The European Union Blue Card is for people from outside the EU who want to work legally in an EU country. You need to have a job offer from a company there first.
To get a Blue Card, you need to have a job offer that pays at least 1.5 times the national average.
If you apply for a Blue Card, you can also include your family members. You’re entitled to move freely between EU countries.
Here are the latest figures on the number of EU Blue Cards issued:
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 50,236. There were four in 2020, but it rose again to 67,730 in 2021 (a 35% increase) and to 81,851 in 2022 (a 21% increase).
The EU Blue Card gives you the right to live in an EU Member State for as long as you’re employed there, or until the permit expires, whichever is sooner. Depending on the country, you can stay longer if you have a valid contract.
The minimum salary for the Blue Card varies a lot, from €15,000 to almost €100,000. This shows the big differences in economic conditions between countries.
The European Union’s Blue Card Directive, which was first adopted in 2012, was designed to attract highly qualified third-country nationals. In November 2021, the directive got a major makeover with the aim of making it simpler and more attractive to potential applicants. The changes also included lowering the minimum salary threshold and expanding the list of professions covered by the directive.
There were some more relaxations in 2023, including:
The minimum gross salary threshold is now €39,682.80 for shortage occupations and €43,800 for other categories.
You can now get the Blue Card without having a degree in higher education if you have three years of relevant work experience.
The list of shortage occupations has been expanded to include managers in various fields, veterinarians, dentists, pharmacists, nurses, midwives and school teachers.
The minimum duration of the labour contract has been reduced to six months.
You can now add self-employment to your main employment without risking card cancellation.
The EU Blue Card is all about targets and mobility.
The EU Blue Card is designed to make it easier for professionals from outside the EU to get a visa and start working in an EU country. Once you’ve been working for 18 months, you can move to another EU country to work.
What countries the scheme covers and which ones it doesn’t
Just to let you know that the Blue Card isn’t issued in Denmark, Ireland, Norway, Liechtenstein, Iceland or Switzerland. The last four non-EU countries are members of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) and don’t take part in the Blue Card directive. The UK is also not taking part in the programme following its exit from the EU.
If you need official information, you can find it here.
You can find all the details on the EU Blue Card directive, how to get a Blue Card and the legal bits and pieces on the official EU website. It’s in lots of languages, so you can easily find what you need.
Who can get the EU Blue Card?
To get the EU Blue Card, you have to be an employee of a company that’s registered in one of the EU countries. If you’re self-employed, a freelancer or an entrepreneur, you don’t qualify.
What you’ll be paid
The main thing is that you need to have a job with a salary that’s at least 1.5 times the average annual salary in the country you’re working in. It’s also important to note that the salary calculation doesn’t include any variable payments, benefits or paid holidays.
Your professional qualifications and experience
The candidate needs to have the right qualifications and experience for the job. For example, for software engineers, this usually means a university degree in computer science or a related subject.
You’ll also need to have the right travel documents.
All candidates and their dependants must have passports that are valid for at least 15 months from the date they plan to enter the EU.
Health insurance
You’ll need to have valid health insurance for the applicant and all dependants for the entire period of stay in the EU. It’s usually possible to start with temporary insurance and then switch to an employer-provided insurance plan after entry.
There are a few exceptions to these rules.
If you’re a citizen of a European Economic Area (EEA) country or Switzerland, or a family member of an EU citizen, you can work in the EU without needing a Blue Card. This makes it easier for people to move around the EU for work, and helps make the labour market more flexible between Member States.
There are lots of great reasons to apply for the EU Blue Card
The EU Blue Card has a lot going for it compared to other work visas, especially for highly skilled professionals from outside the EU. Here are some of the main reasons why:
You can move around the EU freely with a Blue Card, which is great for companies that operate internationally. You can travel or work in another EU country while spending most of your time in the country that issued your card. You can also switch employers and even your country of residence within the EU after two years of Blue Card employment. This gives you the flexibility to adapt to changing personal and professional circumstances. You can renew it at the end of your contract or the Blue Card itself. This gives you stability and allows you to plan your career and life in Europe in the long term. The Blue Card also paves the way for permanent residence in the EU. In countries like France and Spain, you can apply for permanent residence after five years of continuous residence. Family privileges: Blue Card families also get some great benefits. Spouses and children can move, live and access education in the host country, and in some cases they can even work there.
These perks make the EU Blue Card a pretty attractive option for many professionals looking to put their skills and experience to good use in the European job market. It offers a lot of flexibility and chances to grow both personally and professionally.
Residence Permits: A Comparative Guide for the UK, Norway, Italy, Germany, and Cyprus
Navigating the residence permit processes in different European countries can be complex. This guide provides a detailed comparison of the residence permits in the UK, Norway, Italy, Germany, and Cyprus, highlighting the key aspects of each country’s process.
United Kingdom
The UK offers various types of residence permits, including work visas, student visas, and family visas. Key points include:
- Application Process: Typically takes up to 8 weeks.
- Eligibility: Based on employment, study, or family reunification.
- Benefits: Access to the UK labour market, healthcare, and education systems.
Norway
Norway, though not an EU member, offers residence permits for work, study, and family reunification. Important aspects are:
- Application Process: Can take several months.
- Eligibility: Based on employment, study, or family reunification.
- Benefits: High quality of life, access to healthcare, and education systems.
Italy
Italy provides residence permits for various purposes, including employment, study, and family reunification. Highlights include:
- Application Process: Generally takes up to 90 days.
- Eligibility: Based on employment, study, or family reunification.
- Benefits: Access to Italy’s labour market, healthcare, and education systems.
Germany
Germany offers residence permits for work, study, and family reunification. Key points include:
- Application Process: Typically takes up to 90 days.
- Eligibility: Based on employment, study, or family reunification.
- Benefits: Access to Germany’s labour market, healthcare, and education systems.
Cyprus
Cyprus provides residence permits for various purposes, including employment, study, and family reunification. Important aspects are:
- Application Process: Usually takes around 60 days.
- Eligibility: Based on employment, study, or family reunification.
- Benefits: Access to Cyprus’s labour market, healthcare, and education systems.
Comparative Analysis
When comparing these countries, several factors come into play:
- Application Process: Cyprus and the UK offer quicker processing times, while Norway, Italy, and Germany may take longer.
- Quality of Life: Norway excels in quality of life, followed by Germany and the UK.
- Economic Opportunities: Germany and the UK offer robust economic opportunities, while Italy and Cyprus are emerging markets with growing potential.
- Cultural Experience: Each country provides a unique cultural experience, from the historical richness of Italy and Cyprus to the high standard of living in Norway and Germany.
Conclusion
Choosing the right country for your residence permit depends on your personal and professional goals. Whether you prioritize economic opportunities, quality of life, or cultural experiences, each of these countries has something unique to offer. By understanding the specific requirements and advantages of the residence permits in the UK, Norway, Italy, Germany, and Cyprus, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your aspirations.