Germany, Poland, and France Lead EU Blue Card Issuance to Highly Skilled Workers

In 2023, the European Union granted approximately 89,000 EU Blue Cards to highly qualified non-EU nationals. The EU Blue Card is a residence and work permit specifically designed for skilled professionals seeking employment in the EU.

Top Issuers of EU Blue Cards

Germany continued to lead as the primary issuer of EU Blue Cards, followed by Poland, which granted around 7,000 cards, representing 8% of the total. France came third, issuing 4,000 cards, or 4% of the total number.

India Dominates as Top Source Country

India emerged as the top country of origin for EU Blue Card recipients in 2023, accounting for 24% of all approvals, totaling 21,000 Blue Cards. Other notable countries of origin include:

• Russia – 9,000 cards (11%)
• Turkey – 6,000 cards
• Belarus – 5,000 cards

Intra-Corporate Transferee Permits: India Also Leads

In the category of Intra-Corporate Transferee (ICT) permits, which allow non-EU employees to temporarily work in an EU branch of their company, India once again topped the list, with 36% of the 3,900 permits going to Indian nationals.

Following India:

• China – 1,600 permits (14%)
• South Korea – 1,300 permits (12%)

Among EU countries, the Netherlands was the leading issuer of ICT permits, granting 2,700 permits (25%), followed by:

• Germany – 1,900 permits (18%)
• Hungary – 1,900 permits
• France – 1,500 permits
• Spain – 1,100 permits

EU Authorisations for Students and Researchers Reach 451,000

The EU also saw a surge in academic migration, issuing 451,000 authorisations for students and researchers relocating for study or research purposes in 2023.

Germany topped the list with:

• 144,000 authorisations (32%)
• France – 117,000 (26%)
• Spain – 55,000 (12%)

India again was the leading non-EU country of origin, with 50,000 authorisations (11%), followed by:

• China – 47,000
• Morocco – 22,000
• United States – 21,000