The Netherlands is implementing new EU rules on the Blue Card.

The Dutch authorities have implemented the new EU Blue Card rules to transpose the new directive into national law.

Key points:

• The EU Blue Card Directive sets out the conditions for the entry and residence of highly qualified non-EU nationals in the 25 EU countries. The European Union issued the directive in 2021 to update the existing EU Blue Card scheme, and new Dutch legislation aims to implement the directive nationally.
• The new regulations update key provisions including:
  • Foreign nationals with five years of professional experience in a relevant field can now qualify for an EU Blue Card; previously, all applicants had to have relevant academic experience. Information and Communication Technology (ICT) professionals with at least three years of relevant professional experience in the last seven years are now eligible for an EU Blue Card and do not need to have a higher education qualification.
  • Employment contracts can now last six months, whereas previously there was a minimum duration of 12 months.
  • The minimum wage for the EU Blue Card has been updated to €5,331 (around $5,707) gross per month. Previously, the minimum wage was €6,245, and has now been aligned with the national program for highly skilled migrants.
  • The maximum validity period of the EU Blue Card has been extended from four to five years, covering the period of employment plus three months.

Additional information: The new Immigration and Naturalization Service rules also aim to ease the rules on long-term mobility and residence and unemployment through changes to administrative policy, among other changes. EU Blue Card holders can continue to work in the Netherlands for up to 90 days in a 180-day period without a work permit, but holders who have lived for at least 12 months in another EU member state can now enter and work for more than 90 days without a separate visa, whereas previously they had to wait 18 months. Finally, Blue Card holders with at least two years of work experience can be unemployed for up to six months without losing their status.

BAL Analysis: The Government is implementing the requirements of Directive (EU) 2021/1883 to restructure and expand migration opportunities through the EU Blue Card. In addition to the Directive, the Government is also reviewing key administrative policies and practices to make it easier for skilled workers to live and work in the Netherlands.