🇪🇺 EU / International

EU Blue Card

EU Work Permit for Highly Qualified Non-EU Workers

Hard ~30 min Work PermitEUSkilled WorkerImmigration

/ What is this form?

The EU Blue Card is a residence and work permit for highly qualified non-EU nationals with a university degree and a job offer meeting the salary threshold. It provides a clear path to permanent residence and, eventually, EU long-term residency.

A key advantage is EU mobility: after 18 months in the first EU country (12 months under the 2021 reformed directive), Blue Card holders can move to another EU member state for work with a simplified procedure.

The Blue Card is recognized across most EU member states (except Denmark and Ireland). Each country sets its own salary threshold — Germany's general threshold is approximately €46,530/year (2024), with lower thresholds for shortage occupations including IT and healthcare.

/ Who needs this form?

Non-EU/EEA nationals with a university degree or equivalent qualification
People with a job offer from an EU employer meeting the salary threshold
IT professionals and engineers (lower thresholds may apply)

/ What you need before you start

Valid passport

Recognized university degree (check via ENIC-NARIC)

Employment contract with salary meeting or exceeding the threshold

Health insurance covering the destination EU country

Proof of accommodation

/ Step-by-step guide

1 Secure a Qualifying Job Offer

Get a written job offer from an EU employer meeting the salary threshold for your country. The salary must be above the national Blue Card threshold (varies by country).

2 Have Your Qualification Recognized

Your university degree must be recognized in the destination EU country. Check via ENIC-NARIC. Some professions require additional professional recognition.

3 Apply at the Embassy/Consulate

Apply at the embassy of the destination EU country in your home country. Or if already in the EU, apply at the immigration authority.

4 Provide Required Documents

Submit passport, degree certificate, employment contract, health insurance, and proof of accommodation.

5 Receive Blue Card

The Blue Card is valid for up to 4 years (or contract duration +3 months if shorter). It allows EU mobility after 12–18 months.

/ Key fields explained

Field	What to enter	Common mistake
Qualification	Your university degree details — name, institution, year of graduation. Must be formally recognized if not from an EU institution.	Not checking in advance whether your degree is recognized — apply to ENIC-NARIC before applying for the Blue Card.

/ Common mistakes to avoid

Salary below the national threshold — check the exact threshold for your destination country and profession.

Degree not recognized — check recognition status via ENIC-NARIC before applying.

Not knowing about EU mobility — after 12–18 months, you can move to another EU country with fewer restrictions.

Not including family members in the application — spouse and children can often join and work freely.

/ Frequently asked questions

What are the salary thresholds?

Varies by country. Germany: ~€46,530 general, ~€36,882 for shortage occupations (IT, engineering, healthcare) in 2024. Check the specific country's immigration authority for current figures.