I want to hire knowledge workers from outside the European Union (EU Blue Card)

What is a EU Blue Card?

The EU Blue Card is a work and residence permit for highly skilled migrant workers from outside the European Union.

The EU Blue Card is an approved work permit recognized across the European Union, allowing highly skilled non-EU citizens to work and reside in most EU countries (excluding Denmark and Ireland). However, it’s important to note that if the country issuing the Blue Card is not a member of the Schengen area (e.g., Bulgaria, Cyprus, and Romania), it does not grant entry to Schengen member countries.

The European Commission’s Blue Card proposal provides a streamlined procedure for non-EU citizens to apply for a work permit, which can be valid for up to three years with the possibility of renewal. Holding a Blue Card also grants additional rights, such as favourable family reunification regulations. The proposal aims to facilitate geographic mobility within the EU, allowing Blue Card holders to relocate between different member states. The legal basis for this proposal is derived from the Treaty of Rome.

What requirements must be met to apply for a Blue Card in Europe?

For your employee to be eligible for a Blue Card, applicants must meet the following requirements:

1. Your employee must demonstrate “higher professional qualifications,” which can be achieved through either 3+ years of equivalent tertiary education (180 credits) or relevant work experience of 5+ years.
2. Fulfil the legal requirements for regulated professions, if applicable.
3. Be employed as a paid worker within your organisation; the Blue Card does not apply to self-employment or entrepreneurial activities.
4. Possess the necessary travel documents and health insurance.
5. Have a work contract or a binding job offer in an EU country for a minimum duration of one year, with a salary that is at least 1.2 times the average gross annual salary in that country.

After obtaining the Blue Card, the cardholder is required to inform the immigration services if they change jobs within two years. Additionally, they are not allowed to work in other EU countries for a period of 18 months.

What are the benefits of obtaining a Blue Card in Europe?

The Blue Card is specifically designed to simplify the process for highly skilled workers to relocate to the European Union, offering certain advantages compared to other residence permits.

1. Firstly, after spending 18 months in their initial country of entry, EU Blue Card holders are permitted to relocate to another EU member state. On the other hand, individuals holding national residence permits can also move to another EU country; however, they will lose the accumulated years of residency in their initial country
2. Secondly, Blue Card holders can reside and work in another EU member state without the need for a temporary stay authorization. However, it’s important to note that each member state may have its own specific income requirements and criteria for evaluating educational qualifications.
3. Lastly, the eligibility criteria for obtaining a permanent EU long-term resident residence permit are more flexible for Blue Card holders. The EU grants this status to individuals who have continuously resided in an EU member state for 5 years.
   1. Blue Card holders are allowed to combine periods of stay in different EU member states to fulfil the 5-year requirement.
   1. Additionally, during these 5 years, they are permitted to spend a total of 18 months (with a maximum of 12 consecutive months) in their country of origin for work, voluntary activities, or study.

The processing time for an authorization for temporary stay for an EU Blue Card can take approximately 3 months, while a decision on an application for an EU Blue Card residence permit may take up to 90 days.

Family reunification as an additional benefit.

Family reunification with the EU Blue Card holder is allowed for spouses, partners and minor children. These family members have no restrictions as regards access to the most labour markets.

Parakar is your knowledge partner

Would you like to obtain a Blue Card for one of your employees as part of your global expansion, Parakar can help you out. You can read more information about our Work Permit services or contact us for any further questions.