In a move to address labor shortages in the IT sector, Croatia is working to expand the eligibility criteria for the EU Blue Card to include professionals without formal educational qualifications. The Croatian government aims to make this significant change alongside efforts to extend the Blue Card’s validity period.
The new regulations will allow foreign workers with essential IT skills, but no formal education, to apply for the EU Blue Card. However, these professionals will need to demonstrate relevant work experience to qualify. A special committee will be appointed to review and assess the applications of those in this category to ensure they meet the required standards.
This reform is part of Croatia’s broader strategy to attract skilled foreign labor to fill gaps in key industries. Recent data reveal that from January 1 to September 30, 2024, the country issued 158,837 residence and work permits to foreign nationals. Among the top recipients were citizens from Bosnia and Herzegovina (30,424 permits), Nepal (25,392 permits), and Serbia (23,862 permits). Most permits were issued for employment in sectors such as construction, tourism, industry, traffic and logistics, and trade.
The expansion of the EU Blue Card eligibility is expected to further increase Croatia’s ability to attract skilled talent, particularly in the rapidly growing IT sector.