An EU blue card is a permit that gives you the possibility to work, travel, and live in the European Union. Thanks to this program, non-EU foreigners can enjoy work and residence opportunities in member countries. Furthermore, the blue card is only for highly qualified professionals. Specifically, those who want to settle in the EU and contribute to its society and economy.

To apply for the European Blue Card, applicants have to demonstrate their skills and experience in specific fields. For instance, engineering, technology, science, and mathematics. In addition, they must have a job offer or an employment contract in an EU country.

The Blue Card

To describe the blue card, you must first know what a blue card is. In this way, it is a residence permit that is approved throughout the EU. This European blue card allows foreign citizens with high qualifications to live and work in EU countries.

However, according to the new rules, since it is a business trip; you are allowed entry to a country that is a member of the Schengen area if the country that issues the blue card is not a member of this area.

The EU blue card offers a unique procedure. In this way, citizens outside the EU can apply for a work permit valid for up to 3 years. Furthermore, it can be renewed later.

History of EU Blue Card

In October 2007, the European Commission espoused two applications. Firstly, establish a framework directive for the admission of immigrants who are qualified and trained in the EU. This would later be known as the EU blue card directive.

On the other hand, the second proposal is a directive to simplify migration procedures. This channels applicants to a single application procedure called a single permit policy.

In May 2009, the European Council adopted the European blue card directive. Then, in December 2011, the single permit directive was adopted.

In this way, together they established the European blue card system, becoming a kind of EU residence card and working based on demand.

Countries with EU Blue Card

Now you know more about what is a blue card and its origins. Therefore, it is time to learn about the different countries that offer this blue card:

• Austria
• Belgium
• Bulgaria
• Croatia
• Cyprus
• Czech Republic
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Hungary 
• Italy
• Latvia
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Malta
• The Netherlands
• Poland
• Portugal
• Romania
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Spain
• Sweden

Among these countries, the Netherlands blue card and the German blue card benefits stand out. Furthermore, although this EU residence card is recognized by 25 member states the basic criteria apply to all. You will find additional minor criteria established by each country.

Countries without EU Blue Card

Although this is the Europe blue card, you can find member countries that chose not to participate in this directive. Among them are:

• Denmark
• Ireland

On the other hand, other states of the European Union do not issue this Europe blue card. These are the member countries of the EFTA and they are:

• Norway
• Liechtenstein
• Iceland
• Switzerland

Eligibility criteria for EU Blue Card

This European Green card is highly sought after throughout the world. Therefore, you must ask yourself how to get an EU blue card. However, you should first check if you are eligible. Consequently, when applying for a blue card make sure you comply with this:

• Have a master's degree or the equivalent.
• Have at least 5 years of capability in your sector.
• You must meet the minimum wage threshold of the EU country you wish to work.
• Have an employment contract or a highly qualified employment offer with a minimum duration of 1 year.
• For professions that are regulated: proof that all national legal requirements are met.

If you drop your job within the first three years with your blue card, you will have 3 months to get a new occupation. If you cannot get one, you must leave the country. Also, you can check other types of EU visas and get a European green card by other means.

EU Blue Card Requirements

Another important factor to know how to get a blue card is the necessary documents. In this way, you must have these documents to make your request:

• Application form: This must be completed by you or your employer with correct and honest information. Additionally, you must print this form 2 times and sign both copies at the end.
• A valid passport: It must have at least 15 more months of validity after the planned date to leave the EU. In addition, it must have at least 2 blank pages to also be able to place the visa.
• Copies of important pages of the passport: The first pages with your data and the pages that have visa stamps and stickers.
• Previous passports.
• Two photos that are identical and meet ICAO standards.
• An employment contract with an EU employer based in the country you want to work.
• Proof of professional level: a university degree is necessary as proof of professional level. Additionally, you must demonstrate continuous professional work experience of 5 years in your field.
• Updated CV.
• Evidence of payment of the request pay.
• Your proof of health insurance.
• Proof that your salary is higher than the average of the host country by 1.5 times or 1.2 times in the case of scarce professions.
• A written statement from your employer.
• Proof that there is no threat to the security, public order, or health of the host state.

With this, you are ready to obtain your blue card. In this way, all that remains is to choose which country you would like to work in. In addition, there are good countries to work and among these is the German Blue Card Visa. If you are still unsure, you can contact us to advise you on this decision. Also, if you want to learn more about this and other topics, go to our insights section!