EU blue card

The Blue Card lets people from outside the EU work legally in an EU country if they have a job offer.
To get a Blue Card, you need a job offer with a salary 1.5 times the national average.
Blue Card applicants can bring their family and move freely between EU countries.

How many EU Blue Cards are issued?

The number of EU Blue Cards issued to non-EU nationals increased from 2017 to 2019, then fell. In 2021, there were 67,730, a 35% increase. In 2022, there were 81,851, a 21% increase.
The EU Blue Card allows you to live and work in an EU country for as long as your job lasts. You can also extend your stay if you have a valid contract.
The minimum salary for the Blue Card varies from €15,000 to almost €100,000. This shows the big differences in economic conditions between countries.

History and laws

The Blue Card Directive was first adopted in 2012 to attract highly qualified third-country nationals. In November 2021, it underwent significant changes to make it easier for potential applicants. These changes included lowering the minimum salary threshold and expanding the list of professions covered.

New EU Blue Card rules

In 2023, more relaxations were introduced, including:
A minimum gross salary threshold of €39,682.80 for shortage occupations and €43,800 for other categories.
IT specialists with three years of relevant work experience no longer need a higher education qualification.
The list of shortage occupations was expanded to include managers, veterinarians, dentists, pharmacists, nurses, midwives and school teachers.
The minimum contract length is now 6 months.
You can now combine self-employment with your main job without losing your residence permit.

Targets and moving within the EU Blue Card system

The EU Blue Card makes it easier for professionals from other countries to work in the EU. After 18 months, you can move to another EU country 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.

How to get an EU Blue Card?

The EU Blue Card is a work and residence permit for all 25 EU countries. It is based on the same criteria for all applicants.

Qualification requirements

Higher professional qualifications: Applicants must provide educational documents confirming their higher professional qualifications. These documents show if the candidate is suitable for the vacancy.
You need to have a job offer from an EU country for at least six months. Before, this was one year. The job should match your education.
Salary: The candidate’s income should be at least 1.5 times the national average, except in special cases.
The position should require higher education.
The candidate must have travel documents and medical insurance for themselves and their family.

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

Country	Salary Threshold
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 occupations: €2,172 per month
	– Shortage occupations: €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 show the minimum gross salary that highly qualified non-EU nationals must earn to qualify for the EU Blue Card in the respective countries. Some countries, like Estonia and Czechia, have different thresholds for shortage occupations. This data is important for potential applicants and employers to comply with local regulations.

Who is Eligible for the EU Blue Card?

To qualify for the EU Blue Card, you must be employed by a company based in an EU Member State. Self-employed individuals, freelancers, and entrepreneurs are not eligible for this program.

Salary Requirements

A key eligibility criterion is having an employment contract with a salary that is at least 1.5 times the average annual wage in the host country. Bonuses, benefits, and paid vacations are excluded from the salary calculation.

Professional Qualifications and Experience

Applicants must possess high-level qualifications and professional experience that align with the job requirements in their field. For instance, software engineers typically need a university degree in computer science or a related field.

Valid Travel Documents

Both applicants and their dependents must have passports valid for at least 15 months from the intended date of entry into the EU.

Health Insurance

Valid health insurance is required for the applicant and dependents for the duration of their stay in the EU. Temporary insurance may be used initially, with the option to transition to employer-provided coverage upon entry.

Exceptions

Citizens of EEA countries and Switzerland, along with family members of EU citizens, do not need an EU Blue Card to work within the EU, as they benefit from intra-EU mobility and free movement rights.

A historical overview of the EU Blue Card

The concept of the EU Blue Card was first formally introduced at a press conference in Strasbourg on 23 October 2007. The proposal was put forth by José Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission, and Franco Frattini, Commissioner for Justice, Freedom and Security. The rationale behind the proposal was as follows:

The projected labour and skills shortages in the EU were a significant factor in the decision to implement the EU Blue Card. Given the demographic and economic trends that were emerging, it was clear that the EU would require the attraction of skilled professionals from outside its borders in order to maintain its competitiveness.
The issue of mobility for workers from third countries has also been a significant challenge. Those coming from outside the EU have encountered difficulties in moving between Member States to carry out their labour activities.
The admission procedures in place in the 27 different EU Member States were diverse and often contradictory, creating difficulties for foreign workers seeking to move between Member States to carry out their labour activities.
A significant discrepancy existed between the rights afforded to EU citizens and those extended to legal immigrants, which constituted a discriminatory barrier 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 provides several key benefits, making it an attractive option for highly skilled professionals from non-EU countries. Below are the main advantages:

1. Intra-EU Mobility

The Blue Card facilitates free movement between EU Member States, which is especially beneficial for professionals working with international companies. You can travel or work in another EU country while primarily residing in the country that issued the card.

2. Employment Flexibility

After two years of holding a Blue Card, you gain the flexibility to switch employers or even move to a different EU country, allowing you to adapt to changing career or personal circumstances.

3. Renewability

The EU Blue Card is renewable, meaning that at the end of your employment contract or the Blue Card’s validity, you can extend it for a similar period. This provides long-term stability and the ability to plan your future in Europe.

4. Path to Permanent Residence

The Blue Card offers a route to permanent residence in the EU. In countries like France and Spain, you can apply for permanent residence after just five years of continuous residence, making it an ideal option for long-term career planning.

5. Family Privileges

Family members of Blue Card holders enjoy special benefits. Spouses and children are entitled to live, access education, and in many cases, obtain the right to work in the host country, enhancing family integration and stability.

These advantages make the EU Blue Card a highly sought-after opportunity for professionals looking to advance their careers in Europe while enjoying significant flexibility, stability, and pathways to long-term residence.

EU Blue Card Application Process

The process of applying for an EU Blue Card can vary by country, but generally follows these steps:

Step	Description
Step 1: Getting a Job Offer	Secure a legitimate job offer from an EU-based company. You will need to provide evidence such as an employment contract or CV. If the company is not registered in the EU, they can use a legally recognized employer (e.g. Deel) to sponsor your visa.
Step 2: Labour Market Test	Many EU countries require employers to conduct a labour market test to ensure there are no suitable candidates from within the country. This process can take from a few weeks to months.
Step 3: Gathering Documents	Collect the necessary documents, which include: • Valid passport • Biometric photos • CV • Certified copies of qualifications • Signed employment contract or job offer letter • Health insurance proof • Proof of residence address in the EU • Completed EU Blue Card application form
Step 4: Obtaining an Entry Visa	In some countries, you may need to obtain a temporary visa before entry. This usually requires a visit to the consulate or embassy of the specific EU country.
Step 5: Applying for the Blue Card	Upon entering the country, submit the final EU Blue Card application to the relevant government authorities. Some countries allow online applications, while others require an in-person visit to migration offices.
Step 6: Paying Fees & Waiting	You or your employer must pay an application fee that varies by country (ranging from €150 to €500). The application process typically takes up to 90 days.
Step 7: Collecting the Blue Card	Once approved, you will need to collect your physical EU Blue Card from the designated government office.