Due to the acute shortage of specialists, European countries are gradually relaxing the procedure for obtaining a Blue Card, and Luxembourg is no exception. Find out what will change for highly skilled expats in the Grand Duchy in 2024

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As of July 1, 2024, Luxembourg has simplified the rules for obtaining a visa for highly skilled workers, also known as a Blue Card. From now on, it will be easier for citizens of third countries to obtain a work visa in Luxembourg. The main goal of the Directive is to eliminate the acute shortage of workers in the state.

  What exactly will change in the procedure for obtaining a work permit for Luxembourg for highly skilled workers? Let's analyze further.

The main changes in the procedure for obtaining the Luxembourg Blue Card in 2024 and the projected impact

1. The requirements for highly qualified specialists in the field of IT and management have been simplified

Professionals with a minimum of three years of experience (within the last seven years) in management positions in the field of information and communication technologies can now obtain the Blue Card of Luxembourg, even if they do not have an academic education.

- How will this change affect? Employers will have a wider pool of applicants to hire. This change is particularly relevant given the current labor shortage in Luxembourg.

2. Holders of a Blue Card from another EU member state will now be able to work in Luxembourg on a temporary basis without additional permits

Expats holding a Blue Card from another EU member state have been granted the right to work in Luxembourg for up to 90 days (within any current 180-day period) without the need to obtain additional work permits in Luxembourg.

- How will this change affect? Such a change will help employers to more easily hire foreign highly qualified specialists for short-term work.

3. The procedure for moving to Luxembourg has been simplified for holders of a Blue Card from another EU member state

EU Blue Card holders who have lived for at least 12 months in another EU member state can now enter and work in Luxembourg. Within one month of arrival in Luxembourg, a foreigner must apply for a work permit in Luxembourg based on an existing EU Blue Card.

Previously, these persons required at least 18 months of residence in another EU member state.

- How will this change affect? Facilitates the employer's search for specialists for long-term work.

4. The procedure for changing the employer, position and industry has been simplified

Holders of the Luxembourg Blue Card can now change employers, positions and sectors 12 months after receiving the Blue Card (previously the deadline was 24 months). The only condition is to notify the authorities of changes.

- How will this change affect? Easing restrictions on changing employers, sectors and positions provide more flexibility for EU Blue Card holders, which can lead to longer stays of professionals in the country.

5. Minimum wage requirements have been reduced

The level of the minimum salary for obtaining a Blue Card has been lowered to the average gross annual salary in Luxembourg. Currently, it is 58,968 euros, previously, in order to receive a Blue Card, an expat had to have a contract with an income level of at least 88,452 euros. In addition, there is no longer a difference between minimum wage levels for scarce occupations or positions that were not on this list.

- How will this change affect? A greater number of expats will be able to move to Luxembourg on the visa of highly qualified specialists.

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6. Holders of the Blue Card will be able to work part-time in other positions

Holders of the Luxembourg Blue Card can now additionally perform work outside the scope of the permit, provided that they continue to work in their main job. Previously, in order to find a part-time job, it was necessary to obtain an additional permit.

7. The mandatory duration of the contract has been reduced

From now on, an employment contract lasting 6 months is sufficient to obtain a Blue Card, previously this term was 12 months.

8. The family reunification procedure has been accelerated

Family members of a Luxembourg Blue Card holder who hold a Blue Card from another EU member state are now entitled to an accelerated family reunification procedure of up to 30 days (depending on the circumstances). The previous application processing time was 9 months.

9. It is not necessary to leave Luxembourg for the extension of the permit

EU Blue Card holders can now continue to live and work in Luxembourg while their card is being re-registered, even if it expires during the renewal period.

10. In case of job loss, the Blue Card remains valid

From now on, Blue Card holders will be able to keep their permit even if they have lost their job – for three months for those who have worked on the basis of the card for less than two years, or for six months if the Blue Card has been valid for more than two years.

In addition to Luxembourg, Estonia and Italy also simplified the procedure for obtaining a Blue Card in 2024.

What is the EU Blue Card?

The EU Blue Card is a residence and work permit in one of the European countries for highly qualified workers. It can be issued by citizens of states that are not members of the union. The card makes the procedure of employment in Europe much easier for specialists.

On the basis of the Blue Card, a foreigner can enter the EU, stay and work in the country that issued it, as well as move freely within the Union states. The advantage is that it is allowed to move together with the family. Also, the owner of the Blue Card receives all the rights, like a citizen of the country.

The requirements and procedure for obtaining an EU Blue Card in 2024 are in this article.

In general, the changes approved by Luxembourg are aimed at optimizing and improving the Blue Card system in the country. The new permit will be more adapted to the needs of the market, and the entry process for highly qualified professionals in Luxembourg will also be simplified.

We will remind you! Luxembourg continues to attract expats with favorable working conditions, high income and low crime rate. If you are considering moving here for work in 2024, learn more about the employment procedure in Luxembourg in this article.

Igor Usyk - Head of Legal Department at Visit World

The consultation of a migration lawyer will help to understand the visa requirements of Luxembourg and guide the expat about the main changes in the procedure for obtaining a Blue Card. We help to solve complex and simple issues for your comfort and safety in Luxembourg.

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