EU Blue card meaning

The EU Blue Card is a work and residence permit issued in most European Union member states. It is intended for third-country nationals or EEA nationals who wish to engage in employment in these European states. Its objective is to address the shortage of skilled personnel in Europe and to respond to the global talent race. This title is therefore reserved for highly qualified workers in sectors where there is a shortage of skilled labor, particularly in scientific fields such as medicine, technology, etc.

As a residence permit, the EU Blue Card offers numerous advantages to its holders. Firstly, it allows for legal residence and employment in the issuing country, as well as free movement within the European Union and the Schengen Area. It also guarantees equal treatment to that of nationals of the host country. Additionally, family members of the holders can accompany them and also have the right to work in the country. Under certain conditions, these individuals also benefit from a simplified process to obtain permanent residence.

Haut du formulaire To be eligible for the EU Blue Card, candidates must meet certain criteria. In addition to the specific requirements of the host country, they must :

• Be a national of a third country or the EEA.
• Hold a university degree or an equivalent qualification.
• Have at least five years of professional experience in the relevant field.
• Have a job contract or a job offer for at least one year in an EU country, with a required minimum salary.
• Comply with the immigration and labor laws and regulations in force in the host country.

History of EU Blue card

The EU Blue Card was proposed during a press conference in Strasbourg on October 23, 2007, by the president of the European Commission at the time. The European Council adopted a directive regarding this residence permit in May 2009. From that date until August 2020, the number of Blue Cards issued has skyrocketed. Germany leads the list with 27,000 cards issued, followed by France with 1,500 Blue Cards. At the bottom of the list, we find Cyprus, Greece, and the Netherlands. These countries have not yet issued any Blue Cards.

With the exception of Denmark and Ireland, the EU Blue Card is accessible in 25 member countries of the European Union. These countries include Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden.