These 4 Countries made the EU Blue Card easy. Find out how?

Highlights: Which EU countries have eased rules for obtaining an EU Blue Card?

• Four EU countries have eased their criteria for obtaining an EU Blue Card.
• Greece, Italy, Estonia, and Slovakia have simplified obtaining an EU Blue Card.
• Sweden is also planning to streamline some of the EU Blue Card rules.
• The new changes aim to address the labor market demands of these countries.

 

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Eased rules for obtaining an EU Blue Card

According to Schengen News reports, Four EU countries have simplified the rules for obtaining an EU Blue Card. Greece, Estonia, Italy, and Slovakia eased the rules to address labor force shortages in these countries.

 

The EU Blue Card can be obtained from any member state, and each member state has the authority to amend certain rules and criteria. Sweden has also announced plans to simplify the conditions for obtaining the EU Blue Card.

 

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Greece: Changes in EU Blue Card Rules

Greece is now allowing Visa-Free Regime and Short-stay visa holders to apply for an EU Blue Card. This change has come into effect since June 05, 2024, and aims to facilitate the immigration process for highly qualified professionals migrating for employment purposes.

 

The country has also simplified the pre-screening requirements for the EU Blue Card. As per the new rules, candidates can now choose if they want to take the pre-screening process or not. However, applicants are advised to undergo the process to avoid application rejections or being asked to provide supporting documents.

 

Candidates applying for an EU Blue Card from Greece must initially pay a fee of €300. The validity period of the Greek EU Blue Card is two years, and a renewal fee of €450 is charged to renewal applicants.

 

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Estonia: Changes in EU Blue Card Rules

Since the changes announced in April 2024, Estonia is allowing eligible candidates to apply for an EU Blue after completing five years of work experience in a relevant field. Such applicants are no longer required to provide documents demonstrating their academic qualifications.

 

Under the new rules, EU Blue Card holders can remain unemployed in the Estonian territory for up to three months if they acquired their EU Blue Card not more than six years ago. Foreign workers with an EU Blue Card for over 2 years can be unemployed in Estonia for up to six months.

 

EU Blue Card holders in Estonia can now easily look for a change of job of employers. The new rules allow them to change their employer even without the labor market testing criteria. However, foreign workers who are willing to change their workplace must inform their current employer.

 

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Italy: Changes in EU Blue Card Rules

Italy now allows employers to recruit foreign workers by requesting through an online portal. Italian employers can use the online portal to request for highly qualified employees in different sectors.

 

Highly qualified non-EU employees can apply for job roles after an employer has made the request. They can get their EU Blue Cards in Italy on meeting the job requirements.

 

The minimum income requirement to obtain an EU Blue Card in Italy is €24,790. The initial fee for an Italian Blue Card is €100, and the renewal fee is also €100.

 

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Slovakia: Changes in EU Blue Card Rules

Slovakia has eased three of its EU Card rules from July 15, 2024. The professional experience eligibility pathways in Slovakia have been relaxed. Slovak employers can now recruit foreign skilled workers from a wider applicant pool.

 

In line with the new rules, the EU Blue Card is now valid for 5 years instead of the earlier validity period of 4 years. Slovakia has also reduced the salary threshold for EU Blue card applicants by 1.2 times as compared to other EU countries.

 

Sweden: Changes to be made in EU Blue Card Rules

Sweden has also announced changes in EU Blue Card rules, which will soon be effective. The minimum salary requirement for EU Blue Card applicants is to be lowered in Sweden.

 

The country aims to simplify the process of acquiring an EU Blue Card in Sweden for candidates who already have an EU Blue Card from another country. The new rules to be implemented will make it easier for Swedish residence permit holders and work permit holders to obtain an EU Blue Card in Sweden.

 

The country is planning to reduce the salary threshold by 1.25 times as compared to the average monthly salary requirement in other EU countries. Once the new rules come into effect, EU Blue Card applicants will be required to earn at least €4,300 per month instead of the current monthly requirement of €5,200.

 

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EU Blue Card Eligibility Criteria

You would be eligible to apply for an EU Blue Card if you:

 

• Can prove that you are highly qualified
• Are a paid employee
• Meer the income requirements
• Have a valid job offer or employment contract in the EU valid for at least one year
• Can present all travel and health insurance documents
• Meet legal requirements as per your job role

 

EU Blue Card applications must be submitted to the authorities of the country where you want to work.

 

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