Latest news with #EUBlueCards
Euronews
04-07-2025
- Business
- Euronews
EU Blue Card: Where are skilled workers most welcome in Europe?
In 2023, 4.3 million people moved to the EU from non-EU countries. Another 1.5 million moved between EU countries. While the EU works to control illegal migration, some countries actively seek highly-skilled workers. The EU Blue Card is one the mechanisms for attracting highly qualified workers from outside the EU. In 2023, around 89,000 non-EU professionals were granted a Blue Card, with the vast majority issued by Germany. This number has been rising in recent years according to Eurostat. The European Commission introduced several updates to make the Blue Card more attractive to third-country nationals and employers. However, experts and scholars remain cautious about whether the Blue Card alone is enough to attract top talent. So, which EU countries issue the most Blue Cards? Is it good enough to attract talent? And how do experts explain the large differences between them? EU Blue Card numbers on the rise The number of EU Blue Cards issued by Member States has risen sharply in recent years—from 20,979 in 2016 to 89,037 in 2023—marking more than a fourfold increase, or over 300% growth in seven years. 'It was a relatively unknown residence permit for highly qualified workers from outside the EU with a high salary,' Tesseltje de Lange, Professor of European Migration Law at Radboud University, told Euronews Business. In 2016, the European Commission launched a recast of the Directive in hopes of abolishing national schemes and to offer workers more of the benefits of intra-EU mobility. 'Since, the permit has become more known, which partly explains the steady increase.' she added. She also noted that many EU countries face significant labour market shortages, and in some cases, the Blue Card is used as a tool to attract international talent—helping explain the increase in its use. Germany leads EU Blue Card surge with 78% share 'The main reason for the rise is the number of Blue Cards issued by Germany,' Dr Almina Besic from Johannes Kepler University Linz, Associate Professor Dženeta Karabegović from University of Salzburg, and Prof Andreas Diedrich from University of Gothenburg, told Euronews Business. They explained that Germany is facing labour shortages across multiple sectors, with some sectors particularly affected, and the Blue Card plays a central role in the labour migration policy in Germany. According to Eurostat, Germany issued the most EU Blue Cards in 2023—69,353, accounting for 78% of the total. It was followed by Poland with 7,402 (8%) and France with 3,912 (4%). Lithuania ranked fourth with 1,710 cards, while Austria also exceeded 1,000, issuing 1,135 cards. Most EU countries rely on national work permit schemes 'Germany has positioned the Blue Card as the main instrument for skilled labour migration and does not have a 'parallel national scheme' like other member states,' Besic, Karabegović and Diedrich said. They emphasized that other member states rely on national schemes, based on the discretion and right to set limits to admission volumes. This helps explain why Germany accounts for nearly four out of five EU Blue Cards issued. Who receives the EU Blue Cards? In 2023, Indian citizens received the highest number of Blue Cards (21,228 or 24%), followed by citizens of Russia (9,488 or 11%), Turkey (5,803 or 7%), and Belarus (5,294 or 6%). Other notable recipients included nationals from Iraq (3,990), Egypt (2,529), Pakistan (2,408), Syria (1,810), and the UK (1,074). Conditions to apply for the EU Blue Card There are several conditions to apply for a Blue Card. The most important is having 'a valid work contract or a binding job offer for highly qualified employment for at least 6 months in the Member State'. Why isn't the EU Blue Card more widely used? The Blue Card Directive was implemented by Member States in 2011, though it does not apply in Denmark and Ireland. In 2016, the European Commission launched a recast of the Directive, aiming to implement a more unified system by phasing out national schemes. A key reform is the reduction of the salary threshold to 1.0 times the average gross national salary (and no higher than 1.6 times), with member states allowed to lower it further to 0.8 for shortage occupations—a long-standing concern for both employers and migrants. Still, many countries continue to prefer national schemes. Besic, Karabegović and Diedrich pointed out that member states are not required to abolish parallel national systems, making the Blue Card harder to access in many cases—and therefore less appealing to both employers and third-country nationals. No fast track in Blue Card 'In the Netherlands for instance, the national scheme does not require higher qualifications and has a lower salary threshold, making it more attractive for businesses and their workers to use,' Tesseltje de Lange said. She added that the Dutch recognised sponsorship system allows decisions within two weeks, while in Spain, national permits are also reportedly issued in under two weeks. The Blue Card does not require Member States to offer such fast-track procedures, which may also explain why it remains unpopular. She recommended that the European Commission list more shortage occupations in the Annex of the Directive and align the procedures for recognition of qualifications, which sometimes take 6 to 9 months, to increase the attractiveness of the Blue Card.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Relocating in Europe? It might soon be easier to bring your car as EU simplifies paperwork
The EU Commission has proposed a comprehensive overhaul of the EU's road safety and vehicle registration rules as part of its commitment to safe and sustainable mobility. One measure put forward is to simplify the process of taking your car with you when moving across borders to live in a different country. At the moment, the paperwork is lengthy and complicated due to the absence of EU-wide laws on vehicle registration. The proposals are still to be endorsed by the European Parliament and Council. The Commission wants to digitise key car-ownership documents to facilitate the process of taking vehicles across borders. At the moment, residents of the EU register their cars in the country where they live. Rules vary between member states as there is no blanket EU law on vehicle registration. That means if you choose to relocate to another EU country long term - as opposed to travelling there on holiday - you are required to re-register your vehicle. As most documents are still paper-based, it can be a drawn-out process. The Commission's new proposal aims to simplify the procedure by issuing digital registration certificates and roadworthiness certificates, and linking national registers. Member states will also have access to data like odometer readings, the total distance a vehicle has travelled since manufacture and a key figure to avoid mileage fraud when reselling. 'Today's initiative marks a major step forward in making our roads safer, our air cleaner and making citizen's life easier,' Apostolos Tzitzikostas, commissioner for sustainable transport and tourism, said. 'By modernising our roadworthiness rules we are harnessing the latest technology, strengthening enforcement, and ensuring they keep pace with the evolving realities of mobility.' Car owners living in EU countries are required to maintain their vehicles in 'roadworthy' condition and obtain certificates as proof. These are already recognised throughout the bloc for circulation and re-registration purposes. The Commission has recently introduced a new policy allowing drivers to undergo roadworthiness testing and receive certificates in EU member states outside their vehicle's registration country. Related A 4-year cruise or a €1 house in Italy: Inside the schemes helping Americans skip Trump's presidency EU Blue Cards: Are you eligible for this work permit and how can you apply? These certificates will remain valid for six months, providing greater flexibility for those temporarily staying in another EU country. This new option comes with the condition that the following roadworthiness test must occur in the vehicle's country of registration. Individual member states can also choose to recognise tests performed in other EU countries for longer periods if they wish. The Commission decided against implementing full EU-wide recognition of these certificates, citing the need for more standardised regulations and concerns about price differences between EU countries.
South Wales Argus
06-05-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Easiest countries to relocate to on a working visa: 10 spots
As with many things, it depends on the circumstances, with different countries having different application processes. There are various requirements you will have to fulfil depending on what country you want to move to, with some being easier than others. To help people out, international money transfer site Remitly has worked out the 10 easiest countries to get a working visa for. 10 easiest countries to get a working visa for in 2025 According to Remitly's research, the 10 easiest countries to get a working visa for as of 2025 are: Latvia ranked as the easiest country to get a working visa for as part of the EU Blie Card visa. This allows highly skilled workers to reside and work in their chosen country. It costs around £83 to apply for an EU Blue Card in Latvia, and applicants need only earn around £20,500 per year to qualify. Remitly adds: "Latvia's national law states that all EU Blue Cards should be issued within ten working days, which is the quickest processing time on the list. "Successful applicants can reside and work in Latvia for up to five years, the third-longest stay period among listed countries." Some of the biggest industries in the country include transportation, wood and forestry products, financial services, and textiles. Eight out of the ten countries on the list are European, with the United States and Canada being the only exceptions. The United Kingdom ranked in sixth place overall, with it having a short processing time but a higher minimum salary requirement than most other countries. Ryan Riley, VP Marketing for EMEA and APAC at Remitly, said:'This latest research offers valuable insight into the countries leading the way in creating accessible, straightforward pathways for skilled migrant workers, with European countries standing out as some of the most accessible worldwide. Recommended reading: "With eight out of the top ten all being located in Europe. These nations are not only opening their doors but also recognising the vital role migrants play in driving economic growth and enriching societies. "Skilled workers are the backbone of key industries, addressing talent shortages, fuelling innovation, and contributing both locally and globally. "As more countries streamline entry routes, it's clear that investing in skilled migration is not just a response to labour needs, but a strategic move towards a more prosperous and connected world."
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
The easiest countries to relocate to on a working visa in 2025: See the 10 spots
The idea of going abroad to work for a period of time could sound like an attractive proposal to many, but how easy is it to do? As with many things, it depends on the circumstances, with different countries having different application processes. There are various requirements you will have to fulfil depending on what country you want to move to, with some being easier than others. To help people out, international money transfer site Remitly has worked out the 10 easiest countries to get a working visa for. According to Remitly's research, the 10 easiest countries to get a working visa for as of 2025 are: Latvia ranked as the easiest country to get a working visa for as part of the EU Blie Card visa. This allows highly skilled workers to reside and work in their chosen country. It costs around £83 to apply for an EU Blue Card in Latvia, and applicants need only earn around £20,500 per year to qualify. Remitly adds: "Latvia's national law states that all EU Blue Cards should be issued within ten working days, which is the quickest processing time on the list. "Successful applicants can reside and work in Latvia for up to five years, the third-longest stay period among listed countries." Some of the biggest industries in the country include transportation, wood and forestry products, financial services, and textiles. Eight out of the ten countries on the list are European, with the United States and Canada being the only exceptions. The United Kingdom ranked in sixth place overall, with it having a short processing time but a higher minimum salary requirement than most other countries. Ryan Riley, VP Marketing for EMEA and APAC at Remitly, said:'This latest research offers valuable insight into the countries leading the way in creating accessible, straightforward pathways for skilled migrant workers, with European countries standing out as some of the most accessible worldwide. Recommended reading: Where can UK passport holders travel to without a visa? See all 153 destinations Examples of unacceptable damage on a passport and when to replace yours What ID do I need for a UK passport? Full list of supporting documents required "With eight out of the top ten all being located in Europe. These nations are not only opening their doors but also recognising the vital role migrants play in driving economic growth and enriching societies. "Skilled workers are the backbone of key industries, addressing talent shortages, fuelling innovation, and contributing both locally and globally. "As more countries streamline entry routes, it's clear that investing in skilled migration is not just a response to labour needs, but a strategic move towards a more prosperous and connected world."
Glasgow Times
06-05-2025
- Business
- Glasgow Times
Easiest countries to relocate to on a working visa: 10 spots
As with many things, it depends on the circumstances, with different countries having different application processes. There are various requirements you will have to fulfil depending on what country you want to move to, with some being easier than others. To help people out, international money transfer site Remitly has worked out the 10 easiest countries to get a working visa for. 10 easiest countries to get a working visa for in 2025 According to Remitly's research, the 10 easiest countries to get a working visa for as of 2025 are: Latvia ranked as the easiest country to get a working visa for as part of the EU Blie Card visa. This allows highly skilled workers to reside and work in their chosen country. It costs around £83 to apply for an EU Blue Card in Latvia, and applicants need only earn around £20,500 per year to qualify. Remitly adds: "Latvia's national law states that all EU Blue Cards should be issued within ten working days, which is the quickest processing time on the list. "Successful applicants can reside and work in Latvia for up to five years, the third-longest stay period among listed countries." Some of the biggest industries in the country include transportation, wood and forestry products, financial services, and textiles. Eight out of the ten countries on the list are European, with the United States and Canada being the only exceptions. The United Kingdom ranked in sixth place overall, with it having a short processing time but a higher minimum salary requirement than most other countries. Ryan Riley, VP Marketing for EMEA and APAC at Remitly, said:'This latest research offers valuable insight into the countries leading the way in creating accessible, straightforward pathways for skilled migrant workers, with European countries standing out as some of the most accessible worldwide. Recommended reading: "With eight out of the top ten all being located in Europe. These nations are not only opening their doors but also recognising the vital role migrants play in driving economic growth and enriching societies. "Skilled workers are the backbone of key industries, addressing talent shortages, fuelling innovation, and contributing both locally and globally. "As more countries streamline entry routes, it's clear that investing in skilled migration is not just a response to labour needs, but a strategic move towards a more prosperous and connected world."
