Eased rules for obtaining an EU Blue Card.
Schengen News says that the requirements for acquiring an EU Blue Card have been streamlined in four EU member states. To alleviate labor shortages, Slovakia, Greece, Estonia, Italy, and other nations loosened their regulations.
Any member state may issue the EU Blue Card, and each member state is free to change the requirements and regulations. Plans to streamline the requirements for acquiring the EU Blue Card have also been revealed by Sweden.
Greece: Revised EU Blue Card Regulations.
Holders of short-stay and visa-free regimes can now apply for an EU Blue Card in Greece. This amendment went into effect on June 5, 2024, with the intention of making the immigration procedure easier for highly skilled individuals who are moving abroad for work.
Additionally, the nation has streamlined the prerequisites for the EU Blue Card pre-screening. Applicants from Greece who wish to apply for an EU Blue Card must first pay a €300 fee.
Estonia: Revised EU Blue Card Regulations
Following the announcement of amendments in April 2024, Estonia is now enabling qualified applicants to submit an EU Blue application following the completion of five years of work experience in a suitable sector. These candidates are no longer needed to provide transcripts or other proof of their educational background.
As of right now, EU Blue Card holders who obtained their cards no more than six years ago are eligible to stay jobless in Estonia for a maximum of three months. In Estonia, a foreign worker holding an EU Blue Card for more than two years may be jobless for a maximum of six months.
Italy: Modifications to EU Blue Card Regulations
Employers may now seek international hires in Italy by utilizing an internet platform. Employers in Italy can utilize the web platform to post requests for highly skilled workers across several industries. In Italy, a minimum salary of €24,790 is required to receive an EU Blue Card. An Italian Blue Card costs €100 initially, and it costs €100 to renew it as well.
Slovakia: Revised EU Blue Card Regulations
As of July 15, 2024, Slovakia has loosened three of its EU Card regulations. Slovakia has loosened its qualifying requirements for professional expertise. Employers in Slovakia may now choose from a larger pool of overseas candidates when hiring qualified staff.
Sweden: The EU Blue Card Regulations will change
Additionally, Sweden has declared that the EU Blue Card regulations will soon alter. Sweden is planning to reduce the minimum wage criteria for applicants seeking EU Blue Cards.
