The European blue Card is a work and residence permit for highly skilled non-EU nationals, offering more freedom to move within EU countries allowing easier mobility across all the country's within the European Union, whilst the HSM visa is specific to the Netherlands.

Lowering the salary threshold

One of the most significant changes is the lowering of the salary requirement for the EBC. The gross monthly salary threshold has decreased from €6,245 to €5,331 for individuals over 30 years old. This adjustment makes the EBC more accessible to a wider range of employees and better aligns it with the highly skilled migrant thresholds in other EU countries.

For recent graduates, the requirement is even more favorable, set at €4,265 gross per month. To qualify for this reduced rate, the higher education degree must have been obtained within three years before the application.

Expansion of the required professional qualifications

In addition to the reduction in the salary requirement, the requirements for professional qualifications have also been relaxed. Previously, an EBC applicant had to proof of possessing a higher education degree, evaluated by Nuffic. With the updated regulations, it is also possible to use relevant work experience as an alternative proof.

In the absence of a degree, a minimum of five years of relevant work experience is required, comparable to the level of a higher education diploma. For ICT managers and ICT professionals, a minimum of three years of relevant work experience within the seven years prior to the application is required.

Lengthened validity period and unemployment period

The validity period of the EBC is extended to a maximum of five years, an increase of one year. This gives more stability for cardholders and their employers.

Additionally, the period after which an EBC can be revoked due to unemployment has been extended from three months to six months, provided the holder has worked in the Netherlands with an EBC for more than two years. This change makes sure people have a chance to find a new job without jeopardising their residence status.

New rules for revocation and refusal

There are also new grounds on which the Blue Card can be revoked or refused. Employers and employees should be aware of these to avoid surprises.

• The EBC can be withdrawn or refused if the employer's legal obligations in the field of social security, tax or employment rights and requirements do not comply. It is now also considered whether the employer adheres to, for example, the WAV, Waadi or WML (Dutch laws).
• The EBC can be withdrawn or not extended if the (recognised) sponsor has not reported a change of employer. Unless the sponsor cannot be held responsible for this failure.
• The EBC application can be rejected if the company is or will be dissolved due to bankruptcy. Or if the company is not economically active.
• The EBC application can be rejected if the employer has mainly established the company to make access to the Netherlands possible.

Faster processing times

Good news for employers: processing times for EBC applications have been significantly shortened. This means that employees are able to start working sooner, contributing to more efficient business operations.

Differences between the European Blue Card and Highly Skilled Migrant permit

While both the European Blue Card and the highly skilled migrant permit are an option for highly educated migrants, there are some significant differences:

• Mobility within the EU: With an EBC, it is often easier to apply for a residence permit in through the European Union.
• EU Long-Term residence permit: With an EBC, it is in some cases an option to apply for an EU long-term residence permit after two years instead of five years.
• Income requirements: The requirement for income with an EBC is higher than the requirement for the highly skilled migrant threshold for individuals no older than of 30.
• Recognised sponsor: For an EBC application, the employer does not need to be a recognised sponsor, unlike the highly skilled migrant visa, where this is an obligation.

Conclusion

These changes to the EBC scheme offer new opportunities for both employers and employees in the Netherlands. The relaxation of requirements, reduction of the salary criterion, and improved processing procedures make the EBC an appealing option for highly skilled migrants looking for a job in the Netherlands.

For further information on visa, immigration, and relocation matters, please contact the team at Rehive People.