EU Blue Card

The EU Blue Card Program is a work and residency permit intended to encourage working professionals to relocate to European Union member countries.

It has been compared to the Green Card program in the United States. Continue reading to find out if you qualify for the card.

What Is EU Blue Card?

The EU Blue Card is a work and residence permit that allows highly skilled non-European Union (EU) citizens to work and live in any EU country that participates in the Blue Card program. The card is intended to attract highly skilled professionals from around the world to come and work in the European Union.

To be eligible for the European Union Blue Card, individuals must have a higher education degree or equivalent qualification, have a job offer in an European Union country that pays a certain minimum salary, and possess sufficient health insurance and other resources to support themselves and their families. The card is usually issued for a period of one to four years and can be renewed.

Holders of the European Union Blue Card can enjoy a number of benefits, such as free movement within the European Union, the ability to bring their family members to live with them, and the possibility of permanent residence in the European Union after a certain period of time.

This card is issued by the following countries:

READ: UK Visa Application| Step By Step Guide

EU Blue Card Validity

If the contract is for more than one year but less than three years, the European Union Blue Card is initially issued for three years or the term of the individual’s work contract, whichever comes first.

In this case, the card will be valid for the duration of the contract plus three months. This time could be used to look for new employment in the country or to extend a current contract. When the card expires, it can be renewed.

Categories Of The EU Blue Card

The European Union Blue card is divided into seven categories:

1. Researchers
2. Vocational trainees
3. Students
4. Seasonal workers
5. Self-employed/entrepreneurs
6. Intra-corporate transfers
7. Highly-qualified or skilled workers

Eligibility Criteria For An European Union Blue Card

The qualifications differ depending on the category. There are, however, a few requirements that must be met.

1. The applicant must be of non-European Union citizenship.
2. A master’s degree or three years of professional experience is required.
3. Have over 5 years of work experience.
4. Show proof of a job offer or a one-year work contract in an EU country.
5. The position should pay at least 1.5 times the country’s average gross annual salary threshold.
6. Valid health insurance and travel documents are required.
7. In the case of regulated professions, the candidate must also meet the national legal criteria.

Applying For An EU Blue Card

The qualifications differ depending on the category. There are, however, a few requirements that must be met.
An individual or an individual’s employer can apply for the European Union Blue Card. The application process differs between member countries.

Some European Union members accept online applications, while others require applicants to make an appointment with the Embassy or Consulate to submit their application and supporting documents.

Member states can also limit the number of non-European Union citizens who can enter using an European Union Blue Card. An application is typically processed in 90 days.

Documents Required To Apply For EU Blue Card

The following documents are required:

• Two copies of the applicant’s signed and completed application form
• A passport that is valid for at least 15 months beyond the intended validity period of the European Union Blue Card. It should have at least two blank pages.
• Photocopies of the first page of the passport, as well as the pages containing visa stamps and stickers.
• Any previous passports held by the individual.
• Two color passport photos that meet ICAO requirements. The photos must have been taken within the last three months.
• A copy of a legitimate employment offer or work contract from an European Union-based company. The offer should have been signed by all parties and be valid for at least a year.
• It must also state the compensation and demonstrate that it meets the minimum wage requirements.
  Proof of educational and professional qualifications.
• For positions in regulated professions, a copy of all required certificates is also required.
• Proof of health insurance for the individual.
• Evidence of application fee payment. A fee of 140 Euros is due at the time of application.
• An employer’s statement outlining the benefits received and the reasons for employment.
• Proof that the application does not pose a threat to the state’s health, public policy, or security.
• A copy of the applicant’s most recent curriculum vitae.

Applying For Qualification Recognition

Candidates for regulated vocations such as law, medicine, engineering, education, and so on must have a certificate or license that allows them to work in the field. The application for certification must be submitted from the applicant’s home country.

Rights Of An EU Blue Card Holder

An European Union Blue Card provides numerous advantages. These are some examples:

• Tourists are allowed to travel throughout the European Union for up to 90 days in a 180-day period.
• Access to social rights such as health care and education, as well as human, cultural, and economic rights.
• The ability to bring along your family. This includes your spouse, registered partner, and unmarried minor children.
• The ability to return to one’s home country or any other country outside the European Union for up to 12 months without losing possession of the Card.
• Equal pay and working conditions are available to citizens of all member countries.
• The criteria for obtaining a permanent residence visa have improved.

EU Blue Card Requirements

To be eligible for the European Union Blue Card, you must meet the following requirements:

1.Qualifications: You must have a higher education degree or at least five years of professional experience in your field. The specific qualifications required vary depending on the country where you are applying.

2.Job offer: You must have a job offer from an employer in an EU country that participates in the Blue Card program. The job must be in a field that requires high qualifications.

3.Salary: The job offer must include a salary that is at least 1.5 times the average gross salary in the country where you will be working. The specific salary requirement varies depending on the country where you are applying.

4.Health insurance: You must have health insurance that covers you and any family members who will be joining you in the European Union.

5.Resources: You must have sufficient resources to support yourself and any family members who will be joining you in the EU.

6.Language skills: You may be required to demonstrate proficiency in the language of the country where you will be working.

No threat to public policy: You must not be considered a threat to public policy, security, or health.

It is important to note that the specific requirements for the European Union Blue Card may vary depending on the country where you are applying. It is recommended that you check with the relevant authorities in the country where you wish to apply for detailed information on the requirements.

EU Blue Card vs Work Permit

The European Union Blue Card and a work permit are both work and residence permits that allow non-European Union citizens to work in the European Union. However, there are some key differences between the two:

Eligibility:

The eligibility criteria for the European Union Blue Card are generally more stringent than those for a work permit. For example, to be eligible for the European Union Blue Card, you must have a higher education degree or at least five years of professional experience in your field, while a work permit may be available for jobs that do not require such qualifications.

Duration:

The European Union Blue Card is usually issued for a period of one to four years, while work permits may be issued for shorter or longer periods depending on the country and the specific circumstances.

Benefits:

Holders of the European Union Blue Card enjoy certain benefits, such as the ability to bring their family members to live with them and the possibility of permanent residence in the European Union after a certain period of time. These benefits may not be available to holders of a work permit.

Mobility:

The European Union Blue Card allows for free movement within the European Union, while a work permit may be tied to a specific employer or job.

Processing time:

The processing time for the European Union Blue Card is generally longer than for a work permit, as the eligibility criteria are more stringent.

Overall, the European Union Blue Card is intended for highly skilled professionals who meet certain qualifications and are seeking to work in the European Union, while a work permit may be available for a wider range of jobs and qualifications.

Converting Blue Card Status to Permanent Residency

The Blue Card can also be used to apply for permanent residency. If the cardholder has earned B1 language level certificates in the country’s native language after 21 months in the country, he or she will be eligible for permanent residency. Otherwise, he or she is eligible for permanent residency after 33 months in the country. Any time spent outside the country will not be considered when applying for permanent residency.

ALSO READ: Passport Rankings 2023

FAQs On EU Blue Card

Here are some frequently asked questions about the European Union Blue Card:

What is the EU Blue Card?

The EU Blue Card is a work and residence permit that allows highly skilled non-European Union citizens to work and live in European Union countries that participate in the program.

What are the benefits of the EU Blue Card?

The benefits of the EU Blue Card include free movement within the European Union, the ability to bring family members to live with the cardholder, and the possibility of permanent residence in the European Union after a certain period of time.

What are the eligibility requirements for the EU Blue Card?

The eligibility requirements for the European Union Blue Card include having a higher education degree or at least five years of professional experience in your field, a job offer in an European Union country that pays a certain minimum salary, sufficient health insurance and other resources to support yourself and your family, and meeting other criteria depending on the country where you are applying.

How long is the EU Blue Card valid for?

The EU Blue Card is usually issued for a period of one to four years and can be renewed.

Can I change jobs while holding an EU Blue Card?

Yes, you can change jobs while holding an European Union Blue Card, but you will need to apply for a new card if the new job is in a different European Union country.

Can I apply for permanent residence with an EU Blue Card?

Yes, after a certain period of time, usually two to five years depending on the country, you can apply for permanent residence in the European Union with an European Union Blue Card.

How long does it take to process an EU Blue Card application?

The processing time for an EU Blue Card application varies depending on the country where you are applying and the specific circumstances, but it can take several months.

Which countries participate in the EU Blue Card program?

All European Union countries except for Denmark, Ireland, and the United Kingdom participate in the EU Blue Card program.

What is the purpose of the EU Blue Card?

The purpose of the EU Blue Card is to attract highly skilled professionals from outside the European Union to come and work in the European Union.

Which countries participate in the EU Blue Card program?

All European Union countries except for Denmark, Ireland, and the United Kingdom participate in the EU Blue Card program.

What are the benefits of the EU Blue Card?

Holders of the EU Blue Card can enjoy free movement within the European Union, the ability to bring their family members to live with them, and the possibility of permanent residence in the European Union after a certain period of time.

What are the eligibility criteria for the EU Blue Card?

To be eligible for the EU Blue Card, you must have a higher education degree or at least five years of professional experience in your field, have a job offer in an European Union country that pays a certain minimum salary, possess sufficient health insurance and other resources to support yourself and your family, and meet other criteria depending on the country where you are applying.

How long is the EU Blue Card valid for?

The European Union Blue Card is usually issued for a period of one to four years and can be renewed.

Can I change jobs while holding an EU Blue Card?

Yes, you can change jobs while holding an European Union Blue Card, but you will need to apply for a new card if the new job is in a different EU country.

Can I apply for permanent residence with an EU Blue Card?

Yes, after a certain period of time, usually two to five years depending on the country, you can apply for permanent residence in the European Union with an EU Blue Card.

How long does it take to process an EU Blue Card application?

The processing time for an European Union Blue Card application varies depending on the country where you are applying and the specific circumstances, but it can take several months.