Four EU Countries Ease EU Blue Card Rules to Attract Skilled Foreign Workers

In a bid to attract more highly qualified professionals from outside the European Union, four EU member states have simplified their EU Blue Card regulations in 2024. The EU Blue Card is a permit that allows non-EU workers with high qualifications to live and work within the bloc. While there are standardized criteria for obtaining an EU Blue Card, individual member states have the authority to adjust certain rules. Greece, Estonia, Italy, and Slovakia have all made such changes this year. Additionally, Sweden has announced plans to relax its EU Blue Card requirements soon.

Greece Now Allows Visa-Free Visitors and Short-Stay Visa Holders to Apply for an EU Blue Card

As part of its efforts to make it easier for highly qualified foreigners to work in the country, Greece has introduced new rules effective from June 5, 2024. The country now allows individuals who enter under the visa-free regime or hold a short-stay Schengen visa to apply for an EU Blue Card. Greece has also altered the pre-screening process for applicants. Previously mandatory, pre-screening is now optional. Although this process can delay the issuance of the EU Blue Card, applicants are advised to undergo pre-screening to minimize the risk of their applications being rejected or requiring additional documentation.

For those applying for a Greek EU Blue Card, an initial fee of €300 is required, and the card is valid for two years. Applicants seeking to renew their Blue Card must pay a fee of €450.

Estonia Simplifies Its EU Blue Card Conditions

In April 2024, Estonia made significant changes to its EU Blue Card rules, facilitating the application process. Now, foreigners with five years of relevant professional experience are eligible to apply for Estonia’s EU Blue Card without needing to present educational qualifications. Previously, only those with university degrees could apply for the document.

Estonia has also reduced the required job offer durations and the period during which cardholders are permitted to stay in the country. According to the new regulations, EU Blue Card holders who have been in the country for less than six years can remain unemployed in Estonia for up to three months. Those who have held the card for more than two years can stay unemployed for up to six months.

Moreover, Estonia has made it easier for EU Blue Card holders to change employers without adhering to labor market testing criteria, although they must still inform their current employers of their intention to switch jobs.

Italy Enables Employers to Submit EU Blue Card Requests Online

To streamline the hiring process for foreign professionals, Italy has introduced an online portal allowing employers to submit requests for highly qualified workers. Through this portal, employers can request workers in various fields, and non-EU professionals meeting the qualifications can apply for these positions. If selected, they are issued EU Blue Cards.

The minimum salary threshold for an Italian EU Blue Card is approximately €24,790. The initial and renewal fees for the card are set at €00 each.

Slovakia Relaxes Three Key EU Blue Card Rules

In response to ongoing labor shortages, Slovakia has also taken steps to ease its EU Blue Card regulations. As of July 15, 2024, the country has relaxed professional experience eligibility requirements, allowing employers to hire skilled foreign workers from a broader pool of candidates.

Additionally, Slovakia has extended the validity period of the EU Blue Card from four to five years and lowered the minimum salary requirement. The new minimum salary for an EU Blue Card is now set at 1.2 times the average salary in the country.

Sweden to Soon Lower EU Blue Card Salary Requirement

While Sweden has not yet implemented changes, it has announced plans to ease its EU Blue Card conditions. The country intends to lower the minimum salary requirement for eligibility, reducing it from the current 1.5 times the average monthly salary in Sweden to 1.25 times. This adjustment means that once the new rules are in place, EU Blue Card applicants will need to earn at least €4,300 per month, down from the previous €5,200 threshold.

As part of its strategy to attract more foreign talent, Sweden also aims to make it easier for foreigners holding a Swedish residence and work permit to transition to the EU Blue Card. Additionally, the new rules are expected to simplify the process for those who already hold an EU Blue Card from another EU country and wish to apply for a Swedish one.

Eligibility Criteria for an EU Blue Card

To be eligible for an EU Blue Card, foreign workers must meet several criteria, including proving higher professional qualifications, working as a paid employee, and earning an annual gross income of at least 1.5 times the average national salary, unless a lower threshold applies. They must also present a work contract valid for at least one year in an EU country, possess all necessary travel documents, including health insurance, and meet any legal requirements for practicing their profession in cases where it is regulated.

Applications for the EU Blue Card must be submitted to the relevant authorities in the country where the foreign workers intend to work.

By fLEXI tEAM