EU Blue Card - Live and Work in the EU (2024)

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An EU Blue Card is a work permit for non-EU skilled citizens who want to work in EU countries and meet certain academic and employment requirements. Those who are conducting a research project or have been allowed long-term resident status in an EU state can also apply for an EU Blue Card.

The EU Blue Card is temporary, initially being issued for one to four years.

Which Countries Issue an EU Blue Card?

The EU Blue Card is issued by the following 25 countries:

Who Is Eligible for an EU Blue Card?

You are considered a highly-qualified worker if you possess the requirements listed below:

You must show that you have higher education qualifications that last for at least three years, like a Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, or PhD.
You must have a minimum of five years of experience in your field of work.
You must have a work contract or an offer for a highly skilled job. If you are an entrepreneur or a freelancer, then you can’t get an EU blue card.
Your gross salary must be at least 1.5 times the national average of the EU country where you will work.
You must have health insurance for yourself and your family members if any will accompany you. You can get health insurance in three ways:
By extending your current health insurance from your home country to the country where you want to work (if possible).
By registering for the state health insurance in the EU country where you will be employed (if possible).
By purchasing private health insurance in the EU country, you want to work in.

Salary Requirements for the EU Blue Card

The minimum salary threshold for an EU Blue Card changes depending on the country:

Austria- €58,434 per year
Belgium- €55,431 per year
Bulgaria- €10,326 per year
Croatia- €19,138 per year
Cyprus – €23,964 per year
Czech Republic- €11,408 per year
Estonia – €23,580 per year
Finland- €56,774 per year
France- €53,836.50 per year
Germany – €53,600 per year
Greece- €30,675 per year
Hungary – €16,700 per year
Italy- €24,789.93 per year
Latvia- €13,776 per year
Lithuania- €23,160 per year
Luxembourg- €78,336 per year
Malta- €16,036 per year
Netherlands – €5,272 per month
Poland- €15,446 per year
Portugal – €66,500 per year
Romania- €2,250 per month
Slovakia- €15,102 per year
Slovenia- €2,001 per month
Spain – €33,908 per year
Sweden – €50,550 per year

Benefits of an EU Blue Card

The EU Blue Card provides its holder with many benefits, including the following:

Enjoy travelling freely within the EU
Enjoy the same work conditions and salary just like the citizens of that country.
Bring relatives with you, who can also work.
Get permanent residency rights
Have the same educational, medical, and economic rights as the EU citizens.
After one year, you can move to another EU country (provided you meet the EU Blue Card requirements of that other country).

How to Apply for an EU Blue Card?

To apply for an EU Blue Card, you must set an appointment at the EU embassy or consulate in your country of residence. Some countries also offer online applications. In all cases, you must also have an offer of employment for skilled workers from an EU employer before you can start the application process, as well as the checklist of required documents.

Remember, the exact application process differs from one EU country to another.

What Documents Do I Need for an EU Blue Card?

The required documents for applying for an EU Blue Card are listed below:

Two signed copies of the Application Form. The application form should be completed accurately by you or your employer.
A valid passport. Your passport must be valid for more than 15 months before your planned leaving date. It should have two blank pages so that you can attach a visa.
Copies of important passport pages. You may be asked to submit any passport pages that contain your details and the pages with visa stickers and stamps.
Any older passports (if applicable).
Two photos. You must submit two passport-size pictures taken within the three last months that are in accordance with the ICAO standards.
Work contract with the EU employer. The work contract should be signed by the parties involved, and it must be valid for at least one year while meeting the minimum salary threshold.
Evidence of a salary 1.5 times the national average.
Evidence of higher education qualification. You must submit the original degree.
Evidence of work experience. You have to prove you have at least five years of work experience in your field and if you have a regulated Submit any acquired certificates.
Updated CV.
A written declaration by your employer where they state that you meet all the requirements.
Evidence that you pose no threat to the public policy, security or health of the state you will work in.
Evidence of paid application fee. You have to pay the visa application fee according to the requirements of the embassy or consulate of the EU country you wish to apply for.
Evidence of health insurance. For the visa application, you may be required to purchase Schengen travel insurance. After you move to the EU, you need state health insurance or a long-term private health insurance policy.

EU Blue Card Fee

Here are the EU Blue Card fees, depending on the country:

Austria- 120 €
Belgium- 358 €
Bulgaria- 55 €
Croatia- 137€
Cyprus- 0€
Czech republic- 92€
Estonia -120€
Finland- 550€
France- 269€
Germany – 110€
Greece- 300€
Hungary – 60€
Italy- 100€
Latvia- 100€
Lithuania- 114€
Luxembourg- 80€
Malta- 255€
Netherlands – 285€
Poland- 111€
Portugal – 103€
Romania- 174€
Slovakia- 170€
Slovenia- 102€
Spain – 418€
Sweden – 175€

How Long Does It Take to Get an EU Blue Card?

The maximum processing time for an EU Blue Card is 90 days. The exact time within which you will receive an answer depends on the specific Embassy or consulate that is handling your application.

What Is the Duration of an EU Blue Card?

An EU Blue Card is valid for one to four years (depending on the country you choose to work in) plus three months. For example, if your work contract is for three years, then your EU Blue Card will be valid for three years plus three months. At maximum, the EU Blue Card can be issued for four years. You can apply for an EU Blue Card renewal if your work contract gets extended.

After your EU Blue Card expires, you are allowed to stay for another three months to extend it or until you find another job. When you apply to renew your EU Blue Card, you should submit a copy of your earlier one. The duration of the application might take 90 days, so you can stay in the country until you get the card.

Can I Change My Job If I Have an EU Blue Card?

You cannot change your job in the first two years of receiving the EU Blue Card. In order to change your job within the first two years, you and your new employer would have to apply for a new EU Blue Card.

However, different countries have different rules, so you need to make sure by checking the rules for the member state you are staying in.

What If I Lose My Job?

If you lose your job while you are in the EU with a Blue Card, you are allowed to stay for three months in the country to look for another job. If you don’t find a job within this time, then the EU Blue Card will no longer be valid, so you have to leave the country you were staying in.

How to Find a Job That Qualifies for an EU Blue Card?

Your first option for finding a job in the EU is through EURES, which is the European Job Mobility Portal. You can search for jobs in any EU country, categorized by sector, occupation, location, etc.

You can also find a job that qualifies for an EU Blue Card on different job-seeking websites or platforms of the country in which you want to work. Some employers post job offers on their web company pages or in private or public agencies.

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