EU countries simplify rules for Blue Card

In 2024, four European Union member states simplified the rules for obtaining the EU Blue Card, which allows highly skilled professionals from non-EU countries to live and work in the bloc's countries. The changes are aimed at attracting more skilled workers. Among the countries that have simplified the rules are Greece, Estonia, Italy and Slovakia. In addition, Sweden also plans to relax the conditions for obtaining a Blue Card.

Greece will allow people who entered the country without a visa or with a short-term visa to apply for a Blue Card from June 2024. The pre-selection procedure, which is now voluntary, has also been simplified. In Estonia, as of April 2024, the rules for obtaining the Blue Card have been relaxed for applicants with five years of work experience, allowing them to apply without a university degree.

Italy simplified the application process for employers by allowing them to apply for highly skilled foreign workers through an online portal, speeding up the hiring process. Slovakia eased work experience requirements, extended the validity of the Blue Card from four to five years, and lowered the minimum salary threshold.

Sweden plans to lower the minimum salary requirements for the Blue Card and simplify the process of changing status from a residence and work permit to a Blue Card. The salary requirements have also been lowered for those who already hold a Blue Card from another EU country.