EU Blue Card

The EU Blue Card is a work and residence permit specifically designed for highly skilled non-EU professionals who want to live and work in the European Union. It was introduced in 2009 to help EU countries attract international talent, especially in industries facing skills shortages such as technology, healthcare, finance, and engineering.

The Blue Card not only provides legal work and residency rights in the issuing EU country but also offers several long-term benefits, including fast-tracked permanent residence, family reunification, and mobility within the EU.

It’s important to note that while most EU countries participate in the Blue Card scheme, Denmark and Ireland do not. Each participating country sets its own salary thresholds and criteria, but the core idea remains the same: to make it easier for top professionals from around the world to contribute to Europe’s economy.

Eligibility criteria for the EU Blue Card may vary slightly by country, but the following are common across most member states:

• Non-EU citizenship: Only individuals who are not citizens of an EU/EEA country or Switzerland are eligible.
• Higher education qualification: Applicants typically need a university degree or equivalent higher education credential. In some cases, extensive professional experience (usually 5+ years) in a relevant field can substitute for a degree.
• Job offer or work contract: The applicant must have a binding job offer or signed employment contract from an employer based in the EU. The contract must be valid for at least 12 months.
• Minimum salary requirement: The salary offered must meet or exceed the national threshold, which is generally set at 1.2 to 1.5 times the average gross annual salary of the host country. For example, in Germany (2025), the minimum gross annual salary is €45,300.
• Health insurance: Proof of valid health insurance is usually required, either private or through public contributions.
• No threat to public order: The applicant should not pose a threat to public security or health, and must not have a criminal record that would disqualify them under local law.

It’s important for employers to verify national requirements carefully before proceeding, as rules differ by country. Some professions in high demand (e.g. doctors, engineers, software developers) may benefit from lower salary thresholds or simplified procedures in certain EU countries.

The EU Blue Card is not just a work permit - it’s a comprehensive legal framework designed to support the long-term integration of international professionals in Europe. It offers several major advantages compared to regular work permits, both for employees and employers.

Work and residence rights

Holders of an EU Blue Card are granted the right to work and reside in the issuing EU member state under the terms of their employment contract. They are also protected under national labour laws, including minimum wage, working hours, and leave entitlements.

Fast track to permanent residency

In many countries, Blue Card holders are eligible to apply for permanent residency after 33 months. This period can be reduced to 21 months if they demonstrate proficiency in the local language (typically level B1 or higher).

Family reunification

One of the biggest advantages is the ability to bring family members—spouses, children, and in some cases, dependents - under simplified processes. Spouses are often allowed to work without restrictions, which is not always the case with other visa types.

Mobility within the EU

After working for 12 to 18 months in one EU country, Blue Card holders can move to another participating EU country to take up a new job, without needing to start the entire visa process from scratch. This enhances career flexibility and allows employers to move staff internally across borders.

Recognition of qualifications

Many countries offer support for recognising foreign qualifications, making it easier for professionals to integrate into the local job market, especially in regulated fields like medicine or law.

Read our hiring guides to learn more about the hiring practices in Europe.

The application process usually follows a step-by-step approach, with both the employer and employee responsible for different parts.

1. Secure a job offer

The process starts when a candidate from outside the EU receives a job offer or employment contract from an EU-based company. This offer must:

• Be valid for at least 1 year (in most cases)
• Offer a salary that meets the national threshold
• Be for a position requiring high-level skills or qualifications

2. Gather required documents

You’ll need to prepare a complete application file, which generally includes:

• Valid passport and passport-sized photos
• Degree certificate(s) or proof of professional experience
• Job offer or signed employment contract
• Proof of salary level
• Health insurance
• Proof of accommodation (in some countries)
• Completed application form(s)

Depending on the country, documents may need to be translated and certified.

Submit your application

The application must be submitted to the immigration authority or the embassy of the country where the job is located. Some countries allow online applications, while others require an in-person appointment.

Await approval

Processing times vary, but most countries issue a decision within 30 to 90 days. Once approved, the applicant can enter the EU, collect their Blue Card, and begin work.

Register locally

After arrival, the cardholder must register with the local authorities (such as a city hall or foreigners’ office) and may need to apply for a residence permit or submit biometric data.

Hiring through the EU Blue Card system provides several strategic advantages for employers, especially those operating in high-skill industries.

• Access to global talent: Easily hire qualified professionals from non-EU countries without worrying about long-term legal restrictions.
• Lower risk of non-compliance: The Blue Card ensures that your employment is legal, transparent, and compliant with EU and local labour laws.
• Improved retention: The fast track to permanent residence increases employee satisfaction and encourages longer-term loyalty.
• Mobility support: Your employees can grow within your company, even across borders, thanks to easier intra-EU mobility.
• Family-friendly employment: The ability to bring families makes relocation more appealing, improving offer acceptance rates.

Want to make global hiring even easier? Use Native Teams’ Employer of Record services to handle compliance, contracts, and payroll without setting up a local entity.

Currently, the EU Blue Card is available in 25 out of 27 EU member states. Only Denmark and Ireland do not issue the EU Blue Card, as they have their own national systems. Some of the most popular countries for Blue Card holders include:

• Germany – the largest number of Blue Cards issued
• France
• Netherlands
• Austria
• Sweden
• Luxembourg

Each country sets its own rules for minimum salary, eligible occupations, and processing times.

While both allow foreign nationals to work in the EU, there are key differences between the EU Blue Card and national work permits:

For employers looking to hire experienced professionals or those in high-demand sectors, the EU Blue Card is a more flexible and long-term solution.