Since the founding of the European Union (EU), the ability for employees to work and travel across European national borders has been a way for countless businesses to enter new markets quickly and efficiently. To ensure that the EU is open and available to all talented professionals, not just those from Europe, the EU has issued a bloc-wide work permit called the EU Blue Card.
Here, we explore the benefits and uses of an EU Blue Card for global businesses, as well as give you all the information you need to successfully apply. The processes involved and the requirements of the scheme are complex, so we also suggest a way you can apply quickly and securely with the least hassle possible.
What Is an EU Blue Card?
EU Blue Cards are a form of residence permit that allow non-EU citizens to live and work in the EU, as well as travel throughout 25 of the 27 EU countries (due to the exception of Ireland and Denmark).
This system is reserved for highly-qualified workers with:
- An employment contract with a defined work period of at least one year
- Proof of a university-level education recognized in the country of application
- All required professional licenses relevant to the country of application and particular job type (especially for regulated professions)
- A gross annual salary that meets the minimum salary threshold in the applicable country
- Necessary travel documents and proof of adequate health insurance
The exact procedures for obtaining this type of residence permit depend on the country. Below, we outline the general steps, but we recommend researching country-specific details that apply to your particular case.
Please note also that Denmark, Ireland, Norway, Lichtenstein, Iceland, and Switzerland are in the EU, but do not issue EU Blue Cards.
When Would Employees Require EU Blue Cards?
These cards allow employees to benefit from mandatory social insurance and benefits rights while operating within the EU. As these benefits are often mandatory, an EU blue card may be essential for non-EU workers being posted to a European country for an extended time.
What Are the Benefits of an EU Blue Card?
1. Increased flexibility to work, live, and travel within most of the EU
An EU Blue Card allows you to live, work, and travel with similar flexibility to that of an EU citizen. This includes key details such as:
- After living for a period of 18 months in the issuing country, you have the option to move and work in a different EU country as long as you still meet the EU Blue Card requirements in that country as defined during the application process (In this case, local country authorities must be notified of this residency change within one month of arrival).
- Travel is allowed for EU Blue Card holders in other EU countries for up to 3 months out of 6 months.
- People with certain non-EU citizenships can benefit from an EU Blue Card in that they may no longer need to complete the tourist visa application process to enter certain EU countries as a tourist, enabling more flexibility for short-term travel.
- Holders have the option to return to their home country and visit other non-EU countries for up to 12 months while maintaining their rights as an EU Blue Card holder
- EU Blue Cards issued outside of the Schengen area but still within the EU (Romania, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Croatia) allow for more flexible travel within the Schengen area
2. The ability to enjoy equal EU labor conditions and rights
EU Blue Card Holders are entitled to treatment equal to that of the citizens of the issuing country. This includes:
- Working and salary conditions
- Options for professional education and training
- Diploma and qualification recognition
- Social Security and social services benefits
- Access to public services such as public transportation, public holidays, and museums
3. The right for family members and dependents to accompany the Blue Card Holder
Immediate family members and dependents of the EU Blue Card holder are allowed to accompany them to their host country and live there, as well as maintain the same flexible travel rights.
Note that family reunification under an EU Blue Card doesn’t provide family members the right to work, as they still need to apply for their own work visa if they wish to do so.
4. Profit from fast-tracks to permanent residency
Many EU countries offer simplified procedures and timelines for EU Blue Card holders. This is especially useful in contexts such as when companies are planning to send employees to the EU to manage long-term projects or established branch offices.
In order to get permanent residency through an EU Blue Card, you must reside and work in the host country for a minimum of 33 months, or 21 months while obtaining a B1 certificate in the local language. This is a reduced timeline from the typical 5-year minimum for non-EU Blue Card holders.
Furthermore, if you move to another EU country as an EU Blue Card holder, your overall time in the EU qualifies toward the 5-year minimum for obtaining permanent residency status.
How Can I Get an EU Blue Card?
While each country has specific requirements and steps, here we outline the general process you’ll have to follow, as well as some commonly asked questions.
What Does the EU Blue Card Application Process Involve?
Rather than describe the exact requirements particular to all 25 eligible states, here we’ve summarized the key parts of each step of the process. Additional information can be found on the official EU Blue Card website.
- The first step is to submit an application form, this is done either through the nearest consulate of your destination country, via post, or online (depending on the country you are applying to). Most countries allow for application by a third party (such as a legal consultant).
- During the application process, you must show that you meet the following criteria:
- You hold a recognized university degree by the relevant country or equivalent qualification.
- You have all the required licenses or additional qualifications necessary for your job (particularly in the case you work in a regulated profession).
- You can prove an established work contract, or a job offer of at least one year, which complies with country-specific contract minimums.
- You meet the minimum salary threshold for your intended country.
- You can provide all necessary travel documents and proof of health insurance (also for accompanying family members).
- Applicants that meet the minimum requirements will likely then be contacted via phone, email, or post for a meeting at their nearest consulate or embassy.
Which Documents are Required for an EU Blue Card?
Each application must include the many required documents which are described in detail below. These should be submitted along with your application, with copies or originals as requested. Additional documents may be required depending on country-specific regulations.
All qualifications should be from recognized organizations or be checked via an international qualification checking service (necessary steps depend on the country).
Importantly, your work contract used for the application must be signed by an EU-based employer. This could require you to form an agreement with a local PEO (Professional Employer Organization) or EOR (Employer of Record) service provider.
In addition to your application form, you will need:
- A completed application form relevant to the specific country
- A valid passport with at least 15 months of validity beyond your intended departure date from the EU, as well as 2 empty pages
- Photocopies of your passport, including the first page, personal information page, plus all stamped pages
- All previous passports (originals where possible)
- Two recently taken identical passport photos meeting all EU passport requirements
- Fee payment plus proof of payment
- Proof of adequate health insurance coverage for you plus all dependents who will be moving with you
- A signed employment contract made with an EU-based employer and with a valid period of at least 1 year that meets all country-specific required minimum standards
- A provable salary meeting the minimum threshold for the intended country
- Proof of at least 5 years of experience in your chosen field
- An up-to-date copy of your CV
- A recognized university or equivalent level degree, plus all related professional licenses or qualifications relevant to the specific country and profession
- A written statement provided by your employer describing the reasons for your employment in the EU
How Long Does It Take to Get an EU Blue Card?
While the exact timing may vary, the maximum amount of time that an applicant should expect to wait for a response to an EU Blue Card application is 90 days. Should the process take longer than this, additional information should be sought from your local consulate or embassy.
What Are the Costs of an EU Blue Card?
Each of the 25 countries charges a unique fee for the application process, but it typically costs around $150.
In addition, you must be able to prove that your salary meets the required minimum threshold for the specific country. This may mean that an employee’s salary has to be increased to meet the requirement.
Lastly, companies transferring or hiring workers in this manner must keep in mind the extra time and expenses it will cost to manage the application process and prepare all the required documents.
FAQ – Commonly Asked Questions About EU Blue Cards
1. Is there a minimum average salary that is needed for an EU Blue Card?
Yes, each country sets its own minimum gross salary that applicants need to meet. These individual amounts are adjusted yearly.
2. How long is an EU Blue Card valid?
Most EU Blue Cards are valid for up to 3 years (+ an additional 3-month grace period) and may be renewed. Applicants with employment contracts valid for 1-3 years will be issued an EU Blue Card valid for that specific period.
3. Can I travel with family on an EU Blue Card?
Yes, the EU Blue Card allows the family of the applicant to enjoy the same flexibility to travel benefits.
4. Can I change employers after being issued a card?
Yes, EU Blue Cards include a grace period of 3 months that allows holders to find other work should they lose or leave their job. Once you have a new contract, you will need to contact the local authority to update your EU Blue Card.
Apply for an EU Blue Card Quickly and Securely Through an Internationally Recognized HR Outsourcing Service Provider
INS Global is a multinational, multilingual, and multicultural provider of worldwide employment outsourcing solutions. For nearly 20 years, we have offered industry-leading services to companies who wish to expand their business into the worldwide market quickly, safely, and efficiently.
Thanks to our PEO and EOR solutions, you can outsource the hassle of the processes and requirements of international expansion. Our offices in the EU and the expertise of our locally-based INS Global advisors allow us to take care of the complexities for you through a streamlined employment outsourcing service.
Whether it’s boosting the efficiency and security of the blue card application process, hiring the best EU talent on your behalf, or giving you access to a pre-established company structure in an EU country, we have the solutions you need.
So, contact our experienced team of global expansion experts today to learn more.
