The EU « Blue Card » for highly qualified workers will be modified in the future

The EU Blue Card authorises highly qualified workers from outside the EU to reside and work in an EU country. By simplifying the eligibility criteria and by strengthening the rights of Blue Card holders and their families, the EU aims to attract more highly skilled workers.

Context

The EU Blue Card entitles highly skilled workers from third countries to live and work in any EU country, except Denmark and Ireland.

The aim of Directive 2021/1883 of 20 October 2021 on the conditions of entry and residence of third-country nationals for the purposes of highly qualified employment is to simplify the system in order to facilitate the employment of highly qualified workers in the EU.

Key changes to the eligibility criteria for an EU Blue Card

The following changes should enhance the attractability of the EU Blue Card system:

• The applicant must present a valid employment agreement of at least 6 months (instead of 12 months);
• The salary threshold for obtaining the Blue Card, to be determined by the Member States, shall be at least 1 and not more than 1.6 times a gross average annual salary of the Member State in question;
• After working for one year in the country of residence, the applicant can more easily travel within the EU. In addition, the worker is allowed to bring his or her family along;
• Refugees and asylum seekers will be able to apply for a Blue Card in Member States other than the one in which they are protected, as has been the case until now;
• The Directive also facilitates the recognition of professional skills. In some sectors, professional experience is treated as a higher education qualification.

Member States may still issue permits other than the Blue Card to attract highly qualified workers. Moreover, Member States can ultimately decide upon the actual salary threshold for the granting of the Blue Card. Differences between Member States will therefore remain.

Transposition of the Directive in Belgium

Member States must transpose the Directive into national law by 18 November 2023.

In Belgium, it will be up to the Regions to determine the salary thresholds for the granting of the Blue Card

What to remember?

By 18 November 2023, the reformed EU Blue Card system must be transposed into national legislation.

The reform should make it easier for employers to attract highly qualified personnel from outside the EU.

Source: Directive 2021/1883 of 20 October 2021 on the conditions of entry and residence of third-country nationals for the purposes of highly qualified employment.