Blue Cards guarantee a minimum salary even in countries where there's no minimum wage. Every year, EU countries issue tens of thousands of them.

Brussels

The EU Blue Card program facilitates the entry of highly skilled professionals from non-EU countries, with a minimum salary requirement in place for recipients. According to recent data, a total of 89,000 Blue Cards were issued across EU member states in the most recent year surveyed. India was the top country of origin for Blue Card recipients, accounting for 21,000 cards, followed by Russia, Turkey, and Belarus.

Germany is the leading issuer of Blue Cards, distributing 78% of the total, while Poland and France follow at a distance. Denmark and Ireland are the only EU countries that do not participate in the Blue Card scheme. To qualify for a Blue Card, applicants must have either a university degree or three years of relevant professional experience. There are no language requirements for eligibility.

The Blue Card stipulates a minimum salary, even in EU countries without a statutory minimum wage, such as Italy, Sweden, Austria, and Finland. The required salary threshold differs significantly across the EU, ranging from approximately 16,000 euros in Bulgaria to about 68,000 euros in the Netherlands, which has the highest minimum salary for Blue Card holders.



Which EU country offers the highest minimum salary for non-EU workers?

Which EU country is the most eager to welcome foreign talent? Let's talk about the EU Blue Card, a golden ticket for highly skilled professionals from countries outside the bloc. Each year, EU countries hand out thousands of these permits, according to the latest figures, 89,000. So who is snapping them up? Indians lead the pack with 21,000 cards, almost a quarter of the total, followed by Russians, Turks and Belarusians. Across the EU, Germany alone issued a staggering 78% of these permits, way more than second-placed Poland and third-placed France. At the same time, Denmark and Ireland are the only countries that do not issue Blue Cards at all. How do people qualify for one? It requires either a university degree or three years of relevant work experience in the field related to the application. The good news is there are no language requirements. The Blue Card also guarantees a minimum salary, even in countries without a statutory minimum wage, like Italy, Sweden, Austria and Finland. Thresholds vary widely, from a maximum of around 68,000 euros in the Netherlands to just over 16,000 euros in Bulgaria.

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