New EU Blue Card rules

What will change?

• Applicants will need to present a work contract or a binding job offer of a minimum of six months as well as evidence of higher qualifications or professional skills. Currently, a 12-month contract or offer is required.
• The salary threshold for applicants has been reduced to at least 100 % and not more than 160 % of the average gross annual salary in the member state of employment (from the current 150 % minimum with no upper limit).
• Beneficiaries of international protection -such as refugees- will also be able to apply for an EU Blue Card in members states other than the one where they received asylum or another protection status.
• It will be possible to attest certain types of professional qualifications, such as in the information and communication technology sector, through proof of relevant work experience.
• Holders of an EU Blue Card will be able to move to another member state after an initial 12-month period in the country that first granted them the Blue Card.
• They will also benefit from being reunited with family members swiftly through faster reunification procedures and access to the labour market for accompanying family members.