EU Blue Card Shortage Occupations List by Country
Shortage occupations offer significant advantages for EU Blue Card applicants, including lower salary thresholds and easier qualification paths. This comprehensive guide covers what shortage occupations are, their benefits, and detailed lists for major EU countries.
What Are Shortage Occupations?
Shortage occupations, also known as bottleneck professions or deficit occupations, are jobs where there is a documented shortage of qualified workers in a particular EU member state. Each country maintains its own official shortage occupation list based on labor market analysis, and these lists are typically updated annually.
The EU Blue Card Directive (2021/1883) specifically recognizes shortage occupations and provides favorable conditions for applicants whose professions appear on these lists. This is part of the EU's strategy to attract highly skilled workers in sectors experiencing critical labor shortages.
Why Shortage Lists Exist
EU member states face significant skills gaps in various sectors. An aging workforce, digital transformation, and specialized industry needs have created demand that cannot be met by domestic labor alone. Shortage occupation lists help identify where international talent is most needed and incentivize skilled workers to fill these gaps.
Benefits of Shortage Occupations for Blue Card Applicants
If your profession is on a country's shortage occupation list, you gain several important advantages that make obtaining an EU Blue Card significantly easier:
Lower Salary Threshold
Instead of the standard 1.0x-1.6x of average salary, shortage occupations qualify with just 0.8x of the national average gross annual salary. This can mean savings of thousands of euros in required salary.
Reduced Experience Requirement
Applicants without a formal degree can qualify with only 3 years of relevant professional experience instead of the standard 5 years required for non-shortage occupations.
Faster Processing
Applications for shortage occupations may receive expedited processing in some countries, as authorities recognize the urgent need for these skills.
No Labor Market Test
Many countries waive the requirement to prove no suitable EU candidate is available when hiring for shortage occupations.
The 0.8x Salary Threshold Benefit Explained
The reduced salary threshold is often the most significant benefit. Under the revised EU Blue Card Directive, member states can set salary thresholds between 1.0x and 1.6x of the average national salary for standard occupations. However, for shortage occupations, a minimum threshold of 0.8x applies across all member states.
| Country | Standard Threshold | Shortage Threshold (0.8x) | Annual Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Germany | 45,300 | 41,042 | 4,258 |
| Netherlands | 46,107 | 36,886 | 9,221 |
| France | 39,000 | 31,200 | 7,800 |
| Austria | 46,344 | 37,075 | 9,269 |
| Spain | 33,908 | 27,126 | 6,782 |
* All figures in EUR per year. This means you can qualify for a Blue Card with a lower salary if your profession is on the shortage list.
Pro Tip
Even if your current salary meets the standard threshold, having your profession on the shortage list provides additional job security. If you need to change employers and the new position offers a lower salary, you would still qualify as long as it meets the shortage threshold.
Common Shortage Occupation Categories Across the EU
While each country maintains its own specific list, certain professional categories consistently appear as shortage occupations across most EU member states. Understanding these categories can help you identify where your skills are most in demand.
Information Technology
The IT sector faces the most severe shortages across Europe, with demand far exceeding supply in virtually every member state.
- Software Developers & Engineers
- Data Scientists & Analysts
- Cybersecurity Specialists
- Cloud Architects & DevOps Engineers
- AI/Machine Learning Engineers
- IT Project Managers
- Database Administrators
- Network Engineers
- Full-Stack Developers
- Mobile App Developers
Healthcare & Medical
Europe's aging population and healthcare system expansion have created significant demand for medical professionals at all levels.
- Medical Doctors (all specializations)
- Registered Nurses
- Pharmacists
- Dentists & Dental Specialists
- Physiotherapists
- Medical Laboratory Technicians
- Radiologists & Radiographers
- Psychiatrists & Psychologists
- Midwives
- Healthcare Managers
Engineering
Engineering skills remain in high demand across manufacturing, infrastructure, and emerging technology sectors throughout Europe.
- Electrical Engineers
- Mechanical Engineers
- Civil Engineers
- Chemical Engineers
- Automotive Engineers
- Aerospace Engineers
- Environmental Engineers
- Industrial Engineers
- Robotics Engineers
- Energy Engineers
Science & Research
Research institutions and pharmaceutical companies across Europe actively recruit international scientists and researchers.
- Research Scientists
- Biomedical Researchers
- Physicists
- Chemists
- Mathematicians & Statisticians
- Biotechnologists
- Geoscientists
- Environmental Scientists
- Materials Scientists
- Clinical Researchers
Additional Shortage Sectors
Architects, construction managers, quantity surveyors, building inspectors
Financial analysts, accountants, auditors, actuaries, compliance officers
STEM teachers, university lecturers, special education specialists
Electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, welders (often require specific qualifications)
Country-Specific Shortage Occupation Lists
Each EU member state maintains its own official shortage occupation list, updated based on labor market conditions. Below are detailed breakdowns for major Blue Card destination countries.
Germany - Engpassberufe (Bottleneck Professions)
Germany issues the most EU Blue Cards and has an extensive shortage occupation list.
Germany's shortage occupation list is managed by the Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur fur Arbeit) and is known as the "Positivliste" or list of bottleneck professions. The list is based on statistical analysis of job vacancies and unemployment rates by profession.
| Category | Specific Occupations | Shortage Level |
|---|---|---|
| IT Professionals | Software developers, IT consultants, data scientists, system administrators | Severe |
| Healthcare | Doctors (all specialties), nurses, pharmacists, physiotherapists, elderly care | Severe |
| Engineering | Electrical, mechanical, civil, automotive, mechatronics engineers | High |
| Construction | Construction supervisors, building technicians, HVAC specialists | High |
| Mathematics/Science | Mathematicians, physicists, chemists, geologists | Moderate |
France - Metiers en tension
France maintains a shortage list that varies by region and is updated regularly.
France's shortage occupation list (liste des metiers en tension) is published by the Ministry of Labor and is used to facilitate work permit issuance for non-EU nationals. The list takes into account regional differences in labor market needs.
| Category | Specific Occupations | Shortage Level |
|---|---|---|
| IT & Digital | Software engineers, data analysts, cybersecurity experts, IT project managers | Severe |
| Healthcare | Doctors, nurses, care assistants, medical technicians | Severe |
| Engineering | R&D engineers, production engineers, quality engineers | High |
| Finance | Financial controllers, auditors, compliance officers | Moderate |
| Construction | Site managers, civil engineers, building technicians | High |
Netherlands - Tekortberoepen
The Netherlands has a streamlined approach with broad IT and STEM recognition.
The Netherlands maintains a shortage occupation list that is particularly favorable for IT and technical professionals. The country also offers the attractive 30% tax ruling for highly skilled migrants, which can be combined with Blue Card benefits.
| Category | Specific Occupations | Shortage Level |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | Software developers, DevOps engineers, data engineers, UX designers | Severe |
| Healthcare | Medical specialists, nurses, dentists, mental health professionals | Severe |
| Engineering | Technical engineers, process engineers, maintenance engineers | High |
| Finance/Legal | Tax advisors, compliance specialists, financial analysts | Moderate |
| Life Sciences | Researchers, biotech specialists, pharmaceutical scientists | High |
Spain - Catalogo de Ocupaciones de Dificil Cobertura
Spain's shortage list focuses on regional needs and the growing tech sector.
Spain publishes a quarterly updated catalog of hard-to-fill occupations. The list varies by autonomous community (region), with Barcelona and Madrid having different shortage profiles than other regions.
| Category | Specific Occupations | Shortage Level |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | Software engineers, mobile developers, cloud specialists | Severe |
| Healthcare | Doctors, specialized nurses, medical technicians | High |
| Engineering | Industrial engineers, renewable energy engineers, telecommunications | Moderate |
| Maritime | Ship officers, marine engineers (coastal regions) | High |
| Sports/Entertainment | Professional athletes, coaches (specific categories) | Moderate |
Other Major Blue Card Destinations
Austria
Strong demand for IT specialists, engineers, and healthcare workers. The Red-White-Red Card system works alongside Blue Card with similar shortage recognition.
- IT and tech professionals
- Engineers (mechanical, electrical)
- Healthcare professionals
- Skilled craftspeople
Belgium
Brussels hosts EU institutions and many international organizations, creating demand for multilingual professionals and IT specialists.
- IT specialists
- Engineers
- Healthcare workers
- Financial professionals
Poland
Rapidly growing IT sector with lower salary thresholds. Warsaw, Krakow, and Wroclaw are major tech hubs attracting international talent.
- Software developers
- IT specialists
- Engineers
- Business analysts
Portugal
Lisbon's growing startup scene and favorable climate attract tech workers. Lower thresholds compared to Northern Europe.
- Tech professionals
- Engineers
- Healthcare workers
- Tourism management
How to Check If Your Profession Is on the Shortage List
Verifying whether your specific occupation qualifies as a shortage profession is an important step before applying for an EU Blue Card. Here's how to check:
Identify Your ISCO Code
Most shortage lists use the International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO). Find your profession's ISCO code to match against official lists.
Check Official Government Sources
Visit the immigration or labor ministry website of your destination country. Look for the official shortage occupation list (often called Mangelberufe, Engpassberufe, or similar terms).
Consult with Your Employer
Employers sponsoring Blue Card applications typically know whether positions qualify as shortage occupations. HR departments experienced with Blue Cards can verify this.
Contact Immigration Authorities
If uncertain, contact the relevant immigration authority directly. They can confirm whether your specific job title and responsibilities qualify.
Important Considerations
- Shortage lists are updated regularly (often annually or quarterly)
- A profession on the list today may not be tomorrow - apply promptly
- Your job title must match the description, not just be similar
- Some countries have regional variations in shortage lists
Strategies for Shortage Occupation Applicants
Target Countries with Your Profession Listed
If your profession is a shortage occupation in multiple countries, compare salary thresholds, cost of living, and quality of life to choose the best destination. A profession might be severely in demand in Germany but only moderately needed in Spain.
Consider Transferable Skills
If your exact job title isn't listed, consider whether your skills apply to listed occupations. A "Backend Developer" might qualify under "Software Engineer" or "IT Specialist" categories.
Highlight Shortage Skills in Applications
When applying for jobs, emphasize skills that align with shortage occupation descriptions. Employers are motivated to hire for positions that qualify for easier work permit processing.
Stay Current with List Updates
Shortage lists change as labor markets evolve. Subscribe to immigration news or periodically check official sources to stay informed about changes that might affect your eligibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I switch to a non-shortage occupation after getting my Blue Card?
Yes, but your new position must still meet Blue Card requirements, including the standard (higher) salary threshold. During the first 12 months, you typically need approval for any job change.
What if my profession is removed from the shortage list after I apply?
Generally, the list that applies is the one in effect when your application is processed. If you already hold a Blue Card, removal from the shortage list doesn't affect your current permit but may impact renewals if your salary is below the standard threshold.
Do all EU countries have shortage occupation lists?
Most do, but implementation varies. Some countries have detailed published lists, while others make case-by-case determinations. Countries like Germany have very comprehensive lists, while smaller member states may have more limited documentation.
Can I use the 3-year experience pathway even if I have a degree?
Yes. If you have both a degree and extensive experience, you can choose whichever qualification pathway is most advantageous. For shortage occupations, 3 years of experience may suffice regardless of your educational background.
Ready to Start Your Blue Card Journey?
Understanding shortage occupations is just one part of the Blue Card application process. Explore our comprehensive guides to learn about salary requirements, eligibility criteria, and country-specific procedures.