Sunday, September 8, 2024 Several European Union (EU) countries are revising their EU Blue Card regulations to attract skilled professionals from outside the EU. Greece, Estonia, Italy, Slovakia, and Sweden have recently implemented or plan to introduce changes to simplify the process, lower salary requirements, and extend the validity of Blue Cards, making it easier for foreign professionals to contribute to their economies. A number of EU member states have revamped their Blue Card rules in 2024, with Greece, Estonia, Italy, and Slovakia leading the charge.
Sweden is also set to introduce its own adjustments to enhance its attractiveness to non-EU professionals. These reforms reflect a collective effort to streamline the pathway for skilled workers from outside the EU to live and work within its borders. The EU Blue Card is a permit that allows highly qualified professionals from outside the EU to live and work in most EU countries, offering a route to permanent residency.
Each EU nation sets specific criteria for the Blue Card, which can be updated to align with local needs. Key Reforms: 2. Estonia: Recognizing Professional Experience Estonia revised its Blue Card requirements in April 2024 to focus on professional experience rather than formal academic qualifications.
Foreigners with at least five years of relevant experience can now qualify for the Blue Card, offering more opportunities for non-degree holders. Key Reforms: Italy has rolled out a new online platform for employers to apply for EU Blue Cards on behalf of foreign professionals, simplifying the recruitment process for highly skilled non-EU workers. This digital shift aims to speed up the hiring process, making it more efficient for Italian companies to attract talent across various sectors.
The minimum salary for Blue Card eligibility in Italy is set at approximately €24,790. Key Reforms: Impact: This new online system improves Italy’s competitiveness in attracting foreign talent by reducing paperwork and expediting the hiring process. It provides a more seamless experience for both employers and skilled non-EU professionals seeking opportunities in Italy.
Facing labor shortages, Slovakia revised its EU Blue Card regulations on July 15, 2024. The Blue Card’s validity has been extended from four to five years, while the minimum salary requirement has been reduced to 1.2 times the national average.
These adjustments are designed to attract more foreign professionals by offering longer residency and lower salary barriers. Key Reforms: Impact: Slovakia’s updates make it a more enticing destination for skilled foreign workers by providing extended residency and competitive salary requirements. These changes aim to address labor shortages and attract a broader talent pool to support the country’s workforce needs.
Sweden is preparing to lower the EU Blue Card salary requirement from 1.5 times the national average salary to 1.25 times, making it easier for skilled professionals to qualify.
The new monthly threshold will be reduced to €4,300 from €5,200. The reforms also simplify transitions for both existing permit holders and EU Blue Card holders from other EU nations. Key Reforms: Impact: Sweden’s forthcoming changes are expected to attract more foreign professionals by lowering financial barriers and simplifying procedures.
These reforms aim to meet labor market demands and make Sweden a more accessible destination for skilled talent. Requirements for EU Blue Card Eligibility To obtain an EU Blue Card, applicants must meet several key criteria: The EU Blue Card offers several advantages for skilled professionals: The EU Blue Card presents a valuable opportunity for highly qualified professionals seeking employment in Europe. With recent reforms simplifying the application process in several EU countries, the Blue Card has become more accessible than ever, opening new doors for skilled workers looking to establish their careers in Europe.
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