EU Blue Card Historical News Items
2026
- MAR18Greece eases EU Blue Card rules.
Greece has extended the validity of the EU Blue Card from two years to a maximum of three.
- MAR5Blue Card Network asks the European Commission to consider a Blue Card Lottery.
The US is likely to cancel its Diversity Visa Lottery program altogether, creating an opportunity for Europe.
- FEB27Identifying the drivers of the EU Blue Card’s continued success.
Poland’s rising number of EU Blue Cards issued highlights its impressive economic growth.
- FEB17Germany simplifies the family reunification process for EU Blue Card holders.
Family members who lived with the Blue Card holder in another EU country can join them in Germany without a visa.
- FEB6A closer look at Malta: Key Employee Initiative (KEI) vs EU Blue Card.
The EU Blue Card is better for professionals who pursuing longer-term EU mobility.
- JAN21The US suspends the Diversity Immigrant Visa (DV) Program
Europe's EU Blue Card program will continue to expand.
- JAN9ING expects Dutch GDP growth of 1.3% in 2026
The need for foreign professionals to work in Western Europe continues to be strong.
- DEC29The Blue Card Network team wishes you a joyful holiday season and a happy new year!
Looking back on 2025, we’re pleased and proud to see that, once again, a growing number of candidates continue their careers in Europe!
- DEC15Many H-1B, H-4 visas prudentially revoked in the United States.
This has no immediate consequences, but it means the US will re-examine the visa at the next appointment, causing uncertainty among its holders.
- DEC8Nice to meet you! Introducing Personal Assistance
Besides email support, we can now offer direct personal support through three one-on-one video call sessions.
- NOV27Did you know: in most EU countries, the EU Blue Card also allows the spouse to work.
Cyprus Deputy Minister of Migration discusses the extensive advantages of the EU Blue Card.
- NOV172026 Salary expectations for the German EU Blue Card
The minimum salary for the German EU Blue Card is expected to rise in 2026.
- NOV3US H-1B vs EU Blue Card
Europe positions itself as a stable and rights-oriented alternative.
- OCT20Morningstar upgraded Italy's credit rating
An indication of an improving economy, mostly due to improvements in Italy's banking system.
- OCT6Nice to meet you! Introducing Personal Assistance
Besides email support, we can now offer direct personal support through three one-on-one video call sessions.
- SEP22The United States decided that new applications for the H-1B visa are going to cost $100,000.
In comparison: EU member states charge between €55 to €405 for processing an application for the EU Blue Card.
- SEP8Salary thresholds updated for highly qualified permits in France.
Starting on September 1, France increased the minimum salary for the Blue Card (La carte de séjour talent – carte bleue européenne).
- AUG21Eurozone economy sees growth in second quarter 2025.
Data suggest that the euro-zone so far has been resilient to the shifts in US trade policy.
- AUG6More scholars argue to prioritize the EU Blue Card over existing national permits.
Various EU member states operate national immigration schemes in parallel with the EU Blue Card.
- JUL24Cyprus now has fully implemented the EU Blue Card framework.
Highly qualified workers from outside the European Economic Area are eligible.
- JUL7The EU Blue Card offers a warm welcome to all; a college degree is not a prerequisite.
All Member States support a fast-track procedure, as outlined in Directive 2009/50/EC, paragraph 7.
- JUN24The EU Blue Card is considered a golden ticket for highly skilled professionals from non-EU countries.
It was a pleasure for EU Blue Card Network to contribute to the recent EuroNews article.
- JUN11Poland’s inspiring and successful economic transformation.
The increasing number of EU Blue Cards issued is a key indication of its economic success.
- 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.
