EU Blue Card: What is it, and what is it for?
In this article
The EU Member States contain up to 25 countries that make critical decisions on international
affairs. This includes the trading system, financial services, immigration and emigration
rate, employment rate, and many others. Amidst this, some actions or activities require some
special permit, one of which is the EU blue card.
What is an EU Blue Card?
The EU blue card is provided to allow EU nationals to own residents in the country,
provided they meet the requirements. Therefore, every skilled individual has an opportunity
to work in a European country. The card was introduced in 2009, and the aim is to provide
more legal ground for every citizen of the EU.
The cardholder can come in and out of the country without any restriction. They will also
get the same measure of treatment as the EU citizens. You can also switch employment from
one EU member state to another, provided with the blue card. This allows for job flexibility
for individuals and companies. However, after eighteen months of working on a temporary job,
this can be done.
The foreign National should also inform the authorities of the immigrated state. However,
Denmark, and Ireland, are not part of this deal.
What is the Usefulness of the EU Blue Card?
If you want to take on professional careers or highly skilled jobs, you need a blue card.
All members of the EU states can get the blue card, except for Denmark and Ireland,
as mentioned beforehand.
The exciting part of having an EU blue card is that you can relocate to other European
countries with your family, provided each member is registered or recognized by the state.
After staying for five years without breaking the law, you may be granted access to a
permanent residence permit. However, you need to visit the territory of the Member State
two years before when your five years stay will be over. By doing this, you have the
privilege to apply for a work permit.
Who is Eligible to Obtain the EU Blue Card?
The EU blue card is only eligible for professionals who have met the criteria in their
career, and it is also applicable for foreigners whose profession requires a higher
qualification. This will give an opportunity for the European government to train highly
skilled people and retain more talents in their work sectors.
It is the same criteria set for the eligible
25 EU member states,
where the blue card can be used, but each state sometimes provides minor or additional
criteria. This may be due to some security issues or political instability of such a
state. Each has the right to the number of blue cards they are ready to release yearly
for the eligible countries.
It would help if you met the following eligibility before applying for a blue card:
- Have a Master's degree
- A minimum of five years of experience in the chosen career field.
- A minimum of a one-year job offers from a company in the country you are applying to.
- Being paid the minimum salary threshold for the country you are applying to.
- Have legal proof that you have met the requirements.
What is the Difference Between the ETIAS and Blue Card?
Often, people misunderstand the
ETIAS.org as the blue card, and meanwhile, they are two different permits
that perform other functions. ETIAS only serves as a permit to carry out legitimate
business or tourism in ETIAS European countries,
and it does not give the holders a license for professional or skilled labor. The blue
card provides the holder with access to professional skills, and it is not only a
temporary permit like the ETIAS.
Read more about
ETIAS application online on our website.
How to Apply for the EU Blue Card?
You can apply for the permit independently, or the company uses it on your behalf.
This is usually done if the company or organization sponsors you for professional
training or collaborations. Whichever way it is, you apply to the country you are
going to, while some may attract an application fee.
You will need the following documents while applying for the EU blue card.
- Make sure you provide the correct information in the application form, as it maybe used to get in touch with you in the future. You can either sign it yourself, or the employer does so on your behalf.
- Get a valid passport that extends to a minimum of fifteen months, even after yourstay in the EU country expires.
- Get copies of the pages where you attach your visa to the passport and the frontpage containing your information.
- Attach a passport of fewer than three months to the required documents using awhite background. It should also be a colored photograph, using the ICAO standard.
- Show proof of the degree you have obtained and work experience up to five years.
- Make sure to upload an updated resume that contains your recent activities.
- Have health insurance covered in your visiting country, sign the terms and conditions.
Please note that you cannot be jobless for three months in any case where you lose
your job during your stay. Else, you will be asked to leave the country.
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ETIAS.org is a privately owned website and it’s not operated by the government.
ETIAS.com is an informational site for ETIAS. The site contains paid links from our partners.
