Nations Are Facilitating Skilled Workers’ Entry

Revisions are being made to EU Blue Card regulations by member states to draw in highly qualified non-EU professionals. To facilitate skilled workers’ economic contributions, Greece, Estonia, Italy, Slovakia, and Sweden have implemented measures to streamline application procedures, reduce pay thresholds, and prolong validity periods.

To draw in more foreign experts, several EU member states have recently modified and streamlined their EU Blue Card regulations. Notable modifications have been enacted in 2024 by Greece, Estonia, Italy, and Slovakia; Sweden is also intending to loosen its regulations shortly. These modifications are part of a larger initiative to simplify the procedure for highly skilled non-EU workers to reside and work within the EU.

Overview: EU Blue Card

For highly competent non-EU nationals, there is a work visa and residency permit called the EU Blue Card. It offers a route to permanent residency by enabling holders to live and work in the majority of EU nations. Every EU member state has unique requirements and is free to modify the law to suit regional demands.

Changes to EU Blue Card Rules in 2024

1. Greece: More Accessible for Short-Term and Visa-Free Travelers

Greece has altered the EU Blue Card regulations significantly to draw in more highly qualified international workers. Starting on June 5, 2024, visitors entering Greece without a visa or with a short-term Schengen visa are eligible to apply for an EU Blue Card.

The pre-screening procedure was formerly necessary for all applicants, but the new guidelines allow for its optionality. It is still advised to finish the pre-screening, though, to prevent delays or application rejection.

Principal Modifications:

• Permits holders of short-term, visa-free Schengen visas to apply for an EU Blue Card.
• Makes pre-screening voluntary as opposed to required.
• The renewal charge is €450, while the application fee is €300.
• A two-year EU Blue Card is valid.

Impact: By improving accessibility and lowering administrative barriers, these modifications increase Greece’s appeal as a destination for highly qualified international workers. Greece hopes to increase its skilled labor force and foster economic growth by loosening entry requirements.

2. Estonia: Work Experience Supersedes Academic Credentials

Estonia updated its EU Blue Card requirements in April 2024, giving preference to work experience over formal education. With this modification, the EU Blue Card is now available to foreign nationals with five years of relevant work experience, extending eligibility beyond individuals holding university degrees.

Additionally, Estonia changed the terms of employment, facilitating cardholders’ ability to switch employers and handle unemployment.

Principal Modifications:

• Simplifies the procedure for switching employment, with the caveat that notifying the present employer is still necessary, and there is no need to complete labor market testing requirements.
• Gives recognition to five years of work experience rather than requiring a college degree.
• Permits cardholders who have been in the nation for less than six months to be unemployed for up to three months, and for those who have held an EU Blue Card for more than two years, up to six months.

Impact: By extending the EU Blue Card’s eligibility, these changes draw in a wider pool of highly qualified workers. By placing a high value on professional experience and providing flexible work arrangements, Estonia improves its labor market by drawing in talent from outside the EU.

3. Italy: Employers’ Online Application System

Italy has streamlined the hiring process for highly qualified non-EU nationals by introducing an online application mechanism for firms to request EU Blue Cards for international workers.

Employers in Italy should find it simpler and faster to hire qualified candidates across a range of industries with the help of this digital strategy. In Italy, the minimum wage required to qualify for an EU Blue Card is roughly €24,790.

Principal Modifications:

• Employers are now able to apply online for EU Blue Cards.
• Streamlines the recruiting process for highly competent non-EU workers.
• EU Blue Card holders must make at least €24,790 per year.
• There is no charge to apply for or renew an EU Blue Card.

Impact of Changes: By lowering administrative costs and speeding up the recruiting process, the online approach improves Italy’s capacity to draw in foreign talent. This simplified procedure helps companies and candidates alike, allowing qualified non-EU workers to enter the Italian labor market more quickly.

4. Slovakia: Lower Salary Requirements and Extended Validity

Slovakia has changed its EU Blue Card regulations as of July 15, 2024, in response to manpower shortages. The minimum salary criterion has been lowered to 1.2 times the average national pay, and the EU Blue Card’s validity has been extended from four to five years. By extending eligibility and providing more favorable terms, these modifications aim to draw in more foreign skilled labor.

Principal Modifications:

• The EU Blue Card’s four-year validity was extended to five years.
• Lowered the minimum wage requirement to 1.2 times the average salary in the country.
• Simplifies the process for skilled foreign workers to gain professional expertise.

Impact of Changes: By providing longer residency and lower wage limits, these modifications make Slovakia a more alluring destination for highly trained professionals. To help fill important labor shortages in Slovakia, this strategy seeks to meet labor market needs and draw in a larger pool of competent individuals.

5. Sweden: Expected Salary Requirements Reductions

The EU Blue Card wage requirement will be lowered by Sweden from 1.5 times to 1.25 times the average monthly salary. This modification intends to streamline the procedure for current permit holders and foreign holders of EU Blue Cards, while also making it simpler for qualified professionals to meet the requirements.

Principal Modifications:

• The minimum salary threshold will be lowered from 1.5 times to 1.25 times the average monthly pay.
• The monthly barrier has been reduced from €5,200 to €4,300.
• Simplifies the transfer of Swedish residency and work permits to the EU Blue Card.
• Simplifies processes for people who have EU Blue Cards from different EU nations.

Impact: By decreasing salary requirements and simplifying transitions, Sweden’s proposed revisions are anticipated to draw in more foreign talent. These changes improve Sweden’s capacity to meet labor market demands and increase its appeal as a location for highly qualified workers.

Eligibility Criteria for the EU Blue Card

An EU Blue Card candidate must fulfill several requirements to be eligible:

• Show more advanced professional training.
• Hold a job that pays well.
• Unless a lower requirement is applicable, earn a gross yearly wage that is at least 1.5 times the national average.
• Possess a job contract that is at least one year old.
• Keep any required travel documentation, such as your health insurance.
• Fulfill the legal requirements of the host country if the occupation is regulated to practice it.

Benefits of the EU Blue Card

• Work Authorization: Possessing an EU Blue Card entitles its bearer to work across all EU member states.
• Family Reunification: EU citizens with Blue Cards are permitted to bring their relatives.
• Path to Permanent Residency: Blue Card holders may be qualified for permanent residency after a predetermined amount of time spent in the country.
• Freedom of Movement: Blue Card holders are allowed to move around the Schengen region at will.

Conclusion

For talented professionals looking for a job or a fresh start in Europe, the EU Blue Card presents a significant opportunity. The process of getting this visa is now easier than ever thanks to recent changes made by several member nations.