EU Blue Card: Key Requirements, Eligibility, and Apply
About The EU Blue Card
The EU Blue Card is a residence permit designed for highly skilled non-EU nationals, offering them the opportunity to live and work in 25 EU member states. This permit not only provides significant advantages for immigrants and their families but also facilitates the long-term immigration of qualified professionals.
To be eligible for the EU Blue Card, applicants must fulfill several key criteria:
University Degree: A recognized higher education qualification, typically a bachelor’s degree or higher, is required.
Employment Contract: The applicant must have a valid job offer or employment contract that meets a specific minimum gross salary threshold, which varies depending on the country.
Professional Experience: In some cases, relevant professional experience in the applicant’s field may be required, particularly if the individual does not possess a university degree.
Once an individual has held an EU Blue Card for 33 months, they become eligible to apply for a settlement permit, allowing them to stay permanently in the country. If the cardholder has demonstrated a proficiency in the local language at a B1 level, this period is reduced to 21 months.
After residing in the EU under the Blue Card for five years, including the last two years in the same country, holders can apply for long-term resident status. This status grants rights similar to those of EU citizens, including the ability to move more freely within the EU, pursue higher education, and explore business opportunities in other member states.
How Prowess Pursuit Can Assist You in Securing a Germany EU Blue Card
Prowess Pursuit, a trusted name in immigration consulting, is here to simplify the complex process of obtaining a Germany EU Blue Card. With our expert guidance, we ensure that you have the best chance of success from start to finish. We assist you in determining your eligibility, gathering the necessary documentation, and preparing a strong application. Our team is committed to providing personalized support every step of the way, ensuring that your journey to securing a Germany EU Blue Card is as smooth and efficient as possible.
Objectives of the EU Blue Card
The EU Blue Card program aims to position Europe as a prime destination for highly skilled professionals from outside the European Union. Issued by all EU member states—except Denmark and Ireland—the Blue Card seeks to attract top talent by offering a host of benefits and opportunities.
While not a points-based system, the EU Blue Card operates on a merit-based framework. It recognizes individuals who possess the necessary qualifications or professional experience to meet the demands of the European labor market. The focus is on tangible credentials—either you meet the educational or skill requirements, or you don’t.
The EU Blue Card initiative offers several key advantages that make Europe an appealing choice for skilled immigrants:
Equal Working and Salary Conditions: Cardholders enjoy the same working conditions and salary levels as EU nationals, ensuring fair treatment in the workplace.
Free Movement within the Schengen Area: The Blue Card allows for unrestricted travel within the Schengen zone, enhancing mobility across member states.
Access to Socio-Economic Rights: Blue Card holders are entitled to various socio-economic benefits, such as unemployment benefits, social security, and healthcare services.
Favorable Family Reunification Conditions: The program facilitates easier family reunification, allowing Blue Card holders to bring their immediate family members to Europe under more favorable terms.
Pathway to Permanent Residence: The EU Blue Card provides a clear route to permanent residence, offering long-term stability and security for cardholders and their families.
Freedom of Association: Cardholders have the right to join professional organizations, trade unions, and other associations, contributing to their professional and social integration in Europe.
These distinctive qualities make the EU Blue Card a powerful tool in attracting and retaining top talent, helping Europe solidify its position as a leading global migration destination.
EU Countries Issuing the EU Blue Card
The EU Blue Card is recognized by 25 EU member states, each of which applies the same basic criteria. However, there may be minor additional requirements set by individual member states.
Country | Country | Country |
Austria | Finland | Malta |
Belgium | France | Netherlands |
Bulgaria | Germany | Poland |
Croatia | Greece | Portugal |
Cyprus | Hungary | Romania |
Czechia | Italy | Slovakia |
Estonia | Latvia | Slovenia |
Lithuania | Spain | Sweden |
Luxembourg |
Note: Denmark and Ireland do not participate in the EU Blue Card program.
EU Blue Card Requirements
To qualify for an EU Blue Card in Germany, you must meet specific educational and employment criteria, ensuring that you are highly skilled and your qualifications align with the demands of the German labor market.
Educational Qualifications:
German or Comparable Foreign Degree: You must hold a degree from a German university or a foreign degree that is recognized as equivalent to a German degree.
Alternative Qualifications: If you do not have a traditional university degree, you can qualify with a tertiary-level qualification that took at least three years to complete. In Germany, this qualification must correspond to at least level 6 of the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED 2011) or level 6 of the European Qualifications Framework. Examples include Master craftsman/woman training or professional qualifications in educator professions.
Equivalence and Recognition: Information on the equivalence and recognition of foreign degrees can be found in the “Recognition” section, ensuring that your qualifications meet German standards.
Employment Criteria:
Specific Job Offer: You must have a job offer from a German company that meets certain conditions:
Minimum Employment Period: The job must be for at least six months.
Job Matching Qualifications: The job must correspond to your educational qualifications. For regulated professions, a license to practice must be in place or obtainable at the time of your visa application.
Salary Requirements:
Standard Salary: Your job must offer a gross annual salary of at least €45,300 (as of 2024).
Bottleneck Professions: If you are employed in a bottleneck profession (sectors with a high demand for skilled workers), you may qualify with a lower gross annual salary of at least €41,041.80 (as of 2024), provided the Federal Employment Agency (BA) approves your employment.
The salary thresholds are updated annually by the Federal Ministry of the Interior and Community.
Bottleneck Professions:
Germany recognizes specific sectors as bottleneck professions where skilled labor is in high demand. If your profession falls into one of these categories, you may qualify for an EU Blue Card with a lower salary threshold.
Examples of bottleneck professions include:
- Managers in manufacturing, mining, construction, and distribution
- Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Service Managers
- Professional Services Managers, such as those in childcare, health services, and education
- STEM Professionals (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)
- Architects, spatial planners, and transport planners
- Medical Doctors, Veterinarians, Dentists, and Pharmacists
- Nursing and Midwifery Professionals
- Teachers and Educators in both school and out-of-school settings
A detailed list of bottleneck professions eligible for the EU Blue Card can be accessed online for further guidance.
Minimum Salary Threshold for the EU Blue Card
Country | Salary Threshold |
Austria | 4,548.00 EUR gross per month |
Belgium | 54,115 EUR per year in Flanders |
57,019 EUR per year in Brussels | |
57,019 EUR per year in Wallonia | |
Bulgaria | 650 BGN per month |
Croatia | 19 338 EUR per year* |
Czechia | 53,417 CZK gross per month* |
Estonia | 2,172 EUR per month for non-shortage occupations* |
1,810 EUR per month for shortage occupations* | |
Finland | 5,069 EUR per month |
France | 53,836 EUR per year* |
Germany | 56,400 EUR per year |
Greece | 30,675 EUR per year* |
Hungary | 598,950 HUF gross per month* |
Italy | 26,000 EUR per year |
Latvia | 1,715 EUR gross per month |
Lithuania | 1095 EUR per month |
Luxembourg | 83,628 EUR per year |
Malta | 16 036 EUR per year* |
Netherlands | 5,670 EUR gross per month |
Poland | 8,493.79 PLN gross gross per month* |
Portugal | 24,535 EUR per year* |
Romania | 2,250 EUR gross per month* |
Slovakia | 969 EUR per month |
Slovenia | 28,006 EUR per year* |
Spain | 33,908 EUR per year* |
Sweden | 53,200 EUR per year* |
Opportunities Provided by the EU Blue Card
The EU Blue Card offers a range of opportunities for non-EU nationals looking to live and work in Germany, with several key benefits and pathways to long-term residence.
Duration and Validity:
Employment-Based Duration: The EU Blue Card is issued for the length of your employment contract, plus an additional three months, with a maximum validity of four years.
Extension Possibility: If your employment continues and you meet certain conditions, you can extend the validity of your EU Blue Card beyond the initial four-year period.
Pathway to Permanent Residence:
Settlement Permit: After 27 months of holding an EU Blue Card, you may be eligible for a settlement permit, which allows you to reside in Germany permanently. To qualify, you must demonstrate German language proficiency at level A1 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
Accelerated Settlement: If you can prove B1 level proficiency in German, you can obtain a settlement permit in just 21 months, providing an expedited path to permanent residency.
Family Reunification:
Living with Family: As an EU Blue Card holder, you have the opportunity to bring your family to live with you in Germany. The process is streamlined and offers favorable conditions for family reunification, making it easier for your spouse and children to join you. For detailed information on requirements and procedures, refer to the “Family Reunification” section.
The EU Blue Card not only facilitates your professional journey in Germany but also supports your long-term goals of settling in the country with your family.
Application Process for EU Blue Card
Step | Description |
Job Search | Secure a job offer from an employer in an EU member state. Ensure the job meets the criteria for a skilled position relevant to the EU Blue Card. |
Documentation | Gather all required documents, including education certificates, work contract, valid passport, and proof of health insurance. |
Application Submission | Submit your EU Blue Card application to the relevant immigration authority in the country where you plan to work. |
Processing Time | Wait for the processing of your application. Processing times vary by country and depend on the volume of applications. |
Decision | Receive the decision on your application. If approved, you will be issued the EU Blue Card, allowing you to live and work in the designated country. |
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