Greece, Estonia, Italy and Slovakia have simplified the criteria for obtaining an EU Blue Card. This decision was made in order to attract foreigners with professional qualifications. Learn more about the criteria for obtaining an EU Blue Card in these countries

This year, 4 European Union member states have simplified the rules for obtaining an EU Blue Card in an effort to attract more highly qualified professionals from abroad. The EU Blue Card is a document that allows professionals from non-EU countries to legally live and work in the Union.

Although there are general criteria for obtaining a Blue Card, each EU member state has the opportunity to adapt certain rules to national needs. In 2024, Greece, Estonia, Italy, and Slovakia introduced a simplified procedure for obtaining a Blue Card, according to Schengen.News.

In addition to these countries, Sweden has also announced plans to ease the conditions for obtaining a Blue Card, which indicates a general trend towards simplifying access for foreign professionals within the EU.

Criteria for obtaining the EU Blue Card in Greece

On June 5, 2024, Greece introduced new rules that simplify the process of obtaining an EU Blue Card for highly qualified foreigners. Now, persons entering the country on a visa-free regime or holding a short-term Schengen visa can apply for this work permit while in the country.

Greece has also made changes to the pre-selection procedure. Previously, this process was a mandatory part of the Blue Card application. According to the new rules, applicants can decide whether they want to go through this stage. Although pre-qualification may lengthen the application processing time, experts advise going through it to reduce the risk of rejection of the application or request for additional documents.

Applying for a Blue Card in Greece is accompanied by an initial fee of 300 euros. The card is valid for two years, and to renew it, you need to pay 450 euros. This innovation is aimed at simplifying the process of attracting foreign specialists, which will help strengthen the labor market and the country's economy.

In our previous article, we mentioned that there is a labor shortage in Greek agriculture.

Criteria for obtaining an EU Blue Card in Estonia

In April 2024, Estonia amended five key rules for EU Blue Card applicants, making the process more accessible to foreigners. Now, foreign professionals can apply for a Blue Card if they have five years of professional experience in the relevant field, without the requirement to provide educational documents. Previously, only those with a university degree could apply for this permit.

In addition, Estonia has shortened the validity period of a job offer and the period during which a cardholder can stay in the country while unemployed. According to the new rules, foreigners with a Blue Card can stay in Estonia for up to three months without work if they have held the card for less than six years. Those who have held a Blue Card for more than two years can remain unemployed in Estonia for up to six months.

Another simplification concerns the change of employer. Foreigners holding an EU Blue Card can now change employers without having to undergo labor market testing. However, they must notify their current employer of their intention to change their job.

To learn more about the procedure for obtaining an EU Blue Card in Estonia, please follow the link.

---

For safe relocation to any country in the world, obtaining citizenship and employment, use the advice of an international lawyer. We help to solve complex and simple issues for your comfort and safety in any part of the world. 

---

Criteria for obtaining an EU Blue Card in Italy

Italy has simplified the process of hiring foreign workers with EU Blue Cards by enabling employers to submit requests online. Using a special online portal, Italian employers can quickly apply for highly qualified specialists from various fields. After submitting a request, employees from non-EU countries can apply for the relevant vacancies. If the candidate meets the requirements, he or she is issued an EU Blue Card.

To obtain the Italian Blue Card, the minimum salary level is about 24,790 euros per year. The initial fee for obtaining the card is 100 euros, and the same amount is charged for its renewal.

To learn more about the procedure for obtaining the EU Blue Card in Italy, please follow the link.

Criteria for obtaining the EU Blue Card in Slovakia

In response to the labor shortage, Slovakia has decided to relax several rules for obtaining the EU Blue Card. Since July 15, 2024, the country has simplified the requirements for professional experience, which allows employers to attract foreign specialists from a wider range of applicants.

In addition, the validity of the EU Blue Card has been extended from four to five years, which provides foreign workers with more stability. Another important innovation concerns the minimum wage: its requirements have been reduced to a level that is only 1.2 times higher than the average wage in the country.

Sweden also plans to reduce the requirements for obtaining an EU Blue Card

Unlike other countries that have already implemented changes, Sweden has not yet simplified the rules for obtaining an EU Blue Card. However, the country has already announced some changes that are expected in the near future.

Sweden plans to reduce the minimum wage requirements for obtaining a Blue Card to make the process more accessible to foreign professionals. In particular, it is proposed to reduce the salary threshold from the current 1.5 average monthly salaries in Sweden to 1.25. This means that after the new rules come into force, applicants for a Blue Card will be able to obtain the document if their salary is 4300 euros per month, instead of the current 5200 euros.

In addition, Sweden plans to simplify the process of obtaining a Blue Card for foreigners who already have a residence and work permit in the country. This also applies to those who have a Blue Card issued by another EU country. The new rules are aimed at facilitating the integration of foreign professionals and attracting more talent to the country.

To learn more about which specialists will have the easiest time finding a job in Sweden in 2024, please follow the link.

Criteria for obtaining an EU Blue Card

To apply for an EU Blue Card, foreign workers must meet a number of requirements:

- Qualifications. It is necessary to confirm the availability of a higher professional qualification that meets the requirements of the chosen profession.

- Employment. The applicant must be employed in a paid job in one of the EU countries.

- Income. The annual gross income must exceed the average salary in the country by at least 1.5 times, unless a lower threshold applies.

- Employment contract. You need to present an employment contract with an employer in an EU country, which must be valid for at least one year.

- Documents. The applicant must have all the necessary travel documents, including health insurance.

- Occupational requirements. If the profession is regulated, it is necessary to prove compliance with the requirements of the legislation on professional activity.

The application for a Blue Card is submitted to the relevant authorities of the EU country in which the employee plans to work. It is important to comply with all the requirements to ensure the successful submission and consideration of the application.

We remind you! Countries offer attractive financial incentives to attract new residents. Startup grants, affordable homes, educational opportunities, and much more. Read more about which countries are ready to pay you for moving to them and under what conditions.

---

Igor Usyk - Head of Migration department at VisitWorld

To ensure a safe move to a new country, I advise you to consult a specialist. My colleagues, qualified specialists with a legal education, will help you avoid unpleasant situations during migration.

---

Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:

Travel guide for 200 countries;

Legal advice from a local specialist on visa and migration issues;

Travel insurance around the world (please select the country of interest and citizenship to receive services);

Medical insurance all over the world.

---