Many non-EU citizens hope to move to Europe with the freedom to work and reside for a long time. However, like most other parts of the world, you need valid documents from the European authorities to legally achieve this liberty. In this guide, you will understand what the EU blue card means, its benefits as an owner, and the basic requirements for getting one.
What is the EU Blue Card?
The EU blue card is the document that allows non-European skilled workers to work in certain member states of the European Union. It is a temporary residency permit for foreign skilled workers who have secured a job with pay that meets the minimum wage requirements (Often about 1.5 times the regular minimum wage).
As an immigrant worker, you can consider the EU Blue Card your golden ticket to legally accessing jobs, living, and traveling to member EU states. An EU Blue Card holder can remain in the country for the contract period or the Blue Card’s expiration, whichever comes first.
The maximum stay or time of expiry of an EU blue card varies by country. The renewal policy also differs depending on the member state.
Major Benefits of Having an EU Blue Card
The major benefits of having an EU blue card include;
- The EU Blue Card offers holders a higher level of autonomy compared to other work visas.
- The EU Blue Card gives you the luxury of moving between EU member states. However, you have to spend most of your time in the country where you applied.
- You can renew the Blue Card after the expiration of the contract provided to meet other necessary requirements.
- The EU Blue card gives you an edge to acquire permanent residency if you intend to reside in the country for a long time.
- The luxury of enjoying working and salary conditions similar to nationals
- Entitlement to various available socio-economic rights, such as unemployment benefits
- Favorable conditions and policies that allow easy family reunification
- Freedom of association within legal jurisdiction
Requirements for Obtaining the EU Blue Card
Applicants for the EU Blue Card must meet certain basic conditions before being considered for approval. The major conditions are highlighted below.
- The applicant must be a citizen of a non-EU country
- Applicant must have professional experience or be educated
- Applicant must have an active employment offer or contract that match the minimum wage requirements and other specifics
- Applicant must have valid transport documents, most especially a passport that is valid for at least fifteen months from the proposed time of entry.
What Happens to an EU Blue Card if I Lose My Job?
It is essential for applicants or holders of the EU Blue Card that it is not permanent or irrevocable. If you ever lose your job as a Blue Card holder, you have a three-month frame to find a new job, and if unable to find a job within this time, the Blue Card can be withdrawn. And in case you eventually lose your Blue Card, you may have to leave the country.
Conclusion
The EU Blue Card permits skilled and educated immigrants to work freely and live in an EU member state for an approved period, and it comes with a lot of other benefits. However, losing the job or contract and not finding a new one within three months can cause holders to lose the EU Blue Card and ultimately leave the country.
