As previously mentioned on this website, the new European Blue Card Directive (EU 2021/1883) had to be transposed into Dutch immigration law on November 18, 2023. That still hasn’t happened. The transposition into Dutch law is planned for the first quarter of 2024.

In practice, the IND already applies a number of new rules from the new European Blue Card Directive. Below are the most important changes that the IND applies when assessing a European Blue Card application:

• ICT managers and ICT professionals can now also qualify for a European blue card based on work experience. However, they must have at least 3 years of relevant work experience in the past 7 years.
• The minimum duration of the required employment contract has been shortened from 12 to 6 months.
• Holders of a European Blue Card in another EU country may come to the Netherlands for a maximum of 90 days for work-related activities (short-term mobility).
• Long-term mobility is now also possible after at least 12 months of residence in another EU Member State. This was first after 18 months.
• Holders of a European Blue Card who have taken advantage of long-term mobility can qualify for EU long-term resident status earlier than before. They may also count certain other forms of residence for this purpose.
• European Blue Card holders are given a search period of up to 6 months if they have become unemployed or have terminated their employment themselves. However, it is required that the European blue card holder has been in possession of this residence permit for at least 2 years. Otherwise this search period is 3 months.

The IND has also adjusted the application forms for the European Blue Card.