All You Need To Know About EU Blue Card
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Are you a skilled worker looking to enhance your career abroad? The EU Blue Card can help you achieve your dreams. In this blog, you'll find detailed insights about the EU Blue Card, including the benefits, and requirements. Get ready to embark on an exciting journey of exploration and make your career aspirations a reality with the EU Blue Card. Start reading now!
What is a Euro Blue Card?
The EU Blue Card is a type of residency permit designed for skilled foreign nationals from outside the European Union (EU) who wish to work in an EU country. This permit allows individuals to enter and live in a specific EU country for the purpose of employment.
The primary purpose of the EU Blue Card is to streamline the process of admitting highly skilled professionals from non-EU countries into the EU. It aims to simplify the procedures involved in obtaining work authorization and improve the legal status of those who are already residing in the EU.
Benefits of EU Blue Card
Becoming an EU Blue Card holder comes with numerous advantages. Here is a summary of the key benefits and advantages of the EU Blue Card.
- Equal Work and Salary Conditions: As an EU Blue Card holder, you are entitled to the same working and salary conditions as national citizens.
- Free Movement Throughout the EU: You have the freedom to move and reside within any EU member state.
- Social Rights: EU Blue Card holders enjoy various social rights, including access to education, economic opportunities, cultural activities, human rights, and healthcare.
- Family Reunification: You have the right to be joined by your family members in the EU.
- Permanent Residency: After working in the first hosting state for 33 months (or 21 months if you achieve a B1 language level), you can apply for a permanent residency permit.
Please note that all benefits are provided to EU Blue Card holders except for housing, loans, and grants. Additionally, EU Blue Card holders are allowed to temporarily leave the EU and return to their home countries or non-EU states for up to 12 consecutive months without losing ownership of their EU Blue Card.
EU Blue Card Validity
|
EU Blue Card Validity and Renewal Process |
Description |
|---|---|
|
Standard Validity Period |
The standard period of validity for an EU Blue Card is commonly set at three years. The duration of the EU Blue Card is tied to the length of your employment contract. |
|
Renewal Option |
If your work contract is extended beyond the initial three years, you can renew your EU Blue Card accordingly. |
|
Duration Based on Contract |
If your work contract is valid for more than a year but less than three years, your EU Blue Card will be valid for the exact period of your contract, e.g., 30 months. |
|
Grace Period |
When your EU Blue Card is approaching its expiration date, you are granted an additional grace period of three months. This allows time for renewal or seeking alternative employment. |
|
Flexibility in Adjusting Status |
The grace period of three months offers flexibility in adjusting your status without unnecessary disruptions. |
|
EU Blue Card Renewal Application |
When renewing your EU Blue Card, you typically need to submit a copy of your previous EU Blue Card as part of your application to ensure the continuity of your status and streamline the renewal process. |
|
Legal Work and Residence During Renewal Application Processing Period |
While your EU Blue Card renewal application is being processed (up to 90 days), you are allowed to legally work and reside in the country where you hold the EU Blue Card, ensuring continuity of activities and status. |
EU Blue Card Countries
Let's explore the Minimum Salary Threshold for the EU Blue Card in 2022. The salary is largely determined by the company that sponsors your EU Blue Card application. However, it's important to note that there is a specific minimum salary requirement that is legally established and upheld.
|
Country |
Salary Threshold |
|---|---|
|
Austria |
4,548.00 EUR gross per month |
|
Belgium |
54,115 EUR per year in Flanders 57,019 EUR per year in Brussels 57,019 EUR per year in Wallonia |
|
Bulgaria |
650 BGN per month |
|
Croatia |
19,338 EUR per year* |
|
Czechia |
53,417 CZK gross per month* |
|
Estonia |
2,172 EUR per month for non-shortage occupations* 1,810 EUR per month for shortage occupations* |
|
Finland |
5,069 EUR per month |
|
France |
53,836 EUR per year* |
|
Germany |
56,400 EUR per year |
|
Greece |
30,675 EUR per year* |
|
Hungary |
598,950 HUF gross per month* |
|
Italy |
26,000 EUR per year |
|
Latvia |
1,715 EUR gross per month |
|
Lithuania |
1,095 EUR per month |
|
Luxembourg |
83,628 EUR per year |
|
Malta |
16,036 EUR per year* |
|
Netherlands |
5,670 EUR gross per month |
|
Poland |
8,493.79 PLN gross per month* |
|
Portugal |
24,535 EUR per year* |
|
Romania |
2,250 EUR gross per month* |
|
Slovakia |
969 EUR per month |
|
Slovenia |
28,006 EUR per year* |
|
Spain |
33,908 EUR per year* |
|
Sweden |
53,200 EUR per year |
EU Blue Card Eligibility
In order to ensure a smooth process of obtaining the EU Blue Card, it is essential to consider the following eligibility criteria. These criteria play a crucial role in determining your suitability for the Blue Card.
- Possess a Master's Degree or its equivalent.
- Accumulate a minimum of 5 years of professional experience in your field.
- Secure a work contract or a job offer for highly skilled employment lasting at least one year.
- Meet the specified minimum salary threshold established by the EU country where you intend to work.
- For regulated professions, the applicant must provide proof of compliance with national legal requirements.
- In the event of job loss within the first three years of holding a Blue Card, you will have a three-month period to find another job. If unsuccessful, you may be required to leave the country.
EU Blue Card Documents Requirements
To ensure a smooth process of obtaining the EU Blue Card, it is essential to submit the following required documents. These documents play a crucial role in the application process and eligibility assessment for the EU Blue Card.
Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
1. Application Forms | Completed application form, signed by either you or your employer. |
2. Passport Requirements |
|
3. Passport Photos | Two identical photos meeting ICAO standards, taken within the last for three months. |
4. Employment Documentation |
|
5. Professional Information | Up-to-date curriculum vitae (CV). |
6. Application Fee | Proof of application fee payment. |
7. Health Insurance | Proof of health insurance. |
8. Salary Requirements | Evidence that your salary exceeds the average in the host country by the required multiple. |
9. Employer Declaration | Written declaration by your employer explaining reasons for employment and the benefits gained. |
10. Background Check | Proof of no threat to public policy, security, or health of the host country. |
Getting an EU Blue Card in Germany: A Step-by-Step Process
To obtain an EU Blue Card in Germany, the process involves several steps. The below-mentioned are some of the easy steps filtered for you to succeed in the process of getting an EU blue card.
- Step 1 - Secure a Job Offer: Initially, you need to secure a job in Germany. Once you have a job offer, you can start the process of obtaining an EU Blue Card.
- Step 2 - Set Up a Visa Appointment: Contact the German embassy or consulate in your home country to schedule a visa appointment. If there isn't a German embassy in your country, you might need to travel to a neighboring country for your application.
- Step 3 - Gather Required Documents: The German embassy will provide you with a checklist of necessary documents for your German work visa application. These documents typically include your employment contract, academic qualifications, and proof of travel health insurance, among others.
- Step 4 - Submit Visa Application: On the scheduled appointment day, you'll submit your visa application along with the required documents and pay the associated fees. In some cases, you may be required to attend an interview as well. It's important to note that this visa serves as an entry visa for employment purposes. The EU Blue Card application comes later, after your arrival in Germany.
- Step 5 - Wait for a Decision: After submitting your visa application, the processing time can range from one to three months before you receive a decision.
- Step 6 - Travel to Germany: If your visa application is approved, you will be granted a visa that allows you to enter Germany legally. Upon arrival, you must complete several essential tasks, including registering your residence, obtaining German health insurance, and opening a bank account.
- Step 7 - Apply for the EU Blue Card: Once you have settled your residence, health insurance, and banking matters, you can apply for the EU Blue Card at the German Foreigner's Authority, known as the Ausländerbehörde.
It's worth mentioning that citizens from specific countries, such as Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Northern Ireland, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America, are exempt from the requirement to apply for an entry visa for employment at the German embassy. They have the option to apply directly for an EU Blue Card at the German Foreigner's Authority.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to bring family members on the EU Blue Card?
Can I apply for permanent residency with an EU Blue Card?
Can I change jobs with an EU Blue Card?
Can I travel within the Schengen Area with an EU Blue Card?
Can the EU Blue Card be transferred between EU countries?
