The EU Blue Card allows skilled workers from non-EU countries to live and work in most European Union member states. This permit provides residency and employment rights, excluding Denmark and Ireland.

Read also: 5 key changes to the EU Blue Card programme in 2025

BusinessDay reported that the European Union has announced reforms to its EU Blue Card programme, set to take effect in 2025. The changes aim to attract skilled professionals by lowering salary thresholds, easing contract requirements, and increasing job flexibility. The updated policy addresses labour shortages in key technology, engineering, and healthcare sectors.

Notably, professionals without university degrees but with proven expertise can now qualify. The EU Blue Card offers a pathway to employment in the EU, with some countries processing applications faster. In 2025, six countries will have the shortest processing times, expediting relocation for qualified candidates.

Read also: Six EU countries with the fastest blue card processing times in 2025

Holders of the EU Blue Card can work in 25 countries within the European Union compiled by TravelObiz. These include:

Austria

Belgium

Bulgaria

Croatia

Cyprus

Read also: Germany opens doors to skilled workers with “opportunity card” starts June.

Czech Republic

Estonia

Finland

France

Germany

Read also: It is easy to geta  work visa in these 8 countries

Greece

Hungary

Italy

Latvia

Lithuania

Read also: Top 10 work visa pathways for skilled professionals

Luxembourg

Malta

Netherlands

Poland

Portugal

Read also: 10 countries where work visa requirements are similar

Romania

Slovakia

Slovenia

Spain

Sweden