In an attempt to attract more foreigners with professional qualifications, four European Union member states have simplified their EU Blue Card rules so far this year.
Highly qualified non-EU workers are permitted to live and work in the EU with an EU Blue Card.
While there are some predetermined requirements to qualify for an EU Blue Card, each member state is free to amend some regulations. Thus far in 2024, Greece, Estonia, Italy, and Slovakia are the four nations that have streamlined their EU Blue Card regulations.
Apart from the aforementioned four EU nations, Sweden has also declared its intention to relax its EU Blue Cad requirements
Greece now accepts applications for EU Blue Cards from holders of short-stay visas and those under the visa-free regime
Foreign nationals are encouraged to choose to go through the pre-screening process even though it may lengthen the time it takes to process their EU Blue Card application and prevent them from having their application denied or from being required to submit further paperwork.
A €300 application fee must be paid up front in order to apply for a Greek EU Blue Card. The card can be renewed for a charge of €450, and its validity is limited to two years.
Many of the requirements for the EU Blue Card have been met by Estonia.
Estonia made the decision to ease five of its regulations for anyone applying for EU Blue Cards earlier in April 2024. After that, foreign nationals are no longer needed to produce proof of education in order to apply for Estonia’s EU Blue Card, as long as they have five years of professional experience in a related subject.
Before such a change came into force, only foreigners who held university degrees were eligible to apply for the document.
Apart from the aforementioned, Estonia has also reduced the length of job offers and the time that an employee is permitted to remain on Estonian soil.
According to the new regulations, foreign nationals who have held an EU Blue card for less than six years are eligible to stay unemployed in Estonia for a maximum of three months. However, persons who have had an EU Blue Card for longer than two years are eligible to stay unemployed in Estonia for a maximum of six months.
Additionally, Estonia has made it simpler for foreign nationals with EU Blue Cards to switch jobs. These employees are no longer need to adhere to the labor market testing requirements in order to switch employers.
They still have a duty to let their employers know that they want to relocate, though.
Italy Allows Employers to Request Foreign Workers with EU Blue Cards Online
Italy now allows firms to submit requests online, making it easier for them to hire foreign workers under the EU Blue Card.
Italian firms can seek highly qualified staff in several industries using the internet platform. Highly qualified non-EU workers can apply for the posts after the businesses make the requests, and if they are approved, they will receive EU Blue Cards.
Approximately €24,790 is the minimum wage required to obtain an EU Blue Card for Italy. The cost of obtaining an Italian Blue Card is €00, and this also applies to renewing it.
Slovakia Has Loosed Three EU Blue Card Requirements
Slovakia has also chosen to streamline certain EU Blue Card regulations in light of the country’s present labor difficulties.
Slovakia loosened the requirements for qualifying with professional experience as of July 15, 2024. Employers in Slovakia can now choose from a larger pool of applicants when hiring competent international labor.
Furthermore, the nation has cut the minimum wage criteria and extended the EU Blue Card’s validity length from four to five years. The minimum income required to obtain an EU Blue Card has been reduced to 1.2 times the national average pay.
Sweden Will Soon Reduce EU Blue Card Salary Requirement
Unlike the other nations listed above, Sweden has not yet facilitated its EU Blue Card regulations. A few modifications have already been declared by the nation and are anticipated to take effect shortly
Sweden is to shortly reduce the minimum wage criterion in an effort to simplify the requirements for acquiring an EU Blue Card.
Sweden wishes to lower the wage requirement—which is currently 1.5 times the average monthly pay in Sweden—to 1.25 times the average monthly salary in order to qualify for the card.
This implies that applicants for EU Blue Cards will be able to obtain the document as soon as the new regulations are put into effect, provided that they earn €4,300 per month instead.
Sweden Will Soon Reduce EU Blue Card Salary Requirement
Unlike the other nations listed above, Sweden has not yet facilitated its EU Blue Card regulations. A few modifications have already been declared by the nation and are anticipated to take effect shortly.
Sweden intends to reduce the required minimum wage in an effort to make the requirements for acquiring an EU Blue Card easier.
Sweden aims to make it easier for foreigners who hold a Swedish residency and work permit to transfer to the EU Blue Card as part of its efforts to attract more international talent.
What Does an EU Blue Card Require to Be Eligible?
Foreign workers need to meet a certain requirements in order to apply for an EU Blue Card. These are as follows:
Show that they possess more advanced professional training.
Work as an employee for pay.
own a gross yearly income that is at least 1.5 times the average national pay, unless a lower salary barrier is in place.
Show a legitimate work contract for at least a year that is being performed in an EU nation.
possess the required travel documentation, such as health insurance.
In situations where the profession is regulated, demonstrate that the legal prerequisites for practicing the profession have been met.
The appropriate authorities in the nation where the foreign workers want to work must receive the application for an EU Blue Card.
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