How to Obtain the Blue Card of the European Union

In 2022, 82,000 highly skilled foreign workers received the Blue Card in the European Union (EU). In this article, we will provide detailed information about this document.

Previously, we discussed traveling with children in Europe.

The Blue Card (also known as Blaue Karte) is the European Union’s counterpart to the American Green Card, offering residency for foreign citizens with high qualifications. Holders of this document and their family members have the right to enter, exit, and live in a specific European Union country for employment purposes, as well as the freedom to move within the EU.

The EU Directive on Highly Qualified Specialists (Blue Card EU) was first adopted in 2012. In November 2021, it underwent a revision and came into effect in a new version: the minimum salary threshold was lowered, professional groups covered by the directive were expanded. In 2023, further relaxations were introduced:

The goal of the EU Blue Card is to facilitate entry and simplify the lengthy bureaucratic visa acquisition process for third-country specialists (non-EU members). After 18 months of work in one EU state, an individual can relocate for employment to another Union member country.

The last four countries are not part of the EU but are members of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA). This sometimes leads to misconceptions that one can obtain the Blue Card there, but they did not adopt the directive. Currently, obtaining the Blue Card is also unavailable in the United Kingdom, as the country is no longer a part of the European Union.

For information on the directive and legal details of the Blue Card and how to obtain it, you can refer to the official European Union website (available in various languages).

The Blue Card is recognized by 25 member states of the European Union and has consistent basic criteria for applicants:

Note: The interpretation of education corresponding to a vacancy is somewhat disputed. There is no uniform understanding of when education aligns with a job and when it does not. The decision depends solely on the human factor, namely, the official reviewing your case. To resolve misunderstandings, for example, in Germany, the applicant or employer must fill out the “Detailed Job Description” form. With the employer’s consent, the document can use job titles matching those in the higher education document. If an agreement cannot be reached, information about courses taken can be used in the diploma to fit them into the vacancy.

The EU Blue Card is not the only way to obtain a work visa. If you do not meet the requirements, consider exploring alternative avenues for obtaining permission.

The basic set of documents for obtaining the Blue Card looks as follows:

1. Application form filled out by the candidate or employer in 2 copies + attachments 1 and 2.

2. Valid passport (with at least 15 months of validity beyond the planned departure date from the EU) with 2 blank pages for visa stamps.

3. Copies of passport pages with candidate’s personal information, visa stickers, and stamps.

4. Include old passports if applicable.

5. 2 identical color photographs, taken according to ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) standards (similar to Schengen visa requirements).

6. Signed contract with the employer based in the country where the candidate plans to work, valid for at least 1 year, and meeting the minimum required salary.

7. Confirmation of high qualification: University diploma recognized in the host country. In some cases, proof of 5 years of work experience is required. If the profession falls under regulated categories, a certificate allowing the applicant to practice in that field is needed.

8. Current resume.

9. Proof of payment of the registration fee.

10. Information about medical insurance.

11. Evidence that the candidate’s salary in the host country exceeds the average by 1.5 times or 1.2 times for deficit professions.

12. Written statement from the employer indicating reasons for hiring and benefits. In practice, stating that the future employee meets all requirements and conditions is often sufficient.

It is recommended to start collecting all necessary documentation 4 to 6 months in advance, especially for qualification verification.

The application process depends on the specific country’s policy. In most cases, host countries require the candidate’s personal presence at their embassy or consulate.

Let’s explore the differences in the Blue Card application process by examining three countries: Germany, Poland, and Cyprus.

According to Eurostat, Germany approved the highest number of Blue Card applications in 2022—63,242. This is likely an effort to address workforce shortages by attracting foreign professionals.

Differences from the Basic Blue Card Criteria in Germany

IT professionals without formal education can qualify for the Blue Card if they earn a salary exceeding 45.3% of the Beitragsbemessungsgrenze and can demonstrate at least 3 years of relevant work experience within the last 7 years.

In terms of the number of approved cards, Poland, while not surpassing Germany (in 2022, only 4,931 were issued), holds the second position in the EU for this parameter.

Note: When searching for information about the Blue Card in Polish on the Internet, be sure to use the phrase “niebieską kartę UE.” Simply “niebieską kartę” refers to another document.

Differences from the Basic Blue Card Criteria in Poland

Additional Option: Besides the Blue Card, in Poland, it is possible to obtain a Residence Card (Karta pobytu). It confirms the identity of the foreign citizen and their legal presence in the country. Earlier, we provided information on how to obtain a Residence Card.

The country adopted the directive on the Blue Card in 2024.

Differences from the Basic Blue Card Criteria in Cyprus

To be eligible for the Blue Card in this country, one must:

Foreign students, refugees, asylum seekers, seasonal workers, and diplomats cannot obtain the Blue Card.

The response will be provided within 90 days from the date of application registration.

Yes. Reasons for rejection include:

In cases where:

the application may or may not be accepted.

Yes. Each country may set its own quotas for issuance of the Blue card.

It depends on the applicant’s nationality and the specific rules of the EU country.

It is valid for 1 to 4 years in the country that issued the Blue Card. Renewal is possible if the candidate still meets all requirements.

Job changes are allowed only after 2 years. Changing employment or position earlier requires approval from national authorities.

A grace period of 3 months is given to find new employment. Otherwise, the card may be revoked, and the former holder must leave the country.

Yes, the Blue Card be revoked or not extended if the holder:

National authorities shall notify the holder of the decision.

Yes, candidates/holders have the right to challenge the decision, including through legal means.

After the EU Blue Card expires, the person may need to leave the country as they would be in an illegal stay situation.

A profession is considered regulated if access to it and its practice depend on having professional qualifications. Additional details are available in the database.

Yes, with conditions such as:

Overall work experience in EU countries for 5 years is a positive factor.

Relocating due to employment is one of the most common reasons for immigration. However, life and work in Europe, even for an extended period, do not necessarily mean severing ties with one’s home country. To support loved ones back home, the Korona app can be a valuable tool.

Download it from the App Store or Google Play to send transfers:

In our blog, we share a lot about life and work in Europe. If this topic interests you, follow the link to read more.