EU work permits for Indian professionals: which countries, which routes

Indian professionals are among the largest groups of skilled workers moving to the EU. The EU Immigration Portal notes that, in 2021, citizens of India received more EU Blue Cards than any other nationality. This guide explains the main work routes, how they differ between countries, and where to check the rules for the country you are considering.

One EU, many permit systems

The EU sets common rules for some types of migrant workers, but each country runs its own permit system and makes its own decisions. According to the EU Immigration Portal:

• EU-wide rules generally apply in 25 of the 27 EU countries. Denmark and Ireland have their own systems for highly qualified workers.
• Each country can apply its own grounds for refusing, withdrawing or not renewing a permit.
• Countries may also run national schemes for highly qualified workers alongside the EU Blue Card.

So “an EU work permit” does not really exist as one document. You apply to one country, under that country’s rules, for a permit that lets you live and work there.

The EU Blue Card

The Blue Card is the EU’s common permit for highly qualified employment. Under Directive (EU) 2021/1883 and the EU Immigration Portal summary:

• Job offer. You need a work contract or binding job offer for highly qualified employment of at least 6 months.
• Salary. Each country sets a salary threshold of at least 1.0 times and no more than 1.6 times its average gross annual salary.
• Qualifications. Usually higher education of at least three years. In some cases professional experience can count instead.
• Validity. Each country sets a standard validity of at least 24 months, or the contract length plus three months if shorter.
• Decision. You are entitled to a decision as soon as possible and no later than 90 days after a complete application.
• Family. The Blue Card gives more favourable conditions for family reunification and for spouses’ access to work.
• Moving on. After 12 months, you may move to another Blue Card country for highly qualified work, applying for a new Blue Card there.

How the Baltic states compare

The Baltic states all apply the Blue Card, with different details. At the time of writing (October 2026), the EU Immigration Portal describes:

• Lithuania. A contract of at least 6 months. Salary of at least 1.5 times the average monthly gross wage, or 1.2 times for occupations on Lithuania’s list of high value-added professions with a shortage of workers. At least 3 years of recent ICT experience can count instead of a degree for ICT roles. The card is valid for three years, and the portal lists a decision within 1 month as standard.
• Estonia. A contract or binding offer of at least one year. Salary of at least 1.5 times the average gross monthly wage, or 1.24 times for certain professions.
• Latvia. Salary of at least 1.5 times the national average wage, or 1.2 times for certain listed professions. The employer first needs an approved invitation from Latvia’s Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs.

Average wage figures are updated regularly by each country’s statistics office, so the euro amount of each threshold changes. Check the current figure on the official migration website before you negotiate a salary.

Other routes to work in the EU

The Blue Card is not the only option. Depending on your situation:

• National work permits. For jobs that do not meet Blue Card conditions, most countries have a standard work permit, often with a labour market check and a shortage occupation list.
• Intra-corporate transfer (ICT). If you work for a multinational group, you may be transferred to its EU branch. In Lithuania, for example, managers and specialists need at least 6 months with the group immediately before the transfer, and the permit lasts up to 3 years.
• Researchers. Researchers with a hosting agreement with a research organisation have their own EU category.
• Study first. Many professionals start with a Master’s degree in the EU and then use post-study job-search permits.
• National schemes. Some countries run their own schemes for skilled workers or startup founders.

For readers from Bangladesh and Pakistan, the European Commission has launched Talent Partnerships with both countries, alongside Tunisia, Morocco and Egypt. These work through projects and cooperation between governments, not individual applications, so watch for official announcements rather than agents claiming to sell places.

Choosing where to apply

There is no best country for everyone. Points worth weighing:

• Where the job is. Your employer’s location usually decides the country.
• Salary thresholds. Lower thresholds for shortage occupations can open doors in some countries.
• Language. English is widely used in tech and business in the Baltics, but local language skills help with daily life and long-term careers.
• Family. Check the rights of your spouse and children in each country.
• Long-term plans. Under the Blue Card rules, time spent in different Blue Card countries can count towards EU long-term residence, subject to conditions.

Whatever you choose, apply only through the official migration authority of that country. No agent can issue or guarantee a permit, and no one can guarantee a residence permit.

How Mavericks Settle helps

Mavericks Settle guides professionals and families relocating for work: understanding the routes, paperwork and applications, bank accounts, finding a home and settling in. We start in Lithuania and the UK, and cover other EU countries through our partner law firms, who handle the legal steps.