Estonia Implements Looser Regulations for EU Blue Card
Here are the key points:
- Estonia has relaxed certain requirements for the EU Blue Card.
- Applicants for the EU Blue Card are no longer mandated to possess specific educational credentials if they have accumulated five years of professional experience.
- EU Blue Card holders in Estonia are now allowed to switch employers with fewer restrictions after completing at least one year of employment.
Estonia has implemented looser regulations regarding the EU Blue Card for individuals from third countries, aiming to streamline employment processes and address shortages across various sectors.
Starting April 15, 2024, individuals are now eligible to apply for an EU Blue Card in Estonia for employment purposes if they possess five years of professional experience in a relevant field, irrespective of any educational qualifications they may hold.
Previously, only those with university credentials were eligible to apply for the card.
Furthermore, Estonia has opted to reduce the duration of job offers. Under the new regulations, foreign nationals are eligible for the EU Blue Card if they have signed an employment contract for a minimum of six months, as opposed to the previous requirement of one year.
Changes have also been made to the unemployment period permitted for EU Blue Card holders in Estonia.
As per the Estonian Parliament, foreigners holding a Blue Card for less than two years can now stay unemployed in Estonia for up to three months, whereas those holding a Blue Card for over two years can stay unemployed for up to six months.
Additionally, more favorable conditions for family reunification will be introduced for EU Blue Card holders.
Lastly, Estonia has decided to simplify the process for Blue Card holders to switch employers.
EU Blue Card holders who have been employed in any EU member state are now permitted to switch employers in Estonia without undergoing labor market testing criteria.
Nevertheless, EU Blue Card holders are still obligated to notify their current employers of their intention to change workplaces.
After one year has elapsed, the Member State may only mandate communication of the change of employer, without conducting a labor market situation assessment. Previously, under the directive, such assessments could be conducted for up to two years.
The Estonian Parliament has announced that the new relaxed regulations are designed to standardize the entry and residency requirements for highly skilled workers, with the ultimate goal of enhancing the appeal of the EU Blue Card.
Additionally, the Parliament emphasized that these new regulations include various provisions to safeguard EU Blue Card holders and their families from being placed at a disadvantage compared to holders of national permits.
These measures are in response to a directive issued by the EU in 2021, which mandated member states to revise the EU Blue Card scheme, aiming to create an appealing immigration avenue for needed workers within the bloc.