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The European Council adopted the EU blue card directive in May 2009. EU blue cards are issued based on merit like a person who has received adequate education, or professional experience. The EU blue card is issued by the immigration services of the country in which the applicant is willing to work and reside. The following article will guide the applicants about the eligibility criteria, documents required, countries that issue blue cards, and the validity and benefits of EU blue cards.
| EU Blue Card Processing Time | 90 Days |
| Validity of EU Blue Card | 3 Years |
| Non Issuing Countries of EU Blue Card | Denmark & Ireland |
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Also Read: Top 8 Countries that Give Work Permits After Study [in 2023]
What is the EU Blue Card?
EU Card is a type of residence permit that allows non-EU foreign nationals to stay and work in an EU country. This card requires workers from outside the country to be highly qualified, have an employment contract, and also have a higher salary than the average salary of the EU country where the job is. The EU card does not apply to Denmark and Ireland.
Conditions for EU Blue Card
There are certain conditions that the applicants must satisfy in order to get an EU card:
- Should be a Non-EU citizen
- Should have master’s degree
- Should have at least 5 years of experience in their fields
- The annual gross salary should be one and a half times the average national salary
- Should have the necessary documents
Also Read: Study in Europe: Top Universities, Courses, Scholarships and more
Countries Issuing EU Cards
Check the list of countries below issuing EU blue cards:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czechia
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Italy
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
Where to Apply for an EU Card?
The application process for an EU card differs from country to country. The member countries can decide independently whether the EU card will be issued by a third-party national or employer. Some countries require the candidates to set an appointment at the right embassy or consulate in the home country and some even accept online applications. The application cost for issuing an EU card is 140 € while the application fee for renewing one is 100 €.
Also Read: Europe Work Visa
Documents Required
The application process for the EU Blue card requires some documents such as:
- Valid Passport
- Photocopy of important passport pages
- Old Passports (if any)
- Two photographs as per ICAO standards
- Work contract with an EU employer who belongs to the country you wish to work in
- Proof of 5 years of professional work experience
- Updated Resume
- Proof of payment of application fees
- Proof of health insurance
- A written declaration from the employer
Validity of EU Blue Card
Generally, this blue card is valid for 3 years. However, if the duration of work gets extended the EU card can be renewed. For the renewal process, the old blue card would be required. After the expiry of the blue card, you will get an extension of 3 months to look out for a new job or find another as per the situation. While the application for an EU card is in process the students are eligible to work and study legally as it may take up to ninety days.
Benefits of EU Blue Card
Check the benefits of the EU Card given below:
- Equal salary and work conditions for both national and international citizens.
- Free to travel throughout EU countries
- Eligible for social, economic, education, health, cultural, human, and permanent residency rights
- Family reunion
Also Read: Why Study in the EU?
FAQs
Yes, the application for an EU card can be refused if the conditions are not followed like incorrect application, incomplete documents, etc.
Usually, the EU card is valid for 3 years however, it can be renewed if the duration of work gets extended.
Yes, you can travel to other countries for up to 90 days during a period of 6 months
We hope you now understand what the EU Blue Card is. Want to apply for a Visa for your study abroad journey? Drop us a comment in the section below or you can connect with a visa expert at Leverage Edu and we will guide you on your dream journey.
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