EU Blue Card eligibility: A comprehensive guide for non-EU workers

Are you or a current or potential employee, a highly skilled non-EU national who wants to work and live in Europe? 

If so, the EU Blue Card might be the right choice for you. 

The EU Blue Card is a work and residence permit for highly skilled non-EU nationals to work and live in any country within the European Union, excluding Denmark and Ireland.

In this guide, we will cover the eligibility criteria, requirements, application process, and the benefits of holding an EU Blue Card. 

What is the EU Blue Card?

The EU Blue Card is a residence permit that allows non-EU citizens to work in highly skilled jobs and live in any of the 27 countries in the European Union. Denmark and Ireland are member states that have opted out of issuing the EU Blue card. 

The EU Blue Card is designed to make Europe a more attractive destination for professionals outside the European Union. It facilitates easier access to the EU labor market and offers favorable conditions for family reunification and long-term residency prospects.

If you meet the requirements, you’ll be granted the right to work and live in the EU country of application. The Blue Card is valid for up to four years and can be renewed, providing you with a stable and long-term opportunity to grow your career and build a life in Europe.

One of the most attractive features of the EU Blue Card is that it can lead to permanent residence. After five years of continuous legal residence in the EU, Blue Card holders may be eligible for permanent residence status. This is a significant change in your status in the EU. It gives you long-term rights and privileges and allows you to live and work in your host country without any further conditions.

What are the EU Blue Card eligibility criteria?

To start the process of getting an EU Blue Card, you need to meet certain requirements. These are in place to make sure that only highly skilled and qualified non-EU citizens can get an EU Blue Card. If you want to work and live in the European Union, it’s important to understand these requirements.

To qualify for the EU Blue Card, applicants must meet several specific conditions:

Higher education qualifications.

Applicants should have a degree from a tertiary education program of at least three years. This can be a university degree or an equivalent level of qualification which allows them to work in a high-skilled profession. The degree must be directly related to the job for which they have received an offer. For degrees obtained outside the European Union, an equivalency assessment may be required to ensure that international qualifications meet the high standards set by the EU State for which the application is made.

Employment contract.

You must have a valid job offer or active work contract with an employer in the EU. The contract should be for a minimum of one year. This job offer must be in a highly skilled occupation, as defined by the European Union's Blue Card Directive. Highly skilled occupations are those that typically require a university degree or equivalent qualification and are characterized by a high level of specialization and expertise. Professional level.

The position should be in a profession that typically requires high qualifications. The job should be relevant to your field of study or work experience. Salary threshold.

The offered salary must meet or exceed the minimum salary threshold set by the respective EU country. This threshold is generally above the average annual salary in the country of employment. This is to ensure that you are being fairly compensated for your skills and expertise and that you will be a positive contributor to the local economy.

Financial resources.

You'll also need to demonstrate that you have the financial means to support yourself and any family members who will be joining you during your stay in the EU. The specifics of this requirement can vary by member state, but generally, you'll need to show that you have a certain amount of savings, a regular income, or a combination of the two. Health insurance.

Applicants must have or be covered by a health insurance policy for themselves and any family members who come with them for at least the first year of residency. This insurance should cover all medical expenses and give you access to quality healthcare during your time in the European Union.

Visas and Work Permits —

4 min

Relocate and work from anywhere

Today we are excited to introduce our new Remote Relocation service, a program to make it easy for your employees to relocate and stay with your company. 

What documents are required for an EU Blue Card application?

A comprehensive set of documents is essential for a successful EU Blue Card application. These documents serve as verifiable evidence to support your eligibility and qualifications. Let's explore the key documents required for your EU Blue Card application.

• A valid international passport. It must contain your personal details and give you the right to travel internationally. It must be valid for the whole duration of your stay in the EU.

• You’ll need to fill out an EU Blue Card application form. The form is available online, and you’ll need to provide information about yourself, your education, your professional experience, and the job you have been offered or applied for.

• You need to show a valid work contract with the following details: job title, description of the work, starting date, and salary. If you have a job offer, make sure it is from a known employer in the EU.

• Documents showing proof of financial resources, such as bank statements, payslips, or other financial documents. These show that you have enough money to live on without needing income support during your stay in the EU. 

• Health insurance documents that will cover you in the EU country where you plan to live. This insurance must cover medical emergencies, hospitalization, and any other health-related expenses.

It’s also worth noting that each EU country may have specific additional requirements, so it’s a good idea to check the official immigration website of the country you want to live in for a full list of documents you need to apply for an EU Blue Card.

How do you apply for an EU Blue Card? 

The EU Blue Card application process can vary slightly from one EU country to another, but the general steps are as follows:

1. Gather the required documents. This typically includes your passport, university degree certificate, current CV, employment contract, and proof of health insurance. You may also need to provide a marriage certificate and birth certificates for family members if applicable.

2. Submit application. The application is usually submitted either to the national embassy in your home country or directly to the immigration authorities in the EU country where you will be working. Some countries may allow online applications.

3. Wait for approval. Processing times can vary, but you can expect to wait about three months. During this period, your qualifications and professional level will be assessed.

4. Collect your lue Card. Once approved, you’ll be notified about where and when to collect your Blue Card.

To ensure a smooth application process and avoid any potential delays, we recommend you start the application process well in advance of your planned travel date to the European Union. This will give the immigration authorities enough time to review your application and make a decision. 

Visas and Work Permits —

11 min

How to handle international employee relocation and stay compliant

Learn more about the benefits, challenges, and different types of employee relocation. Remote explains the easy way to manage relocation for your company.

What are the rights and benefits of EU Blue Card holders?

Once you have your EU Blue Card, you can work and live in the country that issued it. You can also move to another EU country to work. You will need to apply for a new EU Blue Card in the new country. You do not need a separate work permit.

A path toward permanent residence

After five years of holding a Blue Card (alongside additional requirements for each country), you can apply for a permanent residence permit in the EU. This status gives you long-term stability and security and is a great way to show you are welcome in Europe. 

It also shows that you are well-integrated into European society. You can build deep connections, make a meaningful contribution to your community, and enjoy a sense of belonging.

Access to healthcare

The Blue Card also looks after the well-being of its holders by providing access to comprehensive healthcare and social benefits in the EU country where you live.

 This means you’re on an equal footing with citizens and can get the care and support you need to build a new life in Europe. Social benefits include unemployment benefits, family benefits, and pensions, which can help to make your life more secure and give you peace of mind.

Promotes EU Mobility

The Blue Card also offers the unique advantage of mobility within the EU. This means that you can travel to and live in other EU countries (for up to three months)  without any additional conditions. This helps you to feel part of the European community and to take full advantage of the opportunities it offers. This freedom to experience different cultures, to meet new people and to make the most of your time in the EU, makes it a truly borderless area where you can grow and develop to your full potential.

Offers family support

The Blue Card allows your immediate family members—your spouse and your dependent children—to live with you in the EU. This makes it easier for you to settle in and helps you balance your work and family life. It also means that your family has access to the same social benefits as you, so they can enjoy a good quality of life and you can focus on your career.

Make relocation easy with Remote

If you’re a highly skilled worker who’s looking to live and work in the EU, the EU Blue Card could be a ticket to a thriving international career. By meeting the eligibility criteria and successfully navigating the application process, you can access a wide range of professional opportunities and benefits in the EU. 

If your employer signs up for a trusted employer of record service like Remote, we can ensure a smooth and compliant relocation process from beginning to end.

Remote’s all-in-one global hiring platform, makes it quick and simple to manage and onboard international employees. Learn more about our employee relocation services by downloading Remote’s Relocation Guide.

You can also directly contact our mobility gurus for help and guidance on moving abroad.

Hire, pay, and manage relocation for your global team

Create an account with G2’s top-ranked multi-country payroll software and start onboarding your first employees in minutes.

Get started nowSchedule a demo

Visas and Work Permits —

1 min

[Webinar Recording] Relocation for International Employees

On-demand video now available! In this one-hour online event, three of Remote's top global employment experts share their knowledge on relocation for international employees.