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EU Blue Card: new rules for highly skilled migrant workers

May 18, 2021 | News

(18 May 2021) – The new rules include more flexible admission conditions, enhanced rights and the possibility to move and work more easily between EU Member States.

EU Blue Card
© EU Blue Card Network

The new scheme will introduce the following changes:

• To qualify for an EU Blue Card, the salary threshold will be reduced to between 1 and 1.6 times the average gross annual salary, making it more accessible to more people.

• New rules will facilitate the recognition of professional skills for occupations in the information and communication technologies sector.

• During the first 12 months, EU Blue Card holders need only complete a new labour market test if they wish to change position or employer.

• Highly skilled beneficiaries of international protection will be eligible to apply for an EU Blue Card.

• Family members of EU Blue Card holders will be able to accompany them and access the EU labour market.

• EU Blue Card holders, and their family members, will be able to move to a second Member State after 12 months of employment in the first Member State.

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