Updated Blue Card requirements: Everything you need to know 

The Blue Card requirements have recently been updated. What do these changes mean for you as an employer hiring non-EU migrants? What are the key updates? Find out more about the recent amendments to the Blue Card in this article. 

With the European Blue Card, a foreign national (non-EU employee) can work in the Netherlands as a highly educated migrant. Previously, the Blue Card was not less popular due to its strict requirements. However, recent changes have made the Blue Card more accessible and attractive for employers. The Blue Card is now a very suitable residence scheme for non-EU highly qualified employees who are (or will be) employed by organizations that are not listed as recognized sponsors with the IND. The major changes which are in force: 

Salary threshold reduction

The salary threshold has been lowered to €5,331 gross per month, excluding 8% holiday allowance. This change aligns it with the salary of the national highly skilled migrant older than 30. However, the Blue Card does not differentiate between salary thresholds based on the employee’s age.

New salary criteria for recent graduates

A new reduced salary threshold of €4,265 per month, excluding 8% holiday allowance, applies to recent graduates who have graduated in the last 3 years prior to the application for a Blue Card. 

Simplified higher education acknowledgement

Previously, all Blue Card holders had to demonstrate that they had completed relevant post-secondary higher education of at least three years by providing a (valuated) diploma. Now, a Blue Card can be applied for without a valuated diploma if the employee has at least 5 years of relevant professional work experience. 

Employment contract term reduction

The minimum duration for the required employment contract has been shortened to 6 months, down from the previous 12 months. 

Extension of maximum permit validity

The validity of the Blue Card has been extended to a maximum of 5 years, up from the previous maximum term of 4 years. This change aligns it with the national highly skilled migrant scheme. 

Longer unemployment period

Under the amended regulation, Blue Card holders who have held the Blue Card for at least 2 years can be unemployed or searching for work for up to 6 months without losing the Blue Card permit. Previously, only a 3-month period of unemployment was allowed. 

Short-term mobility for Blue Card holders

Employees with a Blue Card in another EU country may come to the Netherlands for work-related activities for a maximum period of 90 days without needing an additional work permit. This is called short-term mobility. 

Long-term mobility

For stays longer than 90 days, a European Blue Card must be applied for in the Netherlands. Long-term mobility is now possible after at least 12 months of residence in another EU Member State, compared to the previous requirement of 18 months. 

Eligibility for EU long-term resident status

In some situations, employees with a Blue Card who have used long-term mobility may become eligible for EU long-term resident status earlier than before and may also count certain other forms of residence towards this status. 

New grounds for withdrawal or refusal

• The Blue Card can be withdrawn or refused if the employer does not comply with statutory obligations in social security, tax, or employment rights and conditions. Authorities can check compliance with various regulations, such as the Wav, Waadi, or WML. 

• The Blue Card can be withdrawn or not extended if the (recognized) referent has not reported a change of employer, unless this is not the employer’s fault. 

• The Blue Card application will be rejected if the company has been or is being dissolved due to bankruptcy or does not engage in economic activity. 

• The Blue Card application will be rejected if the employer has mainly set up the company to facilitate access to the Netherlands. 

In conclusion, the recent amendments make applying for the Blue Card much easier and more attractive, as the conditions are now more in line with the national highly skilled migrant scheme. With the reduced salary threshold and the option to apply without recognized sponsorship, we expect that this procedure will be used much more frequently by foreign employers than before. Our Global Mobility experts are here to assist with work visa applications for your employees. Please use our contact form to let us know how we can support you.