Latest news with #EUBlueCard
India Today
19-05-2025
- Business
- India Today
Dreaming of a job abroad? These are the easiest countries to get a work visa
Keen to live and work in another country? You're not alone. Many people are packing their bags for better opportunities overseas. The tricky part is getting a work visa, but some countries make it much easier to get a work visa than to a recent report by Remitly, Latvia is the easiest country to get a skilled worker visa. It scored 7.64 out of 10 for ease of entry. As part of the EU Blue Card scheme, Latvia only asks for a minimum yearly salary of 20,500 pounds. The visa itself costs around 83 pounds and typically gets approved in ten working comes next, with a score of 7.32 out of 10. Known for industries like tech, pharma, and education, the country offers plenty of skilled job opportunities. Workers earn about 45,000 pounds per year on average. Here, the visa fee is also 83 pounds, and is valid for up to five years. However, the approval process is slower, usually taking around eight also ranks well with a score of 6.58. The country offers work visas to people with specialist skills, whether academic, technical, or creative. The salary requirement is low, just under 17,000 pounds per year, which makes it easier for many people to apply. You can stay for up to four years, and the visa fee is about 91. However, you might wait up to three months to hear back on your United States offers the longest visa duration, over six years in many cases, but due to its higher costs and slower processing, it stands at sixth on the other hand, has the cheapest visa at just 41 pounds, while Australia tops the list for the highest fee at 1,569 pounds. Australia also has the longest average wait time, with most applications taking up to six months, although half are processed in just over two you're considering the UK, keep in mind it ranks seventh and is one of the costlier options. You'll need a job offer with a salary of at least 38,700, and the visa fee is a hefty 1,420 according to Remitly, Kazakhstan has the highest success rate at 99.52%, while Pakistan has the lowest among the top 20 countries, at 82.39%. Canada remains one of the top destinations too. The country issued nearly 240,000 work visas in 2023 alone, the most among all developed in most parts of Europe, including France, Belgium, Hungary, Luxembourg, and Sweden, the average work visa takes about three months to process. Canada and the US are slightly slower, averaging around three and a half if you're serious about starting a new life abroad, choosing a country with a smooth visa process can make things far less stressful. Whether it's Latvia's speed, Ireland's long stay, or Iceland's low salary requirement, these nations are making it easier than ever to take the Watch
Local Germany
16-05-2025
- Business
- Local Germany
Why does Germany issue by far the most EU Blue Cards to skilled workers?
Considered the European version of the US Green Card, the Blue Card was established in 2009 and reformed in 2021 to make it more attractive for highly qualified individuals. To obtain a Blue Card , non-EU citizens need a university degree or an equivalent qualification, have a job offer and a salary meeting the threshold set by the EU country of expected residence. Besides the right to work and reside in a given EU country, the Blue Card holders can also visit another EU member state for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Blue Card holders have equal working conditions to national citizens. In case they lose the job, they can remain three months in the country to look for another one and claim social security benefits. The EU Blue Card can be obtained in 25 EU countries, but not in Denmark and Ireland, which have opted out. In 2023, EU member states issued around 89,000 Blue Cards, according to the latest data issued by the EU statistical office, Eurostat. Germany alone issued some 69,000, 78 per cent of the total and 6,000 more than in 2022. READ ALSO: What you need to earn to get an EU Blue Card in Germany in 2025 Poland followed, with 7,000 Blue Cards issued (8 per cent of the total and 2,400 more than in 2022). France was the third country by the number of permits given out, with around 4,000 issued (4 per cent). Austria issued 1,135, more than doubling the 501 of 2022. In comparison, Italy issued 747 Blue Cards (compared to 572 in 2022), Spain 370 (58 in 2022) and Sweden 106 (83 in 2022). German MEP Damian Boeselager, from the transnational pro-European party Volt, told The Local that 'Germany is one of the few countries that are actually promoting the EU Blue Card and has therefore seen a generally higher adoption, even if still rather limited in absolute numbers.' Advertisement As a reference, Germany issued about 177,000 work visas in 2023, and it is estimated to have some 400,000 open positions for skilled workers. In 2023, Germany also started to implement the Skilled Immigration Act to make it easier for qualified professionals from outside the EU to move to the country, including an expansion of the use of the EU Blue Card. Two Blue Cards for foreign skilled workers are on a table at the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees in Bavaria. Photo: picture alliance/dpa | Daniel Karmann Although the new German government announced restrictions to immigration, Boeselager says that 'the current take-up of the Blue Card will likely remain on a similar level, unless Germany changes something about the current rules.' 'So far, the new German government has not targeted highly qualified labour migrants in its rhetoric,' he added. READ ALSO: Which German jobs have a lower salary threshold for an EU Blue Card? Spain also eased rules in 2023, abolishing the requirement for employers to conduct a labour market test before sponsoring Blue Card employees, allowing six-month (instead of 12-month) contracts, reducing the salary threshold, and extending the validity of Blue Cards from 1 to 3 years. Sweden introduced new Blue Card rules on 1 January 2025 to attract highly skilled workers. These include lower salary requirement and contract length (from one year to six months), the possibility for people to change to another highly skilled job without applying for a new Blue Card, and a simpler process for those with a Blue Card issued in another EU country to obtain a new one in Sweden. Advertisement The revised EU directive entered into force on 27 November 2021 and EU member states had until 18 November 2023 to adapt the national legislation. As a result, the number of Blue Cards might increase in the future. In 2023, the most common nationalities of recipients were India (21,000), Russia (9,000), Türkiye (6,000) and Belarus (5,000). READ ALSO: Blue Card jobs, residence permits and prefixes - 6 essential articles for life in Germany
Hindustan Times
11-05-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
From Canada to Japan: Top 10 world's most coveted residency cards beyond the US and Dubai
In a world where global mobility is increasingly prized, residency cards have become a sought-after ticket to new opportunities, better quality of life, and financial freedom. From tax benefits to travel perks, certain residency cards offer unparalleled advantages for individuals looking to broaden their horizons. Here's a look at the top 10 residency cards around the world with unique advantages that make them highly coveted. Also Read: Who is David Hogg? DNC vice chair says Dems make young men feel 'judged' and 'ostracised' Residency cards are official documents that grant non-citizens the legal right to live and, in some cases, work in a country for a specified period. They are typically issued to individuals based on factors like employment, investment, or family connections, and may provide access to various rights and benefits, such as healthcare or education. The following are the most sought-after residency cards globally, each offering distinct perks. As the name states, Canada's PR card assures the holder permanent residency in the country. This means individuals have the benefit of living, working, and accessing the healthcare system. Those interested can apply for the PR card after 3 years of residency. Portugal's Golden Visa gives residency for investors, alongside entry to the Schengen Area. After five years of residency, they can apply for citizenship. Holders of Australia's PR card get the benefit to live, work and study in the country. Following four years of residency, they can apply for citizenship of Australia. This employment pass allows skilled foreign workers to live and work in Singapore. After certain years of residency, individuals can apply for citizenship and enjoy more social benefits the country has to offer. Japan's HSP visa enables skilled artists, highly skilled professionals and entrepreneurs to live and work in the country. After a few years, individuals can apply for permanent residency. New Zealand's resident visa not only welcomes skilled professionals but also their families to live, work and build a life in the country. After a few years individuals can apply for citizenship. Talent Passport offers a streamlined path for skilled professionals to live and work in the country for up to four years. Tailored for experts in sectors like technology, research, and culture, the permit is renewable. Also known as the EU Blue Card is a residence permit for highly skilled non-EU nationals seeking employment in Germany. It grants the right to live and work in the country and offers a pathway to permanent residency, making it a popular option for professionals looking to establish long-term careers in Europe. Brazil's permanent resident visa, known as VIPER, offers foreign nationals the right to live and work in the country indefinitely. It's available through several routes—such as marriage to a Brazilian, retirement with stable income, skilled employment, investment, or religious service—making it one of South America's more flexible residency options. The card is issued to foreign workers who have lived in the country for 10 years or more. It enables the holders to live and work in Switzerland.
South Wales Argus
06-05-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Easiest countries to relocate to on a working visa: 10 spots
As with many things, it depends on the circumstances, with different countries having different application processes. There are various requirements you will have to fulfil depending on what country you want to move to, with some being easier than others. To help people out, international money transfer site Remitly has worked out the 10 easiest countries to get a working visa for. 10 easiest countries to get a working visa for in 2025 According to Remitly's research, the 10 easiest countries to get a working visa for as of 2025 are: Latvia ranked as the easiest country to get a working visa for as part of the EU Blie Card visa. This allows highly skilled workers to reside and work in their chosen country. It costs around £83 to apply for an EU Blue Card in Latvia, and applicants need only earn around £20,500 per year to qualify. Remitly adds: "Latvia's national law states that all EU Blue Cards should be issued within ten working days, which is the quickest processing time on the list. "Successful applicants can reside and work in Latvia for up to five years, the third-longest stay period among listed countries." Some of the biggest industries in the country include transportation, wood and forestry products, financial services, and textiles. Eight out of the ten countries on the list are European, with the United States and Canada being the only exceptions. The United Kingdom ranked in sixth place overall, with it having a short processing time but a higher minimum salary requirement than most other countries. Ryan Riley, VP Marketing for EMEA and APAC at Remitly, said:'This latest research offers valuable insight into the countries leading the way in creating accessible, straightforward pathways for skilled migrant workers, with European countries standing out as some of the most accessible worldwide. Recommended reading: "With eight out of the top ten all being located in Europe. These nations are not only opening their doors but also recognising the vital role migrants play in driving economic growth and enriching societies. "Skilled workers are the backbone of key industries, addressing talent shortages, fuelling innovation, and contributing both locally and globally. "As more countries streamline entry routes, it's clear that investing in skilled migration is not just a response to labour needs, but a strategic move towards a more prosperous and connected world."
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
The easiest countries to relocate to on a working visa in 2025: See the 10 spots
The idea of going abroad to work for a period of time could sound like an attractive proposal to many, but how easy is it to do? As with many things, it depends on the circumstances, with different countries having different application processes. There are various requirements you will have to fulfil depending on what country you want to move to, with some being easier than others. To help people out, international money transfer site Remitly has worked out the 10 easiest countries to get a working visa for. According to Remitly's research, the 10 easiest countries to get a working visa for as of 2025 are: Latvia ranked as the easiest country to get a working visa for as part of the EU Blie Card visa. This allows highly skilled workers to reside and work in their chosen country. It costs around £83 to apply for an EU Blue Card in Latvia, and applicants need only earn around £20,500 per year to qualify. Remitly adds: "Latvia's national law states that all EU Blue Cards should be issued within ten working days, which is the quickest processing time on the list. "Successful applicants can reside and work in Latvia for up to five years, the third-longest stay period among listed countries." Some of the biggest industries in the country include transportation, wood and forestry products, financial services, and textiles. Eight out of the ten countries on the list are European, with the United States and Canada being the only exceptions. The United Kingdom ranked in sixth place overall, with it having a short processing time but a higher minimum salary requirement than most other countries. Ryan Riley, VP Marketing for EMEA and APAC at Remitly, said:'This latest research offers valuable insight into the countries leading the way in creating accessible, straightforward pathways for skilled migrant workers, with European countries standing out as some of the most accessible worldwide. Recommended reading: Where can UK passport holders travel to without a visa? See all 153 destinations Examples of unacceptable damage on a passport and when to replace yours What ID do I need for a UK passport? Full list of supporting documents required "With eight out of the top ten all being located in Europe. These nations are not only opening their doors but also recognising the vital role migrants play in driving economic growth and enriching societies. "Skilled workers are the backbone of key industries, addressing talent shortages, fuelling innovation, and contributing both locally and globally. "As more countries streamline entry routes, it's clear that investing in skilled migration is not just a response to labour needs, but a strategic move towards a more prosperous and connected world."
