The Netherlands has finally – far too late – implemented the new conditions of the European Blue Card in its immigration legislation. It should have been implemented 18 November 2023.

In anticipation of this, some new, more flexible conditions had already been introduced at the beginning of this year. For example, the diploma was no longer a requirement for applicants who are going to work as an ICT specialist or ICT manager. 3 years of relevant work experience in the past 7 years was sufficient.

The following less strict conditions for obtaining the European Blue Card that now also apply are:

• Lower salary threshold: €5,331 gross per month excluding 8% holiday allowance. This was €6,245.
• The introduction of a lower salary threshold for applicants who graduated from a higher education institution a maximum of 3 years preceding the EU Blue Card application: € 4,265 excluding 8% holiday allowance.
• A higher education diploma and credential evaluation are no longer required.5 years of relevant work experience is sufficient.
• A foreigner who has had a European Blue Card for more than two years can be unemployed for 6 months without the European Blue Card being withdrawn.
• The Dutch European Blue Card allows you to work in other EU member states without a work permit for periods shorter than 90 days.
• Previous residence in another EU member state as a student, researcher or as a highly educated employee (for example on the basis of the European Blue Card, or another national highly skilled migrant scheme) counts towards applying for a residence permit for an EU long-term resident in the Netherlands.

The implementation of the new European Blue Card has been published in the Official Gazette.