EU blue card: attracting talent

The EU is increasingly competing with other destinations in the global race for talent. To attract and retain highly qualified workers – particularly in sectors facing skills shortages – the EU updated the blue card directive in October 2021.

The new rules harmonise the conditions of entry and residence for highly qualified workers from non-EU countries and increase the attractiveness of the EU blue card.

Member states are able to maintain national schemes for highly qualified workers alongside the EU blue card scheme. However, the new rules introduce a number of provisions to ensure that holders of EU blue cards and their families are not at a disadvantage compared with holders of national permits.

This infographic explains what the EU blue card is, who is eligible and what the rights of blue card holders are.

Highly qualified workers from non-EU countries can apply for an EU blue card that allows them to live and work in the European Union. The card applies in all EU countries with the exception of Denmark and Ireland.

• enter, re-enter and stay in the territory of the EU country issuing the card
• access highly qualified employment in the member state issuing the card
• be treated in the same way as nationals in terms of working conditions, education and training, social security and access to services
• request family reunification permits for the same duration as the EU blue card
• accumulate periods of residence in different member states to be eligible for an EU long-term residence permit

• have a valid work contract or binding offer of highly qualified employment for at least six months
• be offered a gross annual salary that meets the threshold set by member states
• for regulated professions: fulfil the conditions for carrying out the profession
• for unregulated professions: have relevant higher professional qualifications
• for IT workers: have relevant higher professional skills

Applicants are notified of the decision within 90 days of submitting the application.

If the work contract is 2 years or more: the permit is valid for the standard period decided by member states (minimum 24 months).

If the work contract is less 2 years: the permit is valid for the duration of the contract + 3 months (maximum 24 months).

Yes, blue card holders can move within the European Union.

Short-term mobility: they can travel to other EU countries for up to three months during a six-month period for the purpose of carrying out a business activity.

Long-term mobility: after one year in an EU country, they may also reside and work in another member state and apply for a new blue card via a quick and simple procedure.

EU countries may apply simplified procedures for recognised employers, including:

• exempting applicants from having to provide certain documents
• shorter deadlines for notification of the decision

For detail, please visit https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/infographics/eu-blue-card/#0