Two European Union member states, Greece and Italy, have just recently made some changes to the application process for the EU Blue Card.
The EU Blue Card is a residence permit granted for qualified non-EU workers, permitting its holders to enter and remain in the country that has granted the document.
The process for obtaining the document includes several criteria that need to be met. However, when it comes to certain rules, each member state gets to decide which requirements to simplify.
Foreigners Under Visa-Free Regime & on Short-Stay Visas Now Eligible for Greece’s EU Blue Card
Both Greece and Italy have simplified some of the rules, with the two countries aiming to attract more highly qualified foreign workers amid the labor shortages, VisaGuide.World reports.
Since June 5, 2024, Greece has made it possible for a larger group of highly qualified foreign workers to apply for an EU Blue Card.
In line with the new rules, foreign nationals entering Greece under the visa-free regime, as well as those who possess a short-stay visa, are eligible to apply for the EU Blue Card.
Additionally, highly qualified foreign workers applying for Greece’s EU Blue Card now have the possibility to choose if they want to undergo the pre-screening process, which requires the employer to submit a request for hiring a foreigner.
These two changes made by Greece aim to significantly simplify the process of applying for and obtaining an EU Blue Card and, ultimately, remain in the bloc for a longer period of time.
Italy Has Moved EU Blue Card Process Online for Italian Employers Needing Foreign Workers
Italy, on the other hand, has made it simpler for Italian employers to make requests for highly qualified foreign workers.
The Ministry of Interior of Italy has set up a Services Portal through which Italian employers can now make requests for highly qualified workers online.
On the Services Portal of the Ministry of the Interior, Immigration One Stop Shop section, the updated form is now available for employers to request the hiring of highly qualified foreign workers (EU Blue Card).
Once requests into the system are made by Italian employers, highly qualified workers can check the listed position and apply for the job through which they get Italy’s EU Blue Card.
Who Is Eligible for an EU Blue Card?
In order to apply for an EU Blue card, foreign workers must have a valid work contract or job offer for highly qualified employment with a minimum duration of one year.
The EU Blue Card applicants must also present documents that prove that the national legal requirements are met.
They must also present documents that prove that they meet relevant higher professional qualifications, hold a valid travel document, and have insurance.
How Long Is EU Blue Card Valid & What’s Its Fee?
The standard validity period of the EU Blue Card is two years. However, its validity can be extended.
Once the standard validity period of two years expires, its duration can be extended for a period of three years.
The fee for EU Blue is not the same in all member states. Greece has a fee of €300 for the initial application and a fee of €450 for its renewal.
On the other hand, Italy has a fee of €100 for the initial application and renewal separately.