Spain launches EU Blue Card to attract skilled migrants

By Moustafa Daly

Spain recently introduced its Blue Card program, which meets the EU Blue Card Directives where EU countries must issue and regulate Blue Card within their territories.

The Spanish Blue Card, which was launched May 29, is available under the country’s Entrepreneur Act. It is open to skilled foreign labor that can demonstrate a higher education certification of at least three years or at least five years of professional experience in a relevant sector or field.

“The new Blue Card will be a great benefit not only for the economy of the European Union countries in general, but also to many skilled workers who are looking for a better future for them and their families,” says Alexandre Rangel, director general at Grupo SIEspaña, to Uglobal.

“The free movement that this permit offers will allow the fulfillment of job opportunities by qualified workers in a timely manner, making it a win-win situation for employers that require this type of labor and the future employees,” he further explains, adding that the Blue Card will offer a relatively hassle-free route to Spain.

What are the benefits and conditions of the EU Blue Card in Spain?

Candidates must have a valid job offer or a contract for at least six months to be eligible for the EU Blue Card, and their salaries need to be equivalent to the average gross annual salary in Spain (estimated at €27,000). Workers in critical fields suffering labor shortages are exempt from the minimum salary condition.

EU Blue card holders enjoy EU-wide mobility, and they can move to any Schengen Area country to work or stay for 90 days in any 180 days. They can also include family members in their residence permits.

Spain is the latest EU country to issue the Blue Card, with Germany launching it in 2012 and Sweden expected to establish one in November 2023.

The EU Commission introduced the Blue Card scheme in 2007 to attract and retain foreign talent across the union. It is valid across the entire EU except for Ireland and Denmark – both are not part of the Schengen Area. Its holders are also eligible for unemployment and other forms of social security benefits.  

The news comes as many EU economies suffer a pronounced labor shortage that’s feared to impact economic output. This situation forces increased competition among the EU and other global economies to attract foreign talent, particularly in critical sectors like healthcare and IT.

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