03/10/2022
The European Blue Card is a work permit to undertake employment in Europe. This blue card grants entry and residence to highly qualified workers.
The Blue Card to work in Europe was introduced by the European Council in 2009 and is designed for third-country nationals who wish to come to Europe for professional reasons.
The scheme was updated under the revised Blue Card Directive, approved by the European Parliament and the Council on May 17, 2021. The Directive makes the requirements for the Blue Card easier to meet so that more international talent can relocate to Europe.
There is a great need for skilled workers in the EU. The EU Blue Card and other similar policies are being introduced throughout Europe to help fill this employment gap.
IS THE BLUE CARD REQUIRED TO WORK IN THE EU?
According to the nationality of the foreigner and other additional requirements, it is necessary to apply for either the Blue Card or a D-Type work visa.
Whether a worker should apply for a Blue Card or national work visa depends on the type of employment they will carry out. Blue Cards are only for highly skilled workers.
Blue Cards are issued by EU Member States. Ireland and Denmark do not grant Blue Cards.
ETIASwill not replace the Blue Card, as ETIAS will simply be an electronic travel authorisation to enter Europe for tourism or business. To learn more about ETIAS for business travel and other short-term business travel permits in Europe, please consult the end of this article.
WHO CAN APPLY FOR THE EUROPEAN BLUE CARD?
The EU Blue Card can only be applied for by people who are highly qualified in their professions. Non-EU foreigners who are going to carry out a work activity for which a higher education qualification is required can obtain the Blue Card.
The Blue Card has been designed to attract talent and is intended for skilled people who wish to develop their skills or work in Europe. Each European country determines the number of Blue Cards it grants each year.
In the words of the Vice-President Commission for Promoting the European Way of Life, Margaritis Schinas, the Blue Card should “help sustain economic growth, respond to labour market needs and increase productivity to allow the EU to emerge stronger from this pandemic.”
WHAT IS A HIGHER EDUCATION QUALIFICATION IN THE EU?
People with a higher education qualification are those who have followed an educational training of at least three years.
This must have provided the level of qualification necessary to exercise a profession requiring a high level of training or to enter an advanced research programme.
Under the Revised Blue Card Directive, petitioners with professional experience equivalent to a higher education qualification in specific fields will also be eligible.
HOW TO APPLY FOR THE BLUE CARD TO WORK IN EUROPE
Depending on the individual country, the application can be submitted by the person concerned or by their employer.
Applications are made to the competent national authorities in the country where the person would like to work. Some countries apply an application fee.
Each country in the EU determines the number of employees they admit.
EU BLUE CARD APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
People who wish to apply for the European Blue Card must now present:
- A valid contract or firm offer of employment for a minimum of 6 months, offering a minimum wage at least 1.5 times the average gross annual salary of the EU country in which they wish to work (both the contract duration and minimum salary have been lowered)
- Documents proving that they have the necessary qualifications as outlined above
- A valid travel document and, if necessary, a visa
- Proof of health insurance
EU member countries can reject the application for a Blue Card if the person does not meet the above conditions or if the documents have been obtained illegally, or have been falsified or tampered with. Those who wish to obtain a Blue Card also cannot present a threat to EU security, public order, or public health.
WHAT IS THE MINIMUM SALARY TO GET AN EU BLUE CARD?
As indicated above, workers must earn a salary at least 1.5 times the average gross salary in the country they are applying to. This may be lowered if the profession is in high demand.
This means that each EU Member State has a different salary threshold. In 2021, the minimum salary in some European countries was as follows:
- France: 53,836 EUR
- Germany: 56,800 EUR
- Italy: 24,789 EUR
- Spain: 33,908 EUR
Germany is the only one of these countries that increased the minimum salary required in 2021 (from 55,200 EUR in 2020).
The EU Blue Card minimum salary for 2022 is as follows:
- France: 53,836 EUR
- Germany: 56,400 EUR (decreased from 2021)
- Italy: 26,000 EUR (increased from 2021)
- Spain: 33,908 EUR
Employees who do not meet this requirement need a D-type work visa from an EU Member State.
HOW LONG IS AN EU BLUE CARD VALID FOR?
EU blue cards are valid for between 1 and 4 years, depending on the issuing country.
For example, Spain grants Blue Cards valid for 12 months, Austria 24 months, and France and Germany 48 months.
EU Blue Card holders and their families can enter and stay in the EU country that issued the card and can also move freely to other EU member countries.
CAN ASYLUM SEEKERS BENEFIT FROM THE EU BLUE CARD?
Under the 2021 revised Blue Card Directive, highly skilled third-country citizens under international protection will be eligible to apply for an EU Blue Card.
Commissioner for Home Affairs, Ylva Johansson commented: “Today's agreement is a key element of the New Pact on Migration and Asylum that will allow us to normalise our migration policy. New rules will make it easier to work and move within the EU and will recognise the potential of highly skilled workers from diverse backgrounds, including beneficiaries of international protection.”
Working in the EU without a Blue Card
EU Member States offer their own work visas and permits. Non-EU citizens who do not qualify for the Blue Card may be eligible for a national work visa.
Several EU nations have modified their work permit requirements recently to manage labour shortages.
Here are some examples of work permit requirements for different European countries.
FRANCE’S TALENT PASSPORT
France has introduced various policies to help integrate foreigners into the labour market. One way the French government has done this is through a ‘talent passport’.
France’s talent passport offers a residence permit for highly-qualified, non-EU nationals.
In August 2022, the French government increased the monthly minimum wage by 2.01%. This means that the monthly salary requirements to qualify for a talent passport have also increased. They currently stand at:
- Passeport Talent (Employees on Assignment): €3,022.11
- Passeport Talent (Qualified Employees): €3,357.90
GERMANY’S SKILLED WORKERS IMMIGRATION ACT
Germany introduced the Skilled Workers Immigration Act in March 2020, to help increase the number of qualified workers from third countries.
Workers who have completed qualified vocational training in Germany or equivalent abroad and those with a higher education degree or equivalent may be considered a qualified professional.
The number of skilled workers and trainees increased by around 50% due to this new policy.
Work permit requirements for foreigners in Spain
Spain recently made it easier for foreign residents to get a work permit. The work permit application for some foreign nationals has been simplified.
Students will also benefit. Students from non-EU countries will be allowed to work up to 30 hours per week whilst studying. Foreign students will also be able to start working straight after graduation instead of waiting 3 years.
6-month visa for foreign workers in Portugal
There is a new visa for foreigners who want to work in Portugal for up to 6 months. This visa is available to employees and self-employed workers who undergo an evaluation by the labour authority (IEFP). In some cases, it may be extended up to 1 year.
Long-term Portuguese work visas are required to work for more than 6 months in Portugal.
Increased migrant work permit quotas for Italy
Italy’s work permit is called the Nulla Osta. Applicants need to be offered a job in Italy before they apply. The work permit may be valid for up to 2 years depending on the contract and can be renewed for up to 5.
Italy increased the number of people allowed to enter Italy for work in 2022 to 75,000, an increase of approximately 5,000. This increase was in response to a lack of personnel in specific sectors.
OTHER EU VISAS FOR BUSINESS AND WORK
The Blue Card and national work permits/visas are required to take up paid employment in Europe.
Other types of entry permits are available to third-country nationals carrying out short-term business activities, such as attending meetings or events.
- ETIAS visa waiver
- Schengen visa
- Digital nomad visas
ETIAS will be available from 2025 for people travelling to the EU on short business trips. Travellers not eligible for EU visa exemption and ETIAS must apply for a Schengen visa.
Digital nomad visas are issued to remote workers in some EU nations. It allows people to stay longer than 90 days without requiring a work contract.
The EU Parliament has also discussed introducing admission schemes for low- and medium-skilled overseas workers.
