EU Blue Card Historical News Items
2025
- MAY30German leading economists expect growth in 2026.
A one percent growth in 2026 is expected if the new government’s ambitious multibillion-euro investment package succeeds.
- MAY21Czech Republic to increase the minimum salary for the EU Blue Card.
The increase applies to new EU Blue Card applicants as well as those seeking an extension of the permit.
- MAY6Europe’s connection with India: The European Commissioner’s recent visit to India.
Indian professionals account for a large share of EU Blue Cards issued in 2023–24, over 20%.
- APR22Europe is stepping into the science void that is starting to appear in 2025.
France's National Research Agency launched a new initiative called 'Choose France for Science'.
- APR4Employment is rising across Europe, with unemployment steadily decreasing.
According to official EU statistics, the labor shortage in Europe continues to grow.
- MAR24Businesses across the EU struggle to find qualified workers.
One pillar of the EU’s plan to help businesses is to attract more foreign workers.
- MAR10Europe’s plan to grow its industry while reducing carbon emissions.
100 billion euros will be allocated to support EU-based clean manufacturing, which is expected to create half a million new jobs.
- FEB25Poland’s economy expanded by 2.9% in 2024.
Poland's 2025 growth is expected to rise above 3% as domestic consumption grows.
- FEB14The average processing time for the EU Blue Card Luxembourg was 27 days in 2024.
The number of applications is expected to rise after Luxembourg lowered its salary threshold in July of 2024.
- JAN28Spain records its lowest unemployment rate since the year 2008.
Spain added a record 468,000 jobs in 2024. Most of these jobs were in the services sector.
- JAN14Croatia indicates it needs significantly more foreign workers in 2025.
In the first nine months of 2024, Croatia issued a record-breaking 171,000 work permits.
2024
- DEC30What will the future hold for H1-B and Green card holders in the US?
2025 will be the year to consider a future in Europe. A future with the EU Blue Card.
- DEC13Increased cooperation between India and Germany to attract skilled workers.
Germany deals with historic labor shortfalls, and according to the government’s own figures could be facing millions of new vacancies over the next decade.
- NOV27Q3 GDP up by 0.4% in the EU and employment up by 0.2% in the eurozone
Cyprus' GDP is up by 3.8%, likely influenced positively by the successful introduction of the Cypriot Blue Card in early 2024.
- NOV14Sweden to become more attractive to talent from non-EU countries
The processing time for the EU Blue Card will be reduced from 90 to a maximum of 30 days.
- NOV4IMF European Economic Outlook
Spain has one of the best growth prospects in Europe. The IMF attributes Spain’s success to expanded immigration efforts.
- NOV27Q3 GDP up by 0.4% in the EU and employment up by 0.2% in the euro area
Cyprus' GDP is up by 3.8%, likely influenced positively by the successful introduction of the Cypriot Blue Card in early 2024.
- OCT21Over 89 thousand EU Blue Cards were issued in 2023
Most Blue Cards were issued to professionals who started working in Germany.
- NOV14Sweden to become more attractive to talent from non-EU countries
The processing time for the EU Blue Card will be reduced from 90 to 30 days.
- OCT2This year marks 15 years of connecting professionals with the EU Blue Card.
It is safe to say the EU Blue Card program is one of the most successful EU initiatives, overall.
- SEP19Dutch economic growth returns amid solid export growth
GDP growth translated into an expansion of employment in the second quarter. Labor shortages remain a challenge for employers.
- SEP3Sweden plans to reduce the minimum salary required for the EU Blue Card
EU countries increasingly anticipate to the success of the EU Blue Card in, particularly, Germany
- AUG14More than 25% (113,000) of work permit holders in Germany have the Blue Card
At the end of 2023, a total of 419,000 non-EU residents were holding work permits in Germany.
- JUL31Finland’s smart EU Blue Card implementation
Competition among EU countries for talent is increasing, as Finland also lowers its blue card salary threshold.
- JUL9EU countries to increasingly appreciate the added value of highly skilled immigration
The Netherlands drops the salary threshold for the EU Blue Card with almost 15%.
- JUN18Luxembourg is the latest country to implement favorable Blue Card Directive
Key point is that an applicant’s family (already residing in the EU) can immediately join the applicant in Luxembourg.
- MAY29ChatGPT sheds a light on complex EU Blue Card directive 2021/1883
Conditions clarified for moving from EU country A to country B as a Blue Card holder.
- MAY16Estonia just made the EU Blue Card even more attractive
Switch employer after only six months, friendlier family reunification and prolonged benefits in case of losing employment.
- MAY2Spotlight on Sweden: a vibrant and thriving EU economy
Sweden offers a healthy job market with opportunities in sectors like IT, energy, and media, particularly for highly skilled expats.
- APR19Romania is the next member state to comply with the updated EU Blue Card directive
Extended eligibility with regards to professional experience and prolonged permit validity.
- APR3Bulgaria and Romania joined the Schengen area as of March 31, 2024
Blue card holders can travel freely between Schengen member countries.
- MAR28The minimum annual salary for Blue Card holders in Luxembourg is now 88K euros
Employment in shortage professions in Luxembourg carry a minimum salary of 79K euros.
- MAR14The European Commission expects Portugal’s GDP to grow by 1.2% in 2024
Portugal is projected to see solid employment growth and a high level of economic activity.
- FEB26EU Blue Cards issued to highly qualified non-EU citizens steadily increases over time
After falling in 2020 due to Covid restrictions the number of permits issued continuous on a growth path.
- FEB7Austria to allow Blue Card holders to work as self-employed
The self-employment is to be additional and subsidiary to the main -salaried- employment.
- JAN24Cyprus to implement the EU Blue Card directive
The 25th member state to join and become a knowledge and innovation-based economy.
- JAN8ASML CEO calls for more knowledge migrants: 'We can't do without them'.
High-tech company ASML is the largest tech company in Europe, employing over 120 different nationalities.
2023
- DEC21Austria lowered the salary threshold for the EU Blue Card.
Austria decreased its salary threshold from 66,593 to 47,855 euro gross annually, thereby greatly increasing its accessibility.
- DEC14Ukrainian citizens having protection in Poland (PESEL UKR) can apply for a Blue Card
Standard EU Blue Card conditions for Poland apply. No additional requirements.
- NOV27Germany implements a more attractive EU Blue Card framework
Germany expands the list of shortage occupations, eases rules on family reunification and lowers the salary threshold.
- NOV9Italy further relaxes requirements for the EU Blue Card
The employment contract term for the first issuance of the EU Blue Card is now at least six months, this used to be 12 months.
- OCT25Poland’s corporate sector sees growth in salary
Over 10% year-on-year salary increase in Poland. Wage increases in Polish ICT sector significant.
- OCT10Significant growth reported in Romanian salaries
Average net salary increased by 15.7%. Strongest increase in salaries is seen in the Romanian ICT-industry.
- SEP22New legislation in Spain removed size and turnover requirements for companies
The Blue Card is now available for small- and medium-sized companies without a labor market test being necessary in Spain.
- SEP9Belgium to reduce EU Blue Card Processing times
For Belgium, new applications for the EU Blue Card are now processed within two months, renewals within one month.
- AUG21Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) to grow into an ICT powerhouse
Exemplary to this trend is OpenAI’s interest to open its European headquarters in Poland.
- AUG2French Unemployment rate lower again in Q2-2023
On a year-to-year basis, the number of unemployed was 5% lower, says state agency Pole Emploi.
- JUL14Significant growth reported in Romanian salaries
Average net salary increased by 15.7%. Strongest increase in salaries is seen in the Romanian ICT-industry.
- JUN27Latvian consulates paused accepting visa applications from Russian citizens
This would not impact visa renewal or residence permit (Blue Card) issuance when initial visa was already approved.
- JUN16The Blue Card Network migrates its email services to Google Workspace
When signing up, temporary expect a welcome email from authorized partner domain Fort.eu. Thank you.
- JUN7Germany faces an increasing labour shortage
In approximately 16% of all professions surveyed in 2022 there is a shortage. An 30% increase compared to 2021.
- MAY12Europe should develop production capacity to increase economic security
Latvia’s prime minister Karins said that supply chains should be differentiated, improving their security.
- APR26Sweden to implement new EU Blue Card Directive in November 2023
One of its key improvements is the shorter required duration of employment, from 12 to 6 months.
- APR7Croatia to simplify and enhance blue card procedures
EU Blue Card holders who have applied for renewal before it expires may stay in Croatia until the decision becomes enforceable.
- MAR17Europe’s long-term view on competitiveness
The importance of welcoming foreign workers to strengthen Europe’s future.
- MAR3New informative leaflet published on Blue Card Germany
Employed on the blue card in another country? No visa required for Germany anymore.
- FEB15Lithuania made the Blue Card more accessible
Six-month contract now sufficient and more flexibility in work options for Blue Card holders.
- JAN30Bulgaria to simplify procedures for the EU Blue Card
The Bulgarian ICT-sector alone to face a shortage of 40,000 to 50,000 highly skilled workers.
- JAN6Increase in salary for the Blue Card Netherlands
Successful Blue Card applicants in 2023 receive a salary of at least 5,867 euro per month.
