Last Updated on March 19, 2024 by Maryam Siddiqui
The idea of moving and settling in any country in the European Union is quite enticing for many people. EU countries also reckon that giving residence to highly skilled professionals gives them a competitive edge altogether. For this reason, the EU blue card program was born. This program is designed to encourage professionals in certain fields to consider working and also living in any EU country of their choice.
So if your dream has always been to live your professional life in the EU, then this article is for you. This post will shed light on the intricacies of the EU blue card application process.
You will also understand what you stand to benefit from this program and, therefore make informed decisions on whether it is for you or not. Stick around to learn more!
What is the EU blue card?
The EU blue card is a residence and work permit exclusive to non-EEA/EU nationals.
Holders of this card have the right to not only live and work in an EU country of their choice but also acquire European Union citizenship status eventually.
However, the Blue Card is only granted to individuals who have demonstrated proficiency in sought-after skills.
The EU Blue Card program rewards highly qualified workers on merit. The EU blue card holder is entitled to equal treatment and rights as citizens of the particular country that granted the card.
What is the main benefit of getting the EU blue card?
This card allows you to work and live in the member state that has given you access.
But that’s not all. You can also get free movement within the Schengen area without necessarily having a visa. Remember, these benefits also extend to your family as well.
Also, as an EU blue card holder, you can also get additional socio-economic privileges in that particular country, for instance, unemployment benefits.
The Blue Card also gives you prospects of becoming a permanent resident of the EU and enjoying other social benefits available in the said country, such as healthcare and education programs.
Let’s talk about the top 3 reasons in detail:
Socio-Economic Privileges
There are certain privileges that come with the EU Blue Card. The first one we want to talk about is the socio-economic privileges. Other than unemployment benefits, you get access to various social welfare programs and assistance schemes the state provides.
These programs can include assistance in housing, childcare, education, and healthcare. And the EU Blue Card also extends its benefits to immediate family members, allowing your spouse and children to benefit from these privileges.
This is designed to attract skilled professionals to EU countries and facilitate their journey to ensure they are valued. Not only does this contribute to overall development, but it also creates a conducive environment.
Permission to Work and Reside
EU countries are full of professional growth opportunities! Whether that be in Portugal or elsewhere, there’s a lot of room to display your skills and work for a better life.
Through the EU Blue Card, you can tap into the diverse new job market and excel in a career you are interested in. Many countries have booming technology hubs with opportunities left, right, and center.
By doing so, the EU benefits from the expertise of highly skilled individuals and promotes cross-cultural exchange.
Free Movement within Schengen Area
Another benefit that’s extremely important for expats is the ability to move freely within the Schengen Area. The area comprises 26 different countries that are free from border controls.
EU Blue Card holders have the liberty to move freely for business or leisure without the need to obtain additional visas for short-term stays within the Schengen Area. Doesn’t that make life simpler and save you a ton of money?
If you’ve got family and friends in the EU that you wish to visit frequently, or you just like to travel a lot, this will be a huge benefit.
In the long term, one of the biggest advantages is the potential to obtain permanent residency within the EU. Ultimately, you are getting security, peace of mind, and an excellent standard of living, on top of other economic opportunities.
Who can obtain the EU blue card?
While you might be a non-EU professional in a highly skilled field, this doesn’t mean that you need to apply for the EU blue card immediately.
In fact, it is important to realize that not everyone needs to apply for this program. Apart from EU citizens, the other countries that don’t need the EU blue card to work and live in the EU include:
- New Zealand
- USA
- Japan
- Canada
- Israel
- South Korea
- 9 outermost regions of the EU that are not officially recognized as part of the EU
- 25 OCT territories that depend on 6 EU counties.
Apart from the aforementioned countries, any national from any other country must first meet certain eligibility requirements beforehand.
Here are the conditions for the application of the EU Blue Card:
- A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in your field of work;
- You must hold a work contract or have a job offer for top-level employment within the last year;
- You must meet the minimum salary requirement for the particular EU country you intend to move to;
- You should have a Master’s degree or any equivalent in your field or work;
- Should be able to show proof that you have met all national legal requirements for regulated professionals.
It is also important to emphasize that if you lose your job in the first three years, you must secure another employment within 3 months. Failure to secure a job offer within this time frame means you must go back to your home country.
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The minimum salary you need to apply for the EU Blue Card
One of the qualifications for being eligible for the EU Blue Card is meeting the minimum threshold of the member state giving you access.
While this is true, it is also necessary to mention that every individual country in the EU has a different threshold regarding the minimum salary requirement.
Let’s have a look at the breakdown.
| Member State | Salary Threshold |
|---|---|
| Austria | 58,434 EUR |
| Belgium | 57,019 EUR |
| Bulgaria | 10,326 EUR |
| Croatia | 19,338 EUR |
| Czech Republic | 11,408 EUR |
| Estonia | 18,096 EUR |
| Finland | 60,828 EUR |
| France | 53,836 EUR |
| Germany | 56,400 EUR |
| Greece | 30,675 EUR |
| Hungary | 18,948 EUR |
| Italy | 26,000 EUR |
| Latvia | 20,580 EUR |
| Lithuania | 23,160 EUR |
| Luxembourg | 83,628 EUR |
| Malta | 16,036 EUR |
| Netherlands | 68,040 EUR |
| Poland | 23,376 EUR |
| Portugal | 24,535 EUR |
| Romania | 27,000 EUR |
| Slovakia | 15,102 EUR |
| Slovenia | 28,006 EUR |
| Spain | 33,908 EUR |
| Sweden | 53,200 EUR |
Last Updated in January 2024.
How to apply for the EU Blue Card?
Once you are confident you have met all the necessary criteria, then it is time to make your application.
The process
The application process is not the same for every EU member state. While other countries will allow you to apply independently, some member-state nations require your employer to make the application on your behalf.
Also, it is quite common for the applicant to set an appointment right from their home consulate offices or embassies.
Only a few countries allow online applications for the EU Blue Card. You should also be aware, that only a select number of qualified professionals can get EU Blue Card access. It is up to the member state nation to decide how many professionals can receive an EU Blue Card at a given time period.
EU Blue Card requirements and documents
You must meet respective EU Blue Card requirements and documents showing proof of your qualifications and identity (via Visa guide):
- A Passport: You must present a valid Passport with at least 15 months beyond the plan to leave for the EU. It should be in good condition with at least 2 blank pages for the visa.
- Previous passports: Attach any old passports that you have in your possession. You will need to produce copies of the first few pages of your Passport with all your details and visa stamp.
- A duly filled application form: Present a duly filled application form by yourself or your employer. Produce two copies making sure you sign each one at the end.
- Two valid photos of yourself in regulation to the ICAO standards. The photos should be taken in the last 90 days, and have a plain white background.
- Proof of professional qualification: University diploma qualification document or an equivalent of the same. And proof of having actively worked in the profession for at least 5 years.
- Work contract for an employer in the EU: The work contract should be duly filled by both parties with clear stipulations of the prerequisite minimum wage.
- Up to date Curriculum Vitae
- Proof of acceptable health insurance
- Proof that you have paid the application fee.
- Show that your salary is more than the bare minimum from the host country by at least 1.2 or 1.5 times.
- Show proof that you are no threat to the health, security, or public policy in the host country.
- Written declaration by your employer in the EU member state: Your employer is your sponsor. Therefore, the company will need to declare the reasons for your employment and demonstrate that you meet all the necessary conditions for employment.
How long is the EU Blue Card valid and how much does it cost?
The application for the EU Blue Card has an application fee of €140 that should be paid beforehand and proof submitted during the application process.
The EU validity period is up to 4 years, after which you can renew the card after securing another employment or extending the terms of your contract. The renewal fee is €100.
For most member states, you should get feedback after 90 days of your application.
What happens if the EU Blue Card application is denied?
The only reason for a rejection of your application is often not meeting some eligibility requirements.
However, if the application is rejected and you are not happy with the decision, you can file an appeal within three weeks of getting the feedback.
It is up to the host nation to determine the date and court where the hearing will happen. Remember, failure to file for the appeal within three weeks of getting the decision will mean that you accept the rejection.
How can I prove my qualifications?
The first step begins by identifying an EU member state with a shortage of a certain professional skill.
This allows you to comfortably bridge this professional gap and increase your chances of success in your application.
However, having said that, you should also realize that meeting all the qualifications gives you a competitive advantage.
You should only consider applying for the EU Blue Card if you fulfill all application criteria. Not only will you save your effort but time and money too.
Need assistance to apply for the EU Blue Card?
Given the nature of the application procedure requirements, you can clearly tell that it is not as simple as it may seem.
Some countries have additional bureaucratic processes that can be frustrating if it is your first time. Our experts at Viv Europe have been down this road before and have the expertise to guide you properly. If you are dreaming of having a valid EU blue card book a consultation with Viv Europe, and let’s start working on your dream!
Also, consider taking a look at our Facebook Group – All About Portugal For Expats to explore more about Portugal. Here you can get up-to-date information, interact with other expats, and read stories of experiences.
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