Top Countries Offering EU Blue Card in 2026
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The EU Blue Card enables skilled professionals to live and work in the EU’s 25 countries, including Germany, Italy and the Netherlands. Scroll through to find the list of the top countries offering the EU Blue Card.
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Are you aware that you can visit 25 European countries with an EU Blue card? The network of countries stretches from Austria to Sweden, although Ireland and Denmark are not part of the list. The EU Blue Card is a residence and work permit for skilled non-EU and EEA citizens. It further offers socio-economic rights and an opportunity to apply for permanent residence as well as EU citizenship.
To be eligible for an EU Blue Card, you should have an employment contract or a binding employment offer. The program can also be called merit-based as it assesses candidates based on educational qualifications and professional experience. Learn more about the top countries offering EU Blue Card below.
Complete EU Blue Card Country List
Here is the list of countries offering the EU Blue Card. These countries have implemented the EU Blue Card under Directive 2021/1883/EU, with variations in rules per nation.
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Estonia
- Finland
- France (including overseas territories like French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Mayotte, and La Reunion)
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Italy
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands (excluding certain overseas territories)
- Poland
- Portugal (including Azores and Madeira)
- Romania
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain (including Balearic and Canary Islands)
- Sweden
Non-participating EU states include Denmark and Ireland, do not issue EU Blue Cards.
Some sources include EEA countries like Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway for Blue Card applications. Always check official immigration sites for the latest eligibility, as procedures differ by country.
Also Read: German PR Requirements for Blue Card Holders
Top 5 EU Blue Card Countries in 2026
While the EU blue card is standard for most European countries, some countries, like Ireland, utilise their own specific "Critical Skills" systems, which serve a similar purpose.
Here are the top 5 countries for skilled professionals in 2026:
1. Germany
Germany is said to be the powerhouse of the EU Blue Card, focusing on the vast majority of permits. The new policies of 2026 focus on low barriers for IT specialists and STEM professionals.
Reason to Apply: Quick track to Permanent Residency (PR); as little as 21 months with basic German (B1). It also has the most flexible rules for IT workers without degrees.
Processing Time: 6 to 12 weeks
Minimum Salary Threshold (2026): Standard: 50,700 Euros gross per year.
Shortage Occupations (STEM, Medical): 45,934 euros gross per year.
Key Details: IT professionals can work with 3 years of experience; a university degree is not required.
2. The Netherlands
The Netherlands, for the EU blue card, is a preferable choice for tech and finance professionals due to its high English proficiency and streamlined immigration portal.
Reasons to Apply: The 30% Tax Ruling (though subject to 2026 tapering rules) significantly increases your take-home pay. The process is almost entirely digital.
Processing Time: Exceptionally fast; 2 to 4 weeks if your employer is a "Recognised Sponsor".
Minimum Salary Threshold (2026):
- Standard: 5,942 Euros gross per month (approx. 71,304 Euros/year).
- Reduced (Recent Grads): 4,754 Euros gross per month.
Key Detail: Highly skilled migrants have a dedicated "Expat Center" in major cities to handle BSN (tax ID) and residency in one appointment.
3. Ireland (Critical Skills Permit)
While Ireland does not qualify for a standard “EU blue card” scheme, its Critical Skills Employment Permit (CSEP), its direct equivalent, is very popular for 2026.
Reasons to Apply: No "Labour Market Needs Test" (employers don't have to prove they couldn't find an EU local first). It provides a direct path to a Stamp 4 visa, allowing you to work for any employer after 21 months.
Processing Time: 8 to 12 weeks.
Minimum Salary Threshold (2026):
- Occupations on the Critical Skills List: 38,000 Euros per year (increased from 2025).
- All other eligible roles: 64,000 per year.
Key Detail: Includes immediate family reunification and the right for spouses to work without their own separate permit.
4. Sweden
Sweden updated its immigration laws, tightening some rules but extending the validity of Blue cards to make them more attractive for long-term stays.
- Reasons to Apply: High social equality and excellent family benefits. Blue Cards can now be issued/extended for up to 4 years (previously 2).
- Processing Time: 2 to 4 months.
- Minimum Salary Threshold (2026): Approximately SEK 57,000 per month
Key Detail: Sweden now requires all applicants staying over a year to be covered by comprehensive health insurance until they are entered into the population register.
5. Spain
Spain has become a strong player in issuing the EU blue card by lowering the minimum contract length requirement to just 6 months, attracting “medium-term” high-end consultants.
- Reasons to Apply: Growing tech hubs in Madrid, Barcelona, and Malaga. It offers a "Digital Nomad" to "Blue Card" transition pathway.
- Processing Time: 6 to 8 weeks.
- Minimum Salary Threshold (2026):
- Standard: Approx. EUR 42,000 gross per year.
- Young Professionals (<30 years old): Reduced threshold of approx. EUR 31,500.
Key Detail: Spain allows you to apply while physically in the country on a tourist or student visa, provided you have a valid job offer.
How Long Can You Stay in Other EU Countries with a Blue Card?
If you have an EU Blue card, you can stay in other European countries for 3 months out of 6 months maximum. As an EU Blue card holder, you will only be asked to submit a passport while entering the internal border of an EU country. Around 23 countries fall under the list of borderless Schengen areas, which does not include Bulgaria, Cyprus, Ireland, or Romania. Individuals wishing to travel to the four countries mentioned above must have a distinct national visa.
Secure Your EU Blue Card With GetGIS Assistance
The EU Blue Card is the perfect pathway for skilled professionals to build a rewarding career in Europe. To make your EU blue card journey seamless and more efficient, consider reaching out for expert guidance from GetGIS. Our team provides personalised end-to-end guidance with the visa process, post-landing assistance, and job search guidance to help you plan your European career with confidence.
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