Belgium to Ease Educational Requirements for EU Blue Card Holders From May 1
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Belgium has announced relaxed requirements for the EU Blue Card Holders. New changes are set to enter into force on May 1.
EU Blue Card applicants with managerial or specialist roles in IT will be able to switch academic credentials with relevant work experience.
Belgium has also introduced other changes, such as more work permit exemptions and stricter rules regarding specific jobs.
The Flanders Region in Belgium has decided to ease educational criteria for holders of the EU Blue Card, starting from May 1.

Under the new policies, applicants for EU Blue Card with managerial or specialist roles in IT will be able to switch academic credentials with at least three years of applicable work experience acquired in the last seven years, VisaGuide.World reports.

According to the Economic Times newspaper, authorities introduced this policy in an effort to ease the shortage of occupations related to IT.

Furthermore, holders of the EU Blue Card will be able to switch employers more easily, needing only to notify the Regional Employment Ministry within the first year. Switching employers will become easier after 12 months. This implies that no immigration procedures will be required as long as the minimum salary requirements are fulfilled.

Among other things, the salary threshold for acquiring the EU Blue Card has risen to 130 percent of the average income. This means that in 2024, the required yearly taxable salary is €60,621.

In addition to this new policy, Belgium has introduced other changes, such as more work permit exemptions and stricter rules concerning Shortage Occupation and the labour market test procedures.

More Eligible Categories for Work Permit Exemptions

Starting from May 1, Belgium will expand the list of activities permitted under a business visitor.

These activities include participation in conferences, seminars, business meetings, trade fairs, and exhibitions, negotiation of business agreements, involvement in sales, marketing, internal, and customer audits, exploration of business opportunities, attendance or conduct of training sessions, engagement in tourism-related activities, and provision of translation and interpretation services.

However, employers must ensure their employees do not exceed 90 days of stay in Belgium within a 180-day timeframe.

Tighter Regulations Regarding Shortage Occupation & Labor Market

Employers looking to hire for most in-demand medium-skilled jobs must show that the applicants have the right experience and qualifications.

Furthermore, Belgium will introduce stricter rules concerning the labour test process. Under new regulations, employers are required to publish job vacancies for at least nine weeks within the four months prior to the application.

Jobs must be listed on EURES and VDAB websites, and the government will only accept VDAB-recognized shortage jobs.

Belgian authorities have announced other policies to simplify regulations regarding seasonal workers. As further reported, the new measures aim to ease the immigration process while ensuring that the labour market in the Flanders Region of Belgium is used effectively.