All You Need to Know about EU Blue Card

One of the ways that people from outside the European Union can enter and work within the territory is by obtaining an EU Blue Card. Often referred to as the Blue Card visa, the card allows qualified men and women who are defined as “highly skilled” the ability to reside and work within EU Blue Card countries, which include the majority of its 27 member states. EU Blue Card benefits include the right to live, work, and travel between EU countries for multiple years, as well as family reunification. If you are considering applying for the card, click here for an overview of the application process, information about the specifics of EU Blue Card requirements, and for guidance on how to obtain Blue Card permanent residence. 

EU Blue Card Countries

The EU Blue Card is accepted by the majority of the 27 Member States, with the exception of Ireland and Denmark. 

EU Blue Card Requirements

Anyone who is a member of a non-EU member state who fulfills the following requirements may apply for the EU Blue Card:

• Has “higher professional qualifications” and is able to supply evidence of them. This could include:
  • A (minimum) 3-year degree from a post-secondary educational entity (college or university).
  • In lieu of the above, certain countries accept applicants possessing a minimum of 5 years of experience in the profession of their intended employment. 
• Shows evidence of having received an employment offer that is binding or a work contract that is valid for a minimum of 1 year. 
• Takes a paying job, at which they receive a yearly salary that is (at minimum) 1.5x higher than the national average of their respective destination country. 
• Satisfies all legal obligations relevant for working within his or her respective industry/field. This is particularly relevant for those who work in a regulated (vs. unregulated) profession. For example, if you work as a dental practitioner in your home country (non-EU) you must make sure that the qualifications you possess will be accepted by the EU country in which you intend to work.  
• Has a valid travel document (passport/visa).  
• Has health insurance (for themselves and any dependents). 

Who will not receive a Blue Card?

• Those who do not fit the definition of highly skilled or those who do not possess the requisite years of work experience.    
• Anyone who is working as an entrepreneur or who is self-employed (i.e. not drawing a salary). 
• If you are from a state where the industry in which you seek to work in does not possess qualified workers.
• Anyone who presents false information on their application. 
• Anyone who could be a security, health, or political risk to the country they apply. 

How to apply for EU Blue Card

• Search for available jobs online through the EURES, the European Job Mobility Portal.
• Submit an application to the relevant entity within the EU state in which you will work. Each EU country has a separate Blue Card application procedure, making your particular application process, timeline, and payment country-specific. Please note that your employer may submit the application for you.  
• Pay a fee – if applicable. Blue Card costs vary across EU states—where you are applying will determine what (if anything) you will pay. For example, applicants for Blue Cards for Germany must pay an initial fee of 110 EUR, with separate, additional costs to renew. 
• Wait for a decision – the processing time for Blue Card applications is 90 days (maximum). 
• If your Blue Card application is denied, you have the right to an appeal. 

EU Blue Card Benefits

If you receive an EU Blue Card, you have the right to:

• Remain in the EU for around 1-4 years, with the opportunity for renewal of the card for an equivalent period of time
• To stay in (and have multiple entries to) your issuing country.  
• Transit through and temporarily remain in additional EU countries for a duration of 3 months out of 6 months total. 
• Have your families accompany you to the EU state in which you are employed. 
• Possess equal treatment with EU citizens in whichever country you are working, in terms of social security, academic qualifications, employment conditions, access to public transportation and other public works and initiatives, such as museums, parks, and dining establishments. 
• Change your job/employer without penalty (you must usually wait a period of 1-2 years, in the absence of authorization from the requisite national authorities). 
• Work in another country in the EU (so long as you reapply for a Blue Card after a period of 18 months as a highly skilled worker. 

Blue Card and Unemployment 

• If you become unemployed from the job through which you received a Blue Card, you must find another job within 3 months or risk losing your Blue Card.   
• Please note that Blue Card holders may also have their cards withdrawn in the event that they are found to have lied on their application, if they are judged a threat to the health, safety, and security of the state, or if they can no longer financially support themselves or their dependents. 
• Losing your Blue Card through unemployment, breach of the above card requirements, financial insecurity, and/or overstaying your proscribed Blue Card validity period, may result in you being forced to exit whatever EU country you are working/living in. 

Is the Blue Card a visa?

• The Blue Card can be considered a type of visa, similar to the American Green Card, in that it can be used to access EU countries. However, it is perhaps more accurately described as a kind of work permit. 
• Depending on what country you are from, you may need to a visa in addition to a Blue Card in order to enter and reside in the EU country that issued your card. 
• While there is no such thing as a Blue Card for permanent residence, Blue Cards can be used to allow applicants to remain in the EU for long periods of time, and can sometimes be the first step to a more permanent form of EU residency.