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EU BLUE CARD

EU Blue Card is a door to success for highly qualified professionals.

Many Schengen countries offer their Blue Cards which are a faster path to permanent residency and citizenship.

This is a visa that allows you to travel and work in all EU Blue Card issuing 24 EU countries. On this visa, you can travel to the Schengen countries as well.

The EU Blue Card offers skilled professionals a pathway to work and settle in an EU/Schengen country. Discover its benefits and application process through the following:

  • Understand what an EU Blue Card entails.
  • Learn how to apply for one.
  • Explore the rights and privileges of EU Blue Card holders.

What is the EU Blue Card in the EU?

The EU Blue Card is a special permit for highly skilled non-EU individuals to reside and work in an EU nation, provided they possess advanced professional credentials and have secured employment with a substantial salary. This card is valid in 25 EU countries, with Denmark and Ireland being exceptions. For detailed regulations concerning skilled workers in these countries, please consult the respective country’s guidelines. Overall, the EU Blue Cards works under the COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 2009/50/EC of the European Union which were further amended in November 2021.

Which countries offer/accept the EU Blue Card?

There are in total 24 European countries that offer the EU Blue Card Scheme. Denmark and Ireland do not take part in this program. On the other hand countries like Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Iceland, and Norway are not a part of the European Union and this is why they also do not issue EU Blue Cards. But these four countries are Schengen Countries. Following are the names of EU countries offering the EU Blue Card:

  • Belgium
  • Bulgaria
  • Cyprus
  • Germany
  • Estonia
  • Finland
  • France (including French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Mayotte and La Reunion)
  • Greece
  • Hungary
  • Italy
  • Latvia
  • Lithuania
  • Luxembourg
  • Malta
  • The Netherlands (excluding Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten + Bonaire, Saba and Sint Eustatius)
  • Austria
  • Poland
  • Portugal (including the Azores and Madeira)
  • Romania
  • Slovenia
  • Slovakia
  • Spain (including the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands)
  • Czech Republic
  • Sweden


In 2022, the majority of EU Blue Cards issued in the EU were issued in four countries: Germany (63 242, 77.3 % of the total), Poland (4 831, 6.0 %), Lithuania (3 924 or 4.8 %) and France (3 876, 4.7 %). Conversely, eight EU countries issued less than 100 EU Blue Cards in 2022: Sweden (83 EU Blue Cards), Spain (58), Estonia (36), Portugal (27), Greece (22), Malta (21), Hungary (18), and Slovakia (14) and no EU Blue Cards were issued in Cyprus.

ec.europa.eu

History of EU Blue Card

In March 2000, the Lisbon European Council aimed to make the EU the leading global knowledge-based economy, promoting sustainable growth and job creation.

In October 2007, the European Commission introduced two proposals: the Framework Directive for skilled migrant admission, later known as the EU Blue Card Directive, and the single permit directive to streamline migration processes. The EU Blue Card directive was endorsed by the European Council in May 2009, followed by the adoption of the single permit directive in December 2011. Together, these initiatives established the EU Blue Card Scheme, offering skilled migrants a pathway to residency and employment.

Objectives of the EU Blue Card

The EU Blue Card program aims to boost Europe’s appeal to skilled professionals from non-EU countries. Nearly all EU member states, except Denmark and Ireland, participate. This initiative prioritizes candidates with adequate education or sought-after skills gained through professional experience. Unlike point-based systems, eligibility is based solely on possessing the required qualifications.

Distinctive Advantages

The EU Blue Card offers distinct advantages to professionals seeking migration to Europe:

Validity of the Blue Card

The EU Blue Cards are valid for at least 24 months, or, if a work contract is for a shorter period, a further 3 months after the contract ends. The holder gets multiple entries to and from the EU member states.

Equal Working Conditions

Enjoy working and salary conditions equivalent to those of nationals.

Free Movement in EU Zone

Freedom to move within the Schengen area for work or leisure.

Socio-Economic Rights

Entitled to various benefits, including access to unemployment benefits.

Family Reunification

Favorable conditions for family members to join the cardholder.

Permanent Residence

Pathway to permanent residence for long-term stability. In some cases, it can decrease to even two years such as in Germany where if you pass a German language test, you can even apply for permanent residency after 21 months of stay. Most countries offer it on the other hand in 3 to 5 years time period.

Freedom of Association

Ability to engage in social and professional activities within the host country.

Opportunities for Overseas Students

Upon completing your studies, you can transition to the EU Blue Card for continued European residence. Many EU countries offer post-graduation stay options to facilitate labor market integration.

Right to Permanent Residency

Accumulated employment time on the EU Blue Card contributes to eligibility for permanent residency. Depending on the country, you can apply for permanent residency after two to five years.

Mobility within the EU after the PR

EU Blue Card holders can work and reside in another EU country for up to two years without losing their permanent residency status. They must inform immigration authorities before relocating and can work on the EU Blue Card permit in the new country.

Traveling on the EU Blue Card

EU Blue Card holders, except those issued in Romania, Bulgaria, or Cyprus, can travel freely within the Schengen area, covering most of Europe. Notable exceptions include the United Kingdom and Ireland.

EU Blue Card Requirements and Procedure

Mandatory Requirements

To qualify for the EU Blue Card, one needs:

  • Non-EU Citizenship: The non-EU citizens can apply for this visa except those seeking international protection, those having gained long-term residency visas, or those who carry out research projects in member states,
  • Education or work experience: Higher professional qualifications encompass evidence of higher education studies lasting at least three years, along with relevant professional experience in certain Member States. Recognition of foreign qualifications may be necessary for access to employment activities.
  • A job offer or employment contract: a valid work contract or a binding job offer for highly qualified employment for at least 6 months. You must be employed. A self-employment or entrepreneur status does help you get this visa;
  • Meeting Salary Threshold: You must make sure the salary threshold is in the country you are applying visa for. This is at least equal to, but no higher than 1.6 times, the average gross national annual salary, a lower threshold of 80% applying to professions with shortages and recent non-EU graduates (no more than 3 years).
  • Some Member States such as Germany, Estonia, France, Greece, Spain, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Poland, Malta, Sweden, Portugal, and Slovakia also allow for relevant professional experience to be taken into account as qualification proof. This must be at least 5 years of professional experience of a level comparable to higher education qualifications and which is relevant in the profession or sector specified in the work contract or binding job offer.

Issuing Authority

The immigration services of the country where employment and residence will be established issue the EU Blue Card.

Salary Requirements

Employers are required to pay EU Blue Card holders a salary of at least 1.5 times the average gross salary of the respective country, as per the EU Blue Card directive.

Language Proficiency

While language proficiency may be beneficial, no specific language requirements are mandated by EU Blue Card law. These however may differ from country to country.

Where to Apply?

Applicant or their employer should apply with the relevant national authorities in the desired work country.

Eligibility requirements for an EU Blue Card application

Interested applicants should make sure the following requirements are met:

  • Demonstrate higher professional qualifications, typically attained through a university degree or equivalent education.
  • Secure paid employment, as self-employment or entrepreneurship does not qualify.
  • Ensure a salary of at least 1.5 times the average national salary, unless a lower threshold applies.
  • Provide a valid work contract or confirmed job offer lasting at least one year in an EU country.
  • Possess the required travel documents and health insurance coverage for yourself and accompanying relatives.
  • Meet any legal requirements for practicing regulated professions, where applicable.

Finding Job Opportunities in the EU

European employers utilize various platforms to advertise job openings, including their websites, public employment services, private agencies, recruitment platforms, specialized websites, publications, and universities.

It is however not that easy to find a job in Europe until to fulfill certain requirements such as the language spoken in that particular country. Secondly, some occupations demand skills recognition – you must also get that type of recognition certificate when required.

Since every EU country has its job offering portals, the following are some of these overall containing job information in the whole of Europe:

Frequently asked question for EU Blue Card

How long must I wait for a decision on my application?  

You’re entitled to receive a decision within 90 days of your application’s registration. Timely processing ensures efficient handling of EU Blue Card applications.

Can my application for an EU Blue Card be refused?  

Yes, your application may face rejection if you fail to meet outlined conditions or provide false information that is against public policy, or security. Compliance with requirements is crucial for successful application processing.

Can EU countries set quotas on highly-qualified work for non-EU citizens?  

EU countries have the authority to establish upper limits on the number of non-EU citizens entering for highly-skilled work. Understanding these quotas aids in navigating employment opportunities within the EU.

On an EU Blue Card, how long can I work? 

Initially, the EU Blue Card allows work for one to four years, with the possibility of renewal. This offers extended employment opportunities within the issuing Member State.

Am I free to change jobs and/or employers?  

Not immediately. For the first two years, you must stay in the job for which you obtained the EU Blue Card unless granted permission by national authorities. Flexibility in job changes may be available after the initial two-year period.

Can I bring my family with me?  

Yes, the EU Blue Card facilitates favorable conditions for family reunification and spousal access to work. Coordinated application submissions can result in simultaneous issuance of residence permits for family members.

Does the EU Blue Card allow me to travel to other EU countries?  

Yes, the EU Blue Card permits visits to other EU countries for up to three months within six months. Additionally, travel through other EU countries en route to your residence country is allowed.

Can I work anywhere in the EU with an EU Blue Card?

You may, after living legally for 12 months in the Member State that issued the blue card, move, live, and work with your family in another Member State. However, note that rules may vary among EU countries, necessitating verification.

What other rights do I have?  

As an EU Blue Card holder, you’re guaranteed equal treatment with citizens in various aspects, including working conditions, professional education, recognition of qualifications, social security, and access to public goods and services. Additionally, obtaining long-term residence status is facilitated with more lenient calculation rules.

What happens if I lose my job?  

Upon unemployment, you have three months to secure new employment. Failure to do so may lead to withdrawal of your EU Blue Card, potentially requiring departure from the country.

Are there any other risks of withdrawal or non-renewal of my EU Blue Card?  

Your EU Blue Card may be withdrawn or not renewed for reasons such as failure to meet conditions, provision of false information, posing a threat to public policy, security, or health, or inadequate financial resources. Relevant authorities will notify you in such cases.

Can I appeal against the decision of refusal or withdraw my EU Blue Card?   

Yes, you have the legal right to contest decisions through appropriate national authorities, including courts. This ensures procedural fairness and the opportunity to address any discrepancies.

What happens if I overstay my EU Blue Card?  

Overstaying the validity period of your EU Blue Card results in an irregular situation and may necessitate departure from the country. Adhering to residency regulations is essential to maintain legal status.

Where do most EU Blue Card holders come from?   

Citizens of India, Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, Brazil, China, Mexico, and Turkey get most of the EU Blue Cards each year.

What are regulated and unregulated professions?  

Regulated professions require specific professional qualifications for access and practice, while unregulated ones do not. Understanding the distinction aids in navigating employment opportunities within the EU.

What is a labor market test?  

A labor market test ensures that migrant workers are admitted only after employers have conducted unsuccessful searches for national, EU, or legally residing third-country workers. Understanding this mechanism is essential for navigating employment opportunities within the EU.

Can my family members accompany me on an EU Blue Card? 

Yes. Family members of EU Blue Card holders can accompany them and access the EU labor market (which means they can also legally work).

Can I apply for the EU Blue Card without qualification?

Yes, you can. Some Member States such as Germany, Estonia, France, Greece, Spain, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Poland, Malta, Sweden, Portugal, and Slovakia also allow for relevant professional experience to be taken into account as qualification proof. This must be at least 5 years of professional experience of a level comparable to higher education qualifications and which is relevant in the profession or sector specified in the work contract or binding job offer.