The European Union has decided to boost the well-known “Blue card” in order to lure highly skilled immigrants. This special work permit, created in 2009, has not been exploited due to bureaucratic difficulties and the demanding requirements needed to get it, hence, the commission’s proposal for a more flexible procedure.

To obtain the “blue card” is necessary to have a work contract with a minimum 12 months duration and a salary 1.5 times the average wage in the country where the permit is requested. Freedom of movement isn’t guaranteed among EU members states once the applicant gets the blue card. Brussels has begun to pave the way to obtain the permit and proposes:

• Keep the salary threshold between 1 and 1.4 times the average salary of the country of destination
• Reduce processing time from 90 to 60 days.
• Facilitate the movement of migrant workers between member countries of the European Union.
• Decrease the contract’s duration of 1 year to 6 months as a mandatory requirement.
• Include refugees who meet the stipulated professional profile.

Positive economic results are expected from these changes, between €1400 and €6200 million a year will come from highly qualified personnel’s work. The EU seeks to compete with US permit called “Green Card”. Currently, 31% of highly qualified immigrants choose Europe as their destination against 57% of them who choose to apply for the american “Green Card”.

This information is not in any way legal advice, serving only as an informative purpose. If you need professional services in the area of Global immigration and Mobility, please contact our firm.

*It should be noted that the rules of any of the countries listed and the procedures suggested might change at any time without notice.

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