Highly skilled and well-educated workers may pursue a streamlined work permit application process through the Blue Card Directive(information). The aim of the Blue Card is to give EU companies the ability to easily recruit highly skilled workers with specialized skills which are difficult to find in the European Union.

Fields in Demand:
• Healthcare
• Engineering
• Science & Information Technology Sectors
• Tourism

The EU Blue Card offers a two-year, renewable work & residence permit throughout the European Union. Card holders are offered the smoothest way to gain a Permanent Residence from the country they live in. Blue Card holders may apply for their immediate family to join them in the EU country. They are also allowed free travel throughout the European Union, receive tax benefits, social assistance, and payment of pensions.

Each Blue Card is valid for one to four years, depending on the country of issue and other factors. After 18 months, Blue Card holders may move to another country within the EU. After two years, Blue Card holders hold equal status with citizens and long-term residents of the EU in regard to access to well-paid jobs. French or German Proficiency is an advantage

Eligibility for the EU Blue Card

Criteria to successfully apply for an EU Blue Card:
• A recognized university qualification
• Evidence of at least three to five years professional experience
• Offer of an EU job contract with a salary of 1.5 times the existing average wage of the country

Eligible Countries

Countries Participating in the EU Blue Card Scheme
• Belgium
• Bulgaria
• Cyprus
• Czech Republic
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Hungary
• Italy
• Latvia
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Malta
• Netherlands
• Poland
• Portugal
• Romania
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Spain
• Sweden

Countries Currently Accepting Applications
• Austria
• Czech Republic
• Estonia
• Germany
• Bulgaria
• Hungary
• Netherlands
• Slovakia