Why Apply for an EU Blue Card?

Why apply for an EU Blue Card?

• Live and work legally in an EU country as a skilled professional
• Get a long-term residence permit for qualified non-EU workers
• Earn a high salary with better job stability
• Travel freely within the Schengen Area for short stays
• Bring your spouse and dependent children with you
• Your spouse can work without restrictions in most EU countries
• Access public healthcare and social security benefits in the host country
• Apply for permanent residence after a few years of legal employment
• Become eligible for citizenship after meeting residency requirements

What is EU Blue Card?

An EU Blue Card is a residence permit for skilled non-EU foreign nationals to work in an EU country. It allows its holder to enter the EU country and remain in a particular place for employment. The EU Blue card facilitates the admission of non-EU highly skilled professionals into the EU. Its intention is to simplify the procedures and improve the legal status of those already in the EU. It allows the holder to enter, re-enter, and stay in the country where the card is issued. The holder can bring their spouse and family members. Both the card holder and their family can travel freely within the EU.

The EU Blue card holder enjoys the similar treatment with the nationals of the Member State where they have settled. But, they can only work in sectors they are only concerned about. If a third-country national holds an EU Blue Card, after regular employment of 18 months, they can move to another EU member state to take up employment. They must notify the authorities there within one month of their arrival. Ireland, Denmark and the United Kingdom are not included in this program.

Eligible Countries for the EU Blue Card

The EU Blue Card is available in most European Union member countries. It is valid in 25 out of the 27 EU countries. Denmark and Ireland do not issue the EU Blue Card.

EU Countries That Issue the EU Blue Card:

• Austria
• Belgium
• Bulgaria
• Croatia
• Cyprus
• Czech Republic (Czechia)
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Hungary
• Italy
• Latvia
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Malta
• Netherlands
• Poland
• Portugal
• Romania
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Spain
• Sweden

Eligibility for a Germany EU Blue Card

To apply for an EU Blue Card, you must meet the following conditions:

• You must be a non-EU citizen
• You should have a university degree (Bachelor’s or higher) or relevant professional experience
• You must have at least 5 years of work experience in your field
• You must have a valid job offer or work contract for highly skilled employment
• The job contract should be for at least one year
• Your salary must meet the minimum salary requirement set by the EU country
• For regulated professions such as doctors or lawyers, you must meet the national licensing rules.

EU Blue Card Requirements

To apply for an EU Blue Card, you usually need the following documents:

• A completed application form, filled correctly and signed
• A valid passport
• Recent passport-size photos as per required standards
• A signed work contract or job offer from an employer in the EU country
• University degree certificate or proof of required work experience
• Proof for regulated professions, if applicable
• An up-to-date CV
• Proof of application fee payment
• Health insurance coverage valid in the host country
• Proof that your salary meets or exceeds the required threshold
• A declaration from the employer explaining the need for hiring you
• Proof that you do not pose a risk to public security, health, or policy

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Benefits of EU Blue Card

Benefits for Employees

The EU Blue Card helps skilled professionals find better job opportunities that match their education, skills, and career goals. It allows them to work in strong EU economies and gain international work experience.

EU Blue Card holders can work and live legally in an EU country and enjoy good salaries, stable jobs, and a high quality of life. The card also supports professional growth by encouraging knowledge sharing and innovation across EU countries.

In many EU countries, Blue Card holders can apply for permanent residence after 1 to 2 years of continuous employment. Over time, they may also become eligible for citizenship, depending on national rules.

Benefits for Employers

The EU Blue Card helps employers easily hire highly skilled workers from non-EU countries. It makes the hiring process simpler and reduces delays in getting work permits approved.

With the Blue Card system, employers can fill skill gaps faster and choose from a larger global talent pool. This helps companies stay competitive and meet workforce needs in different industries.

The EU Blue Card is often compared to the US Green Card, which makes it attractive to skilled professionals who want long-term career opportunities in Europe. This helps employers attract and keep qualified employees while following EU immigration rules.

Step-by-Step Application Process for an EU Blue Card

Step 1: Get a job offer or work contract from an employer in an EU country that meets the salary requirement.

Step 2: Check whether your educational qualification or work experience meets the EU Blue Card rules.

Step 3: Book an appointment at the EU country’s embassy or consulate in your home country.

Step 4: Submit the application form along with all required documents.

Step 5: Pay the EU Blue Card application fee.

Step 6: Attend an interview or provide biometrics if required.

Step 7: Wait for processing, which usually takes up to 90 days.

Step 8: Receive your EU Blue Card and start working after arrival.

EU Blue Card Application Processing Time

The processing time for an EU Blue Card is usually up to 90 days from the date you submit your complete application. This means the authorities may take around three months to review your documents and make a decision. The exact time can vary depending on the EU country, the number of applications received, and whether all documents are submitted correctly.

EU Blue Card Validity

The EU Blue Card is usually issued for a period of up to three years. This means you can live and work in the EU country legally during this time. If your employment contract is extended or you continue to meet the eligibility conditions, you can apply to renew your EU Blue Card and stay longer in the country.

EU Blue Card Fee

To apply for an EU Blue Card, you need to pay an application fee. The fee is usually around €140 when you apply for the first time. If you want to renew your EU Blue Card after it expires, the renewal fee is generally around €100. The exact amount may be slightly higher or lower depending on the EU country where you submit your application.

Can we get permanent residency through the EU Blue Card?

Yes. If an EU Blue Card holder work for 33 months in the hosting state or 21 months while also earning the B1 language certificate, they will be eligible for the permanent residency permit. Also, if you work in different EU member states and gather five years of work experience, you are a strong candidate for the permanent residency permit.

How Can Y-Axis Help You?

• Free eligibility check for the Germany EU Blue Card
• Expert guidance and counselling for Germany work visa and EU Blue Card
• Complete support with document preparation and verification
• Assistance in filling and submitting application forms
• Resume writing support to meet German market standards and get relevant jobs
• End-to-end guidance for the Germany EU Blue Card application process