Estonia has introduced more relaxed EU Blue Card rules for all nationals of third countries in an attempt to facilitate employment and fill in shortages in different sectors.
Effective April 15, 2024, applicants are eligible to apply for an EU Blue Card for the purpose of working in Estonia if they have five years of professional experience in a relevant field, regardless of whether they have any educational qualifications, SchengenVisaInfo reports.
Previously, only those who had university qualifications were eligible to apply for the Card.
In addition, Estonia has also decided to lower job offer durations. In line with the new rules, foreigners will now be eligible for the EU Blue Card provided that they have entered into an employment contract for at least six months instead of the current one year.
The unemployment period during which an EU Blue Card holder is permitted to stay in Estonia has also been changed.
According to the Parliament of Estonia, foreigners can remain in Estonia unemployed for up to three months if they hold a Blue Card for less than two years and for up to six months if they hold a Blue Card for over two years.
More favourable conditions for family reunification will also be implemented for EU Blue Card holders.
Estonia has also decided to make it easier for Blue Card holders to change their employers.
