EU Blue Card
The EU Blue Card is a residence and work permit for non-EU qualified professionals to work in the European Union. This EU card, a golden opportunity to live and work in Europe, allows highly qualified professionals to be a part of the European employment sector.
The EU blue card is a merit-based system that accepts applications on the basis of merits in terms of educational qualifications or work experience gained in some highly skilled occupations. All the EU member countries, such as Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, and Luxembourg, are participants in the EU blue card program, leaving Denmark and Ireland two countries that are not a part of the European Blue card program.
Which EU countries participate in the EU Blue Card program?
Not every country participates in the EU Blue Card Program. Nonetheless, the list of nations taking part in the EU Blue Card Program is as follows.
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Italy
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain, and
- Sweden (except Denmark and Ireland)
Benefits of getting the EU Blue Card
The European Union Blue Card initiative has a number of benefits that help Europe in achieving the title for the favourite migration destination.
1. Pathway to Permanent Residency
The EU blue card allows individuals to apply for permanent residency only if the applicant is staying in the country for at least 21 months to 33 months. It also varies with the level of language level knowledge. For example, in Germany, the applicant can convert his EU blue card to a Germany PR visa by enclosing proof of employment for at least 27 months, having knowledge of the German language (A1 level). However, if the applicant has knowledge of the B1 level, the applicant can apply in 21 months.
2. Free movement across European countries
The EU Blue Card allows professionals to move across European countries without any additional requirements. Movement within this area enables applicants to explore various cultures, meet new people, and unfold new opportunities.
3. Family reunification
The EU blue card helps bring in immediate family members to Europe. It ensures that emotional support is being associated with EU-blue cardholders.
4. Work-life balance
The EU blue card ensures stability in employment and receives remuneration according to the employment services and working hours. Europe is known for its work-life balance attitude, prioritising health over all opportunities.
5. Socio-economic rights
The EU blue card holders are entitled to certain socio-economic rights such as unemployment benefits, equal working and salary conditions.
6. Search period after termination
EU blue card holders also get the benefit of a search period for the next job, in case of termination from a company. Employees are granted six months to find a job only if they have held an EU blue card for at least two years. On the other hand, the search period is 3 months for highly skilled working professionals.
7. Work opportunities in other EU member states
EU blue cardholders are entitled to move and find employment in other EU member states only after 12 months of residing in the current member state.
EU Blue Card requirements
Eligibility for Applying EU Blue Card
The requirements for the EU blue card differ from country to country in Europe. However, for EU Blue card applicants must comply with certain eligibility criteria such as:
- A valid work contract or a binding job offer for highly qualified employment for at least 6 months in the Member State concerned
- Must hold a valid job offer or contract from the employer of the EU that meets the minimum salary limit, which varies from country to country such as for Germany, the minimum salary should be €48,300 annually for regular occupations and €43,759.80 annually for bottleneck occupations. For Austria, it is €47,855 gross annually and varies accordingly.
- Get a job that earns at least 1.5 times the national average income in the nation where you'll be working.
- Present documentation of your health insurance coverage.
- Documents confirming your professional qualifications.
EU blue card document requirements
Here is a complete list of documents required for applicants applying for the EU Blue card:
- Valid passport (which should remain valid for six months after your visa expires)
- Documents of identity
- Visa application form
- Two passport-sized photographs
- CV/Resume
- Job offer letter
- Salary slips
- Proof of educational qualification
- Proof of professional qualification
- Medical clearance certificate
- Police clearance certificate
- Health insurance
Step-by-step process to apply for EU blue card
The application process for the EU Blue Card differs between EU countries. However, candidates are required to follow steps in the majority of cases.
- Find an employment offer
Search and apply for positions in your profession in the EU member states involved in the EU Blue Card scheme. The employment offer should satisfy the conditions of the Blue Card, such as the salary level.
- Gather all the necessary documents
Include the following documents:
- Passport
- Employment contract or job offer letter (for at least 12 months)
- Qualification documents (degree certificates, diplomas)
- Health insurance
- Documentation to prove the required salary
- Blue Card application form (differing in every country)
- Clean criminal record certificate
- Submit your application
Apply for the Blue Card at the consulate or embassy of the EU country where you plan to work. In some cases, your employer may assist with the application process.
- Wait for approval
Processing times vary by country but generally take between 8-12 weeks. Once approved, you will receive your EU Blue Card, residence, and work permit.
- Travel and start working
Once you get your Blue Card, you can move to the EU and start working in the country you have chosen. Some countries require further registration upon arrival.
Processing time of the European Union Blue Card
It will take 2 to 3 months to process your application for the EU Blue Card. This is dependent on the volume of applications and even the country from which you are applying.
Some EU countries may provide faster processing times, particularly for highly skilled professionals who are in demand. The application should be made several months before the intended move date to allow for processing time.
The EU Blue Card is, indeed, an excellent chance for highly skilled professionals to establish a career in Europe. Long-term residency with the inclusion of family, as well as access to the EU job market, is a perfect pathway for a stable and prosperous future in the European Union.
The cost required to apply for the European Blue Card
The initial EU Blue Card fee is 100 EUR if it is issued with a validity period of less than a year and 110 EUR if it is issued with a validity period of more than a year. 96 EUR for a three-month renewal. 93 the for renewals longer than three months.
Why choose Province Immigration?
Province Immigration assists ambitious professionals in achieving the dream of working and staying in Europe through the EU Blue Card program. Province Immigration has more than 10 years of experience and leads skilled immigration services as a trusted partner. Here's why you should choose us:
- Pre-assessment of your eligibility.
- Preparation and verification of all documents.
- Post-arrival services to help you settle smoothly in your new country.
- Career guidance to guide you through the process of matching your skills to the needs of the EU market.
- Tailored resume building to the European standard.
- Language training for meeting specific EU Blue Card requirements.
Transparent, pocket-friendly fees
We have a reasonable, success-based fee structure with no hidden fees. Our commitment to being transparent ensures that your entire process of applying for the EU Blue Card is stress-free and low-cost.
Round-the-clock personalized service
Our team is accessible 24/7 throughout your journey, from initial eligibility assessment and preparation of documents to troubleshooting issues related to the EU Blue Card. We're here whenever you need us.
Scope of service
We guide you through the entire process, including the following:
Refund assurance
We stand by our commitment to your success. In the rare case of a rejected application, we process a full refund of the service fee, giving you peace of mind throughout the process.
Complimentary value-added services
We go beyond application assistance by offering:
High success rate
Because of our experience and meticulousness, we have a high success rate. We work tirelessly to ensure your EU Blue Card application is approved as efficiently and without hassle.
Customized visa strategy
We provide a holistic consultation of exploring all the potential pathways to ensure you receive the appropriate visa according to your qualifications, work experience, and relevant goals without additional costs.
Post-landing support
We assist you in settling down after arrival in any of the EU countries while ensuring a smooth transition to this new life.
With a proven track record of helping thousands of clients achieve their immigration goals, Province Immigration is your trusted partner for navigating the EU Blue Card program with confidence and ease.
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