🇪🇺EU / International

EU Blue Card

EU Work Permit for Highly Qualified Non-EU Workers

Hard~30 minWork 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

1Secure 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).

2Have Your Qualification Recognized

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

3Apply 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.

4Provide Required Documents

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

5Receive 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.