Due to the acute shortage of specialists, European countries are gradually easing the procedure for obtaining a Blue Card, Luxembourg is no exception. Find out what will change for highly qualified expats in the Grand Duchy in 2024
Since July 1, 2024, Luxembourg has simplified the rules for obtaining a visa for highly qualified workers, also known as a Blue Card. Now it will be easier for citizens of third countries to obtain a work permit in the state. The main purpose of the Directive is to eliminate the acute shortage of workers in the country.
What will change in the receipt procedurework permits in Luxembourg for highly qualified workers? We analyze further.
The main changes in the procedure for obtaining a Luxembourg Blue Card in 2024 and the projected impact
1. Simplified requirements for highly qualified IT and management specialists
Luxembourg’s Blue Card can now be awarded to specialists who have at least three years of experience (over the past seven years) in senior positions in the field of information and communication technologies, even if they do not have an academic education.
– How will this change affect? Employers will get a wider range of applicants they can hire. This change is especially relevant given the current labor shortage in Luxembourg.
2. Holders of a Blue Card from another EU member state will now be able to work in Luxembourg on a temporary basis without additional permits
Expats with a Blue Card from another EU member state have been granted the right to work in Luxembourg for up to 90 days (during any current 180-day period) without having to obtain additional work permits in Luxembourg.
– How will this change affect? This change will make it easier for employers to hire highly qualified foreign specialists for short-term work.
3. The procedure for moving to Luxembourg has been simplified for holders of a Blue Card from another EU member state
EU Blue Card holders who have lived in another EU member State for at least 12 months can now enter and work in Luxembourg. Within one month of arrival in Luxembourg, a foreigner must apply for a work permit in Luxembourg on the basis of an existing EU Blue Card.
Previously, these persons needed at least 18 months of residence in another EU member state.
– How will this change affect? It makes it easier for an employer to find specialists for long-term work.
4. The procedure for changing the employer, position and industry has been simplified
Luxembourg Blue Card holders can now change employers, positions and sectors 12 months after receiving the Blue Card (previously, this period was 24 months). The only condition is to inform the authorities about the changes.
– How will this change affect? Easing restrictions on changing employers, sectors and positions provides more flexibility for holders of the EU Blue Card, which can lead to a longer stay of specialists in the country.
5. Minimum wage requirements have been reduced
The minimum wage for obtaining a Blue Card has been lowered to the average gross annual salary in Luxembourg. Now it is 58,968 euros, previously, in order to receive a Blue Card, an expat had to have a contract with an income level of at least 88,452 euros. In addition, there is no longer a difference between minimum wage levels for scarce professions or positions that were not on this list.
– How will this change affect? More expats will be able to move to Luxembourg on the visa of highly qualified specialists.
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