EU blue card

  1. The European Union Blue Card entitles qualified persons residing outside the European Union to legal employment within an EU Member State, on the basis of a prior employment contract.
  2. To obtain a Blue Card, the applicant must have a valid job offer with a salary of 1.5 times the national average.
  3. Blue Card applicants can apply to include their family members and are entitled to free movement between EU Member States.

Statistics on the issuance of EU Blue Cards

  1. Between 2017 and 2019, the number of EU Blue Cards issued to non-EU nationals increased from 24,305 to 52,127, then fell to 50,234 in 2020, but rose again to 67,730 in 2021 (an increase of 35 per cent) and to 81,851 in 2022 (an increase of 21 per cent).
  2. The EU Blue Card grants the right of residence in an EU Member State for the duration of the employment contract or until the expiry of the permit, whichever comes first. Depending on the Member State, the period of stay may be extended if a valid labour contract is in place.
  3. The minimum salary threshold for the Blue Card varies from €15,000 to almost €100,000 depending on the EU Member State, emphasising the significant differences in economic conditions between countries.

Historical context and legislative developments

The European Union’s Blue Card Directive, designed to attract highly qualified third-country nationals, was first adopted in 2012. In November 2021, the directive underwent significant changes aimed at simplifying and improving the conditions for potential applicants. These changes included lowering the minimum salary threshold and expanding the list of professions covered by the directive.

Updated parameters of the EU Blue Card

  1. Additional relaxations were introduced in 2023, including:
    • Establishing a minimum required gross salary threshold of €39,682.80 for shortage occupations and €43,800 for other categories.
    • Exclusion of the higher education requirement for IT specialists with three years of relevant work experience.
    • Expanded the list of shortage occupations to now include managers in various fields, veterinarians, dentists, pharmacists, nurses, midwives and school teachers.
    • Reduction of the minimum duration of the labour contract to 6 months.
    • Permission to add self-employment to your main employment without risking card cancellation.

Targets and mobility within the EU Blue Card framework

The main purpose of the EU Blue Card is to facilitate the entry process and reduce the bureaucracy involved in obtaining a visa for professionals from third countries. After 18 months of work in an EU country, applicants are entitled to move to another EU Member State to work.

Geographical coverage and exclusions

The Blue Card is not issued in Denmark, Ireland, Norway, Liechtenstein, Iceland, and Switzerland. The last four non-EU countries are members of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) and do not participate in the Blue Card directive. The UK is also not participating in the programme following its exit from the EU.

Access to official information

Detailed information on the directive, the conditions for obtaining the Blue Card and legal aspects are available on the multilingual official website of the European Union, ensuring that the necessary data is transparent and accessible to stakeholders.

Conditions for obtaining the EU Blue Card

The EU Blue Card, recognised by the 25 Member States of the European Union, is defined by common criteria for all applicants. These criteria set out the standards required to qualify for this type of EU work and residence permit.

Qualification requirements

  1. Higher professional qualifications: Applicants must provide educational documents confirming higher professional qualifications, such as diplomas or degrees. These documents serve as the basis for confirming the candidate’s suitability for the required vacancy.
  2. Contract of employment: An employment contract or offer of employment in an EU Member State with a minimum duration of six months is required. Previously, this period was one year. It is important that the position offered correlates with the applicant’s educational background.
  3. Salary: The candidate’s annual income should be at least 1.5 times the national average salary, except in special cases where a lower threshold may be applied.
  4. Educational Fit: The selected position should require higher education, which is a key factor for the job functions.
  5. Additional Documents: The candidate must have all necessary travel documents and medical insurance for themselves and their accompanying relatives.

Controversial points and solutions

The interpretation of the relevance of education to the job requirements can be controversial, as it depends on the official’s assessment of each individual case. In Germany, for example, it is common practice to fill in a “Detailed Job Description” form, which helps applicants and employers to clarify job titles and their relevance to the candidate’s qualifications. This provides greater clarity and prevents possible misunderstandings during the application process.

Alternative routes to legalisation

If the applicant does not meet the requirements for an EU Blue Card, other options for legalising stay and work in the European Union should be considered, including national specialist programmes and work visas provided by individual Member States.

EU Blue Card Salary Thresholds by Country

  • Austria: €4,548.00 gross per month
  • Belgium:
    • Flanders: €54,115 per year
    • Brussels: €57,019 per year
    • Wallonia: €57,019 per year
  • Bulgaria: 650 BGN per month
  • Croatia: €19,338 per year
  • Czechia: CZK 53,417 gross per month
  • Estonia:
    • Non-shortage occupancies: €2,172 per month
    • Shortage occupancies: €1,810 per month
  • Finland: €5,069 per month
  • France: €53,836 per year
  • Germany: €56,400 per year
  • Greece: €30,675 per year
  • Hungary: 598,950 HUF gross per month
  • Italy: €26,000 per year
  • Latvia: €1,715 gross per month
  • Lithuania: €1,095 per month
  • Luxembourg: €83,628 per year
  • Malta: €16,036 per year
  • Netherlands: €5,670 gross per month
  • Poland: 8,493.79 PLN gross per month
  • Portugal: €24,535 per year
  • Romania: €2,250 gross per month
  • Slovakia: €969 per month
  • Slovenia: €28,006 per year
  • Spain: €33,908 per year
  • Sweden: €53,200 per year

These thresholds indicate the minimum gross salary that highly qualified non-EU nationals must earn to qualify for the EU Blue Card in the respective countries. The differences reflect the varying economic conditions and cost of living across the EU. Some countries, like Estonia and Czechia, differentiate thresholds based on whether the occupation is in a shortage field. This data is crucial for potential applicants and employers to ensure compliance with local regulations.

Who is eligible for the EU Blue Card?

In order to receive the EU Blue Card, you must be an officially employed employee of a company registered in one of the EU Member States. Self-employed persons, freelancers and entrepreneurs do not fall under this category and are therefore not eligible for the Blue Card under this programme.

Salary level

The key condition is the existence of an employment contract with a salary that must be at least 1.5 times the average annual salary in the host country. Importantly, the salary calculation does not include any variable payments, benefits or paid holidays.

Professional qualifications and experience

The candidate must have high qualifications and professional experience that meet the requirements for a job in the speciality. For example, for software engineers, this usually means a university degree in computer science or a related discipline.

Availability of travel documents

All candidates, as well as their dependents, must have passports valid for at least 15 months from the date of intended entry into the European Union.

Health insurance

It is necessary to have valid health insurance for the applicant and all dependents for the entire period of stay in the EU. It is usually possible to start with temporary insurance and then switch to an employer-provided insurance plan after entry.

Exceptions to the rules

Citizens of European Economic Area (EEA) countries and Switzerland, as well as family members of EU citizens, have the right to work in the EU without the need to obtain a Blue Card. This facilitates intra-EU mobility and promotes freer movement of labour between Member States.

History of the EU blue card

The idea of the EU Blue Card was first officially presented at a press conference in Strasbourg on 23 October 2007. The initiative was proposed by José Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission, and Franco Frattini, Commissioner for Justice, Freedom and Security. The proposal was based on the following motives:

  1. Projected labour and skills shortages in the EU: Given demographic and economic trends, the EU was in dire need of attracting skilled professionals from outside its borders.
  2. Mobility problems for workers from third countries: Workers coming from outside the EU have faced difficulties in moving between Member States to carry out their labour activities.
  3. Heterogeneous admission procedures: 27 different EU Member States applied their own, often contradictory, rules and procedures for the admission of foreign workers.
  4. Rights gap: There was a significant difference in rights between EU citizens and legal immigrants, which created discriminatory barriers to the integration of the latter.

Together with the Blue Card proposal, another proposal (COM(2007)638) was submitted to simplify application procedures and harmonise rights for legal foreign workers. The name “Blue Card” was chosen as a reference to the American “green card” and to underline the European identity of the programme. The blue colour chosen for the card symbolises the colour of the European Union, prevalent in the flags and logos of its member states, which reinforces unity and solidarity within the Union.

Advantages of the EU Blue Card

The EU Blue Card offers a number of significant advantages over other types of work visas, making it particularly attractive to highly skilled professionals from third countries. Here are some of the key advantages:

  1. Intra-EU mobility: The Blue Card allows free movement between Member States, which is particularly valuable for companies operating internationally. You can travel or work in another EU Member State while spending most of your time in the country that issued you the card.
  2. Employment flexibility: After two years of Blue Card employment, you have the opportunity to change employers and even your country of residence within the EU. This enables you to adapt to changing personal and professional circumstances.
  3. Renewable: At the end of your employment contract or the Blue Card itself, you have the option to renew it for a similar period of time. This gives you stability and allows you to plan your career and life in Europe in the long term.
  4. Path to permanent residence: The Blue Card is also a step towards permanent residence in the EU. In countries such as France and Spain, you can apply for permanent residence after five years of continuous residence.
  5. Family privileges: Blue Card families also enjoy benefits: spouses and children have the right to move, live and access education, and in some cases the right to work in the host country.

These benefits make the EU Blue Card a desirable goal for many professionals seeking to utilise their skills and experience in the European labour market, while providing significant flexibility and opportunities for personal and professional growth.

How to apply for an EU Blue Card

The application process for an EU Blue Card can vary from country to country, but the general steps are usually as follows:

Step 1: Getting a job offer

First you need to obtain a legitimate job offer from a company in the EU. You will need to provide evidence such as an employment contract or CV. If the company is not legally organised in the EU, it can use the services of a registered employer (e.g. Deel) to recruit and sponsor the visa.

Step 2: Labour market test

Many EU countries require employers to conduct a labour market test to ensure that there are no suitable candidates within the country for the job on offer. This process usually takes several weeks to several months.

Step 3: Gathering the necessary documents

You will need the following documents to apply for a Blue Card:

  • Valid passport
  • Biometric photos
  • Summary
  • Certified copies of qualifications and work permits
  • Signed employment contract or job offer letter
  • Proof of health insurance
  • Proof of residence address in an EU country
  • Completed EU Blue Card application form

Step 4: Obtaining an entry visa

Depending on the country, you may need to first obtain a temporary visa for entry. This usually requires a visit to the consulate or embassy of an EU country.

Step 5: Applying for an EU Blue Card

After entering the country, submit the final Blue Card application to the relevant government authorities. Some countries allow online application, while others require a personal visit to the migration authorities.

Step 6: Paying the registration fee and waiting for a decision

You or your employer must pay an application fee, which can vary from €150 to €500 depending on the country and conditions. Application processing time is usually up to 90 days.

Step 7: Obtain a physical map

Once your application has been approved, you will be issued with a physical EU Blue Card, which you will need to collect in person from the designated authority.

This guide is a general overview of the process of obtaining an EU Blue Card and may vary depending on the specific legal requirements of the country you plan to move to.

Documents required to obtain an EU blue card

The following package of documents is required to apply for an EU Blue Card. Note that the specific requirements may vary slightly depending on the legislation of the EU Member State:

  1. Application for EU Blue Card in duplicate, including all necessary annexes.
  2. A valid passport that expires at least 15 months after the expected date of departure from the EU. The passport must have at least 2 free pages for visas and stamps.
  3. Copies of all completed passport pages, including pages with personal data, visas and border crossing stamps.
  4. Old passports, if available, to provide travel history.
  5. Two identical colour photographs conforming to ICAO standards.
  6. An employment contract with an EU employer for at least one year, with a salary that meets the minimum threshold for the Blue Card.
  7. Documents proving high qualifications: university degree or certificates of professional qualification recognised in the host employer’s country. In some cases, proof of five years of work experience may be required.
  8. A resume that reflects your professional and educational experience.
  9. A receipt for payment of the registration fee.
  10. Documents confirming the availability of health insurance for the entire period of stay in the EU.
  11. Confirmation that the salary exceeds the minimum threshold: in general, this should be 1.5 times the national average salary, or 1.2 times for scarce occupations.
  12. A letter from the employer explaining the reasons for employment and benefits provided, if applicable.

Application Procedure: You should start preparing documents 4-6 months before the expected date of application. Most countries require you to be present in person at the consulate or embassy when you apply. Be sure to check the exact requirements and procedure with the consulate of the country you plan to move to.

EU blue card saving

Once you have obtained an EU Blue Card, you and your employer need to comply with a number of conditions to maintain your status and avoid the card being cancelled. The main requirements include:

  1. Registration with the local authorities: Upon arrival in an EU country, you must register with the local authorities within the prescribed deadline. This is a mandatory step to legalise your stay.
  2. Employment with your original employer: You must stay with your original employer for at least two years. You can only move to another job during this period with the authorisation of the immigration authorities.
  3. Permanent Residence: You must maintain a permanent residence in the county where the Blue Card was applied for. Moving to another area may require notification to local authorities.
  4. Notification of changes in employment: Any changes in your employment, such as redundancy or change of employer, must be reported to the immigration authorities immediately. This includes changes in working conditions, wages or job duties.
  5. Renewing your Blue Card: It is important to take care to renew your Blue Card before it expires. Failure to renew on time may result in the cancellation of your status and the need to leave the country.
  6. Obligation to leave the country: If for any reason you are unable to renew your visa or find a new job in case of redundancy, you are obliged to leave the EU country before the end of your authorised period of stay.
  7. Unemployment search period: If you are dismissed, you have three months to find a new job. During this time, you must continue to report your status to the relevant authorities.

Employer’s obligations: Your employer is also responsible for complying with the country’s labour standards, including working hours, working conditions and notifying the authorities of any changes to the employment contract.

Compliance with all these conditions will help you keep your EU Blue Card and ensure your legal stay and work in an EU Member State.

EU Blue Card: A Comprehensive Guide for Malta, Greece, Estonia, Bulgaria, and Austria

The EU Blue Card is a residence permit designed to attract highly skilled non-EU nationals to work and live in the European Union. It offers numerous benefits, including the ability to move freely within the EU, access to the labor market, and family reunification. This guide provides an in-depth look at the EU Blue Card in Malta, Greece, Estonia, Bulgaria, and Austria, highlighting the key aspects of each country’s process.

Malta

Malta offers the EU Blue Card to highly skilled workers who meet specific criteria. Key points include:

Greece

Greece has simplified the process for obtaining an EU Blue Card to address labor shortages. Important aspects are:

Estonia

Estonia is known for its digital advancements and offers the EU Blue Card to attract skilled professionals. Key points include:

Bulgaria

Bulgaria provides the EU Blue Card to highly skilled workers to boost its economy. Important aspects are:

Austria

Austria offers the EU Blue Card to attract highly skilled professionals to its robust economy. Key points include:

Comparative Analysis

When comparing these countries, several factors come into play:

  1. Application Process: Bulgaria and Estonia offer quicker processing times, while Malta, Greece, and Austria may take longer.
  2. Salary Threshold: The minimum salary threshold is consistent across all countries, set at 1.5 times the average gross annual salary.
  3. Quality of Life: Austria and Estonia are known for their high quality of life, followed by Malta, Greece, and Bulgaria.
  4. Economic Opportunities: Austria and Estonia offer robust economic opportunities, while Malta, Greece, and Bulgaria are emerging markets with growing potential.
  5. Cultural Experience: Each country provides a unique cultural experience, from the historical richness of Greece and Bulgaria to the digital innovation of Estonia and the high standard of living in Austria.

Conclusion

The EU Blue Card is an excellent opportunity for highly skilled professionals to work and live in Europe. Each country offers unique benefits and opportunities, making it essential to consider your personal and professional goals when choosing where to apply. By understanding the specific requirements and advantages of the EU Blue Card in Malta, Greece, Estonia, Bulgaria, and Austria, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your aspirations.

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