Blue card Estonia

The Estonian Blue Card is a residence and work permit intended for highly qualified specialists from countries outside the European Union. The programme is designed to strengthen the country’s economic potential by attracting international talent to various sectors of the economy. Estonia, known for its innovations in information technology and digital infrastructure, offers ideal conditions for developing and realising professional skills.

Qualification criteria

To receive a Blue Card, a candidate must meet the following criteria:

Higher education: Possession of a higher education diploma that confirms the completion of an educational programme of at least three years’ duration.
Professional qualifications: The position for which employment is offered must require high qualifications and relevant knowledge.
Employment contract: Having a contract to work with an Estonian employer with a salary that is well above the national average.

Application process

The procedure for obtaining a Blue Card starts with submitting an application through the Estonian Migration Board or an Estonian diplomatic mission abroad. The application must be accompanied by all necessary documents, including:

Completed questionnaire;
A valid passport and photographs;
Diploma or certificate confirming qualifications;
A contract of employment stating the position and salary;
Proof of no criminal record and health insurance.

Benefits of the Blue Card

Blue Card holders can enjoy the following benefits:

Long-term residence: The Blue Card is issued for a period of up to four years with the possibility of renewal.
Family reunification: Members of the cardholder’s family can apply for a residence permit.
Access to the labour market: Spouses of Blue Card holders are entitled to work without additional permits.
Mobility within the EU: After 18 months of staying in Estonia, Blue Card holders can apply to move and work in another EU country.

The Estonian Blue Card offers significant opportunities for highly qualified professionals seeking professional growth and development in an innovative and supportive environment. Given the rapid economic development and high standard of living in Estonia, the Blue Card represents an attractive route for many foreign professionals.

Who can apply for a blue card for Estonia?

Estonia, a country with a high level of innovation activity and a developed digital infrastructure, actively attracts highly qualified personnel from abroad. The Estonian Blue Card is a special document that provides foreign specialists with the opportunity to work and live in the country. In this article, we will look at the criteria that candidates must fulfil in order to successfully apply for a blue card in Estonia.

Qualification requirements

In order to be eligible for an Estonian Blue Card, the applicant must fulfil a number of strict criteria:

Higher Education:
- Applicants must have a higher education diploma from a study programme of at least three years’ duration. Preference shall be given to qualifications related to professions in demand on the Estonian labour market.
Professional Experience:
- In addition to educational requirements, experience in a specialised field that requires a high level of expertise may also be considered as an added advantage.
Labour contract with an Estonian employer:
- The applicant must have a confirmed job offer from an employer in Estonia. The salary on this offer must exceed the minimum threshold set for blue cards, which is significantly higher than the average salary in the country.
Health and Safety:
- It is necessary to provide a medical certificate confirming the absence of diseases that pose a threat to public health, as well as a certificate of absence of a criminal record.

Application process

Applying for an Estonian blue card involves the following steps:

Document Preparation: Gathering all necessary documents including diploma, job offer, medical certificates and proof of financial solvency.
Submission of the application: The application is submitted through the Estonian Migration Board or through the Estonian embassy/consulate in the applicant’s country of residence.
Payment of fees: Payment of the state fee, the amount of which is set by the Estonian authorities.

Obtaining an Estonian Blue Card opens up great prospects for qualified professionals who wish to work and live in one of the most innovative countries in Europe. Meeting the requirements and thorough preparation for the application process significantly increases the chances of successfully obtaining this important document.

Estonia blue card requirements

The Blue Card is a residence and work permit for highly qualified specialists from countries outside the European Union. This document allows attracting talented foreign workers to key sectors of the economy, thus contributing to the innovative development of the country. This article details the requirements needed to obtain a blue card in Estonia.

Basic requirements

In order to apply for an Estonian Blue Card, the applicant must fulfil the following criteria:

Higher Education:
- The applicant must have a higher education diploma obtained after completion of a study programme of at least three years’ duration. Preference is given to specialists in fields particularly in demand on the Estonian labour market, such as IT, engineering and sciences.
Professional Experience:
- Having significant professional experience relevant to the specialisation can be an advantage, especially if it contributes to innovation and technological development in Estonia.
Labour Proposal:
- The applicant must have a valid job offer from an Estonian employer. The position must require high qualifications and involve a salary that is significantly higher than the national average salary for blue cards.
Wages:
- The minimum salary threshold for a blue card in Estonia must exceed 1.5 times the average annual salary in the country. This requirement ensures that the attracted specialists contribute to the economy and do not need additional social support.

Documentation

The following documents are required to apply for a blue card:

Completed application form.
A valid passport and copies of its pages.
A higher education diploma and its accredited translation into Estonian or English.
A contract of employment confirming the terms and conditions of employment.
Proof of sufficient salary.
Health insurance for the period of stay in Estonia.
Certificate of no criminal record.

Obtaining an Estonian Blue Card opens the door for foreign professionals to work and develop in one of the fastest growing economies in Europe. Compliance with all requirements and careful preparation of documents increase the chances of successful issuance of the blue card, which allows specialists to contribute to the innovative development of Estonia.

How do I get the blue card in Estonia?

The Blue Card is a work and residence permit for highly qualified specialists from non-European Union countries to work and reside in Estonia. It is a unique opportunity for professionals from all over the world to strengthen their careers in one of the most innovative and technologically advanced countries in Europe. Below is a detailed guide on how you can apply for a Blue Card in Estonia.

Step 1: Checking compliance with requirements

Before you apply, make sure you meet the following criteria:

You have a university degree from a study programme of at least three years’ duration.
You have a valid job offer from an employer in Estonia offering a salary that is significantly higher than the national average salary.
The high level of qualification is confirmed by relevant documents and work experience.

Step 2: Gathering the necessary documents

To apply for a blue card, you will need the following package of documents:

Blue Card Application Form.
A valid passport and copies of its pages.
Higher education diploma with accredited translation into English or Estonian.
Documentation of the job offer and salary level.
Health insurance covering the whole period of stay in Estonia.
Certificate of no criminal record.

Step 3: Submitting an application

The application for a blue card can be submitted to the Estonian Migration Board in person or through the Estonian diplomatic mission in your country. It is important to note that all documents must be submitted in originals or as certified copies.

Step 4: Payment of fees

When submitting an application, you must pay the state fee. The amount of the fee depends on various factors and may vary, so it is recommended to check this information in advance.

Step 5: Waiting for a decision

Once all documents have been submitted and fees have been paid, the application process begins. The processing time can take from several weeks to several months. During this time, it is important to stay in touch with the Migration Service to monitor the status of your application.

Obtaining a blue card in Estonia opens up many opportunities for career and personal growth in a country that actively supports innovation and development. Compliance with all requirements and careful preparation for the application process significantly increases the chances of successfully obtaining a work and residence permit in Estonia.

How much do I have to earn to qualify for a blue card in Estonia?

The Blue Card is a residence and work permit for highly qualified specialists from non-European Union countries. One of the key conditions for obtaining this status is achieving a certain salary level. In this article, we will look at what the minimum salary must be in order to qualify for a Blue Card in Estonia.

Criteria for minimum earnings

In order to obtain a blue card in Estonia, the applicant must provide evidence that his/her salary meets or exceeds the minimum threshold set by the government. This threshold is set to ensure that foreign professionals can lead a comfortable lifestyle in Estonia and make a meaningful contribution to the Estonian economy.

For 2023, the minimum salary threshold for Blue Card applicants is approximately 1.5 times the average annual salary in Estonia. This means that the applicant’s salary must be significantly higher than the national average, which emphasises his or her high qualifications and professional level.

Calculation of minimum earnings

The minimum earnings for the blue card are calculated on the basis of the data on the average salary in Estonia published by Statistics Estonia. Applicants should check this data regularly, as it may change depending on the economic situation in the country.

Why do we need a high salary threshold?

Setting a high salary threshold for obtaining a blue card ensures that professionals coming to Estonia are not only able to support themselves and their families, but also add value to the Estonian economy. It also helps prevent dumping in the labour market and ensures equal conditions for all workers.

The minimum salary level for qualifying for a Blue Card in Estonia is an important factor reflecting the country’s desire to attract highly qualified personnel who can contribute to its technological and economic development. Potential candidates should carefully assess their capabilities and ensure that their earnings meet the requirements before applying for a Blue Card.

What opportunities does the blue card offer in Estonia?

Estonia actively attracts highly qualified personnel from abroad by granting them a blue card – a permit to work and live in the country. This document opens up great opportunities for professional growth and comfortable life in one of the most innovative and technologically developed countries in Europe. In this article, we will look at the key advantages that the blue card offers its holders in Estonia.

Professional Opportunities

The Blue Card allows foreign specialists to engage in highly qualified work in Estonia. Holders of this document can apply for positions in leading sectors of the economy, such as information technology, telecommunications, engineering and many others. Estonia is known for its progressive approach to digitalisation of public services and active development of the startup ecosystem, which creates favourable conditions for career growth and development.

Family reunion

Blue card holders can benefit from the right to family reunification. This means that the cardholder’s family members can also obtain a residence permit in Estonia. Spouses and children get the opportunity to live, study and work in the country, which makes moving to Estonia more attractive for foreign professionals.

Long-term perspectives

The Blue Card is issued for a period of up to two years with the possibility of extension. After five years of continuous residence in Estonia on the basis of the Blue Card, holders can apply for a permanent residence permit. This provides additional stability and opportunities for long-term planning of life in the country.

International mobility

The Blue Card simplifies the process of relocation and employment in other EU countries. After 18 months of residence in Estonia on the basis of the Blue Card, its holders can apply to move to another EU country to work in their speciality. This provides unique opportunities for career and personal development in different cultural and professional contexts.

The Blue Card in Estonia offers foreign professionals not only the opportunity to work and live in the country, but also opens doors for their families, offers prospects for long-term stay and facilitates international mobility within the European Union. This makes Estonia an attractive destination for qualified and ambitious professionals seeking professional growth and a better quality of life.

Estonia blue card application process

The Blue Card is a document that entitles highly qualified foreign specialists to work and reside in Estonia. It is part of the European Union’s programme aimed at attracting talent from outside the EU. This article describes in detail the process of applying for a Blue Card in Estonia, from preparing the necessary documents to obtaining a residence permit.

Step 1: Checking compliance with requirements

The first step in the blue card process is to verify the candidate’s eligibility. Key criteria include:

At least three years of higher education from a programme;
A job offer from an Estonian employer for a position requiring high qualifications;
Wages that exceed the established minimum threshold for a blue card.

Step 2: Collection of documents

The applicant needs to prepare and submit the following documents:

Completed blue card application form;
A valid passport and copies of its pages;
Higher education diploma with translation into Estonian or English;
Employment contract with an Estonian employer, confirming the terms of employment and salary;
Health insurance for the period of stay in Estonia;
Certificate of absence of a criminal record.

Step 3: Submitting an application

An application for a blue card can be submitted either through an Estonian diplomatic mission abroad or directly to the Estonian Police and Border Guard if the applicant is already in the country. It is important to make sure that all documents are drawn up correctly and fully comply with the requirements.

Step 4: Payment of state duty

In order to process an application for a blue card, a state fee must be paid. The amount of the fee may vary, so applicants are advised to check the current information in advance.

Step 5: Reviewing the application and receiving the card

After submitting all the necessary documents, the application review process begins, which may take from several weeks to several months. In case of a favourable decision, the applicant receives a blue card, which grants the right to work and reside in Estonia for up to two years with the possibility of extension.

The process of obtaining a blue card in Estonia requires careful preparation and strict compliance with all procedural requirements. Successful issuance of a Blue Card opens up significant opportunities for professional and personal development in one of the most innovative countries in Europe.

Where can I get Estonia blue card?

The Blue Card is a work and residence permit for highly qualified professionals from outside the European Union. This permit allows international talents to contribute to the country’s economy by applying their unique skills and experience. In this article, we will look at where and how you can apply for a Blue Card in Estonia.

Places to apply

You can apply for a blue card in Estonia in several places, depending on your current location and citizenship:

Estonian diplomatic representations abroad: Citizens of non-EU countries can apply for a blue card at the Estonian embassy or consulate in their country. This option is ideal for those who are planning to relocate and want to finalise all the necessary documents before leaving for Estonia.
Estonian Police and Border Guard: If you are already in Estonia on another type of visa or residence permit, you can apply directly at the local offices of the Estonian Police and Border Guard. This speeds up the process of obtaining a blue card, as it does not require additional time for sending documents and waiting in your home country.

Documents required

Regardless of where you are filing, the following documents are required to apply for a blue card:

Completed application form.
A valid passport and copies of its pages.
Higher education diploma with accredited translation into English or Estonian.
An employment contract stating the position and salary above the blue card minimum.
Proof of health insurance.
Certificate of absence of a criminal record.

Application process

After collecting all the necessary documents, the application for a blue card is submitted to the selected institution. The application process usually takes from several weeks to several months, depending on the workload of the service, the accuracy of the documents submitted and the completeness of the information provided.

Obtaining a blue card in Estonia opens up great opportunities for career development and living in a country with a high standard of living and developed economy. Familiarising yourself with the requirements and the application procedure will help to ensure successful and timely obtaining a residence and work permit.

Estonia blue card processing time

The Blue Card is a special type of residence permit granted to highly qualified foreign specialists who wish to work in Estonia. It helps to attract talented workers from various fields to the country, which helps to strengthen the local economy and foster innovation. This article discusses what the usual processing times for blue card applications in Estonia are and what factors can affect the process.

Main stages of application processing

The process of obtaining a blue card in Estonia involves several key steps:

Applying: The application for a blue card is submitted through diplomatic missions abroad or at the offices of the Estonian Police and Border Guard if the applicant is already in the country.
Document Verification: All submitted documents are checked for completeness and compliance with the established requirements.
Application Assessment: The application is assessed against all qualification criteria and salary requirements.

Average processing time

The processing time for a blue card application in Estonia can vary, but is usually between one and three months. This time depends on several factors:

Completeness of the documents provided: Incomplete or incorrect documents can significantly slow down the process.
Immigration workload: Periods of high workload or public holidays may increase processing times.
Need for additional verifications: In some cases, additional verifications may be required, such as proof of education or work experience.

Tips to speed up the process

To minimise the processing time of your application, it is recommended to follow a few tips:

Thorough preparation of documents: Ensure that all documents are fully compliant and correctly completed.
Early submission of the application: The earlier the application is submitted, the more time it will take to process it, especially if you have to move to Estonia.
Consultation with experts: Sometimes it can be useful to seek help from migration law specialists or agencies that can help you to correctly draw up all the necessary documents.

The processing time of an application for a blue card in Estonia depends on many factors, including the quality and completeness of the information provided. Understanding this process and proper preparation for the application can significantly reduce the waiting time and speed up obtaining a work and residence permit in Estonia.

Changing jobs with a blue card in Estonia

The Estonian Blue Card offers highly qualified foreign specialists the opportunity to work and reside in the country. However, in the course of career development, it may become necessary to change jobs. In this article, we will look at the conditions and procedures to be followed when changing jobs in Estonia with blue card status.

Conditions of change of employment

It is possible for a blue card holder to change jobs, but it requires compliance with certain rules established by the Estonian migration legislation:

Notification of job change: A Blue Card holder must notify immigration authorities of their intention to change jobs. This must be done before the actual change of job.
New job offer: The new job must meet the criteria for the blue card, including qualifications and salary requirements.
Approval of immigration authorities: The change of job must be approved by the Estonian Police and Border Guard. The applicant must submit documents proving the conditions of the new job.

Procedure for changing jobs

The process of changing jobs involves the following steps:

Preparation of documentation: The applicant must collect all necessary documents, including a new employment contract and, if necessary, additional documents confirming their qualifications.
Applying: The application for a change of job must be submitted to the local Police and Border Guard office. It is important to make sure that all information is up to date and accurately reflects the conditions of the new job.
Waiting for a decision: The processing time of an application can take from a few days to a few weeks. During this time, the applicant continues to work at his/her former place of employment until the official authorisation is received.

Important aspects

Protection of rights: When changing jobs, it is important to make sure that the new working conditions do not worsen the claimant’s situation compared to the previous job.
Deadlines and compliance with procedures: Strict compliance with deadlines and procedures will help to avoid legal problems related to staying and working in Estonia.

Conclusion

Changing jobs with a Blue Card in Estonia requires careful planning and compliance with local legislation. Correctly completing all the necessary documents and following the established procedures will ensure a successful continuation of a career in Estonia without violating the conditions of stay under the Blue Card.