Increase in Applications for Luxembourg's EU Blue Card Following Relaxed Requirements
Key Points
- Applications for Luxembourg’s EU Blue Card have increased following the relaxation of eligibility criteria.
- Since the rule changes on July 1, 2024, 523 EU Blue Cards were issued to non-EU nationals by year-end.
- In total, 825 EU Blue Cards were granted in 2024, reflecting a 4.83% increase compared to 2023.
Luxembourg has seen a rise in EU Blue Card applications from non-EU nationals since simplifying its eligibility requirements in mid-2024.
As of July 1, 2024, the country eased the rules by reducing the required minimum employment contract period from 12 months to six months and lowering the annual income threshold to €58,900—nearly €30,000 less than the previous requirement. These changes have made it easier for foreign professionals to qualify for the EU Blue Card and move to Luxembourg.
Luxembourg Issued 523 EU Blue Cards After Relaxation
According to data from Luxembourg's Ministry of Interior, 523 EU Blue Cards were issued from July to December 2024, with the highest monthly issuance in October (118 cards) and the lowest in September (70 cards).
Additional figures show the following monthly breakdown for the second half of 2024:
- July: 72 cards
- August: 77 cards
- November: 88 cards
- December: 98 cards
In comparison, the first half of 2024 saw 302 EU Blue Cards issued. Across the entire year, Luxembourg granted a total of 825 EU Blue Cards—a 4.83% increase from the 787 issued in 2023.
Efforts to Streamline Immigration Processes
Luxembourg’s government is taking additional measures to simplify access to its labor market for non-EU nationals. This includes ongoing efforts to digitize immigration procedures and expedite visa processing for foreign workers.