Moving Between EU Countries with Your Blue Card
One of the most valuable benefits of the EU Blue Card is the ability to work in another EU country through intra-EU mobility provisions. This comprehensive guide explains how Blue Card mobility works, the requirements you need to meet, and how to successfully relocate within the European Union.
What is Intra-EU Mobility?
Intra-EU mobility refers to the right of EU Blue Card holders to move to and work in another EU member state without returning to their home country to apply for a new visa. This is a significant advantage over standard national work permits, which typically require starting the immigration process from scratch when changing countries.
Under the revised EU Blue Card Directive (2021/1883), mobility provisions have been strengthened to make it easier for highly skilled professionals to work in another EU country and contribute to the European economy. The directive recognizes that modern careers often span multiple countries and aims to facilitate this mobility.
Move Within EU
Relocate to any of the 25 participating EU member states
Simplified Process
No need to return to your home country to apply
Family Inclusion
Your family members can move with you
Cumulative Residence
Periods count toward EU long-term residence
The 12-Month Rule Explained
Before you can exercise Blue Card mobility and work in another EU country, you must hold a valid EU Blue Card in your first member state for at least 12 months. This waiting period ensures that you have established yourself in the first country before seeking to relocate.
Key Requirement
12 months of legal residence with an EU Blue Card in your first member state before applying for Blue Card mobility to a second EU country.
What Counts Toward the 12 Months?
- Time spent working under your EU Blue Card
- Periods of unemployment (up to 3 months, or 6 months after 2 years)
- Authorized absences from the territory
Step-by-Step Guide to Moving to a Second EU Country
Once you have completed 12 months with your Blue Card, here is how to work in another EU country using the intra-EU mobility provisions:
Secure a Job Offer
Find employment in your target EU country that meets Blue Card requirements, including salary thresholds and qualification requirements.
Gather Required Documents
Prepare your current Blue Card, employment contract, proof of qualifications, health insurance, and accommodation arrangements.
Submit Application
Apply for a new EU Blue Card in the second member state. You can typically do this from within the EU without returning home.
Notify First Country (If Required)
Some countries require you to notify authorities in your first member state about your intention to move. Check specific requirements.
Begin Work During Processing
In many cases, you can start working in the second country while your application is being processed, subject to national rules.
Receive New Blue Card
Upon approval, you receive a new EU Blue Card issued by the second member state, typically valid for up to 4 years.
Simplified Application Process
The application process for Blue Card mobility is simpler than applying for your first Blue Card. Key simplifications include:
No Return Required
You can apply from within the EU rather than traveling back to your home country and applying through an embassy or consulate.
Recognized Qualifications
Your qualifications have already been assessed for the first Blue Card, streamlining the verification process in most cases.
Work While Waiting
Many member states allow you to begin working while your new Blue Card application is being processed, subject to certain conditions.
Faster Processing
Applications under mobility provisions often receive expedited processing, with decisions typically within 30-90 days.
Pro Tip
Start your application process 2-3 months before your intended move date. While processing is faster under mobility provisions, allow buffer time for any unexpected delays or additional document requests.
Accumulating Residence Periods
One of the major advantages of Blue Card mobility is that residence periods in different EU member states can be accumulated toward obtaining EU long-term residence status. This is crucial for your path to permanent residence.
How Accumulation Works
- Basic Rule: You can combine residence periods from multiple EU countries, provided you hold Blue Cards in each.
- Final Country Requirement: You must have resided in the country where you apply for long-term residence for at least 2 consecutive years immediately before the application.
- Total Period: The standard path requires 5 years of legal residence, though Blue Card holders can qualify in as few as 33 months (or 21 months with advanced language skills).
Example Scenario
Maria works in Germany for 2 years with a Blue Card, then moves to the Netherlands for 2 more years. She can count all 4 years toward her long-term residence, applying after 2 years in the Netherlands. Her time in Germany contributes to meeting the overall residence requirement.
Family Mobility Rights
When you exercise Blue Card mobility, your family members can move with you. The family reunification provisions extend to mobility situations, ensuring families stay together.
Spouse or Partner
Your spouse or registered partner can apply for a residence permit in the new country simultaneously with your Blue Card application.
Children
Minor children can join you in the second member state with continued access to education and healthcare.
Work Rights Preserved
Family members typically retain their work rights in the new country, though they must apply for new residence permits.
What Happens to Your Previous Blue Card?
When you successfully obtain a Blue Card in a second EU country, your original Blue Card becomes invalid. Here is what you need to know:
- Automatic Invalidation: Your first Blue Card is invalidated once the new one is issued. You cannot hold multiple Blue Cards simultaneously.
- Return Requirement: Some countries may require you to physically return or mail your old Blue Card to their immigration authority.
- De-registration: You must typically de-register from the first country's residence registry and notify relevant authorities.
- Tax Implications: You may need to file final tax returns and settle any outstanding obligations in the first country.
Important Consideration
If your application in the second country is rejected, your original Blue Card may still be valid (if not expired). However, it is essential to maintain your status in the first country until your new Blue Card is approved. Do not resign from your job or de-register prematurely.
Popular Country Combinations
Certain country combinations are commonly used by Blue Card holders exercising intra-EU mobility. Here are some popular routes:
Germany to Netherlands
Popular among tech professionals seeking English-friendly workplaces. Netherlands offers the 30% tax ruling for highly skilled migrants.
Strong tech ecosystems in both countriesGermany to Austria
Easy transition due to shared language. Similar work culture and high quality of life. Vienna is a growing tech hub.
No language barrierNetherlands to Germany
Access to a larger job market and higher salaries in many sectors. Germany issues the most Blue Cards in the EU.
Largest EU job marketEastern Europe to Western Europe
Many professionals start in Poland, Czech Republic, or Romania where thresholds are lower, then move to higher-paying markets.
Strategic career progressionExplore all country-specific guides to find the best destination for your career goals.
Practical Considerations
Beyond the legal requirements, here are practical factors to consider when planning your move to a second EU country:
Language Requirements
While the Blue Card application may not require language proficiency, daily life and career advancement often benefit from local language skills. Research the language situation in your target country.
Social Security Coordination
EU regulations coordinate social security between member states. Your pension contributions and other benefits are generally preserved when you move. Request portable documents (A1, S1) before relocating.
Banking and Finances
Open a local bank account in your new country. International transfers within SEPA are straightforward, but having local banking simplifies salary payments and daily transactions.
Housing Market
Research the housing market in your destination city. Some EU cities have tight rental markets (e.g., Munich, Amsterdam) where finding accommodation can be challenging and competitive.
Healthcare Transition
Ensure continuous health insurance coverage during your transition. The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) provides temporary coverage, but you will need to enroll in the new country's system.
Children's Education
If you have school-age children, research school enrollment procedures and availability. International schools may require early applications and have waiting lists.
Common Questions About Blue Card Mobility
Can I move before completing 12 months?
Generally no. The 12-month rule is a firm requirement under the directive. However, some member states may have bilateral agreements or exceptions for certain circumstances. Consult with immigration authorities for your specific situation.
What if my Blue Card expires during the application?
If your current Blue Card might expire during the application process in the second country, apply for an extension in your first country to maintain valid status until the new Blue Card is issued.
Can I work in a third country later?
Yes. After 12 months with your Blue Card in the second country, you can exercise mobility again to move to a third EU member state, following the same process.
Does short-term business travel count as mobility?
No. Short-term business travel (meetings, conferences) does not require invoking mobility provisions. Blue Card holders can travel freely within the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
Plan Your EU Career Path
Ready to explore opportunities across the European Union? Start by researching your target countries and understanding their specific requirements.