Who is Eligible for the EU Blue Card?

The EU Blue Card is specifically designed for third-country nationals - people who are not citizens of the European Union, European Economic Area (EEA), or Switzerland. If you hold a passport from a country outside these regions and want to work in a highly skilled position in the EU, the Blue Card may be your pathway to employment.

You CAN Apply If You Are:

  • A citizen of any non-EU/EEA country (e.g., India, USA, Brazil, Nigeria, Philippines)
  • A UK citizen (post-Brexit, UK nationals are now third-country nationals)
  • Currently residing outside the EU on a different visa type
  • Already in the EU on another permit and want to switch to Blue Card
  • A stateless person or recognized refugee seeking employment

You CANNOT Apply If You Are:

  • A citizen of any EU member state
  • A citizen of Iceland, Liechtenstein, or Norway (EEA countries)
  • A Swiss national
  • A family member of an EU citizen exercising free movement rights
  • Applying for seasonal work or intra-corporate transfers
  • An asylum seeker with pending application
Important Note: Denmark and Ireland do not participate in the EU Blue Card scheme. If you want to work in these countries, you must apply through their national immigration systems. All other 25 EU member states issue Blue Cards.

Who Does NOT Need a Blue Card?

Understanding who does not need a Blue Card is just as important as knowing who can apply. Several categories of people have automatic rights to work in the EU without needing a Blue Card or any work permit.

EU

EU Citizens

Citizens of any EU member state have the right to live and work anywhere in the EU without restrictions. This includes citizens of all 27 EU countries, from Germany and France to Malta and Cyprus.

EEA

EEA Nationals

Citizens of Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway enjoy the same free movement rights as EU citizens through the EEA Agreement. They can work in any EU country without permits.

CH

Swiss Nationals

Through bilateral agreements, Swiss citizens have nearly identical rights to EU citizens when it comes to living and working in EU member states.

FAM

EU Citizens' Family Members

Spouses, registered partners, children under 21, and dependent relatives of EU citizens exercising free movement rights can work without a Blue Card through the EU Family Permit.

Pro Tip

If you are married to an EU citizen who is working in an EU country other than their home country, you may qualify for an EU Family Permit, which offers significant advantages including immediate work authorization and no salary threshold requirements.

Special Cases: UK Citizens Post-Brexit

Following Brexit on January 31, 2020, and the end of the transition period on December 31, 2020, UK citizens are now classified as third-country nationals. This means British passport holders who want to work in the EU now need to apply for the EU Blue Card just like citizens from other non-EU countries.

What This Means for UK Citizens

Changed

Work Authorization Required

UK citizens can no longer simply move to an EU country and start working. A valid work permit such as the Blue Card is now mandatory.

Changed

Salary Thresholds Apply

British workers must meet the same salary requirements as other non-EU nationals when applying for a Blue Card.

Unchanged

Qualification Recognition

UK degrees and qualifications are still widely recognized in EU countries, though formal recognition processes may be required.

Exception

Withdrawal Agreement Rights

UK citizens who were legally residing in an EU country before January 1, 2021, may retain their residence and work rights under the Withdrawal Agreement.

Important for UK Citizens

If you were living in an EU country before Brexit and have not yet secured your residence status under the Withdrawal Agreement, act immediately. Contact the local immigration authorities to ensure your rights are protected. Those who missed deadlines may need to apply for new permits like the Blue Card.

Family Members of EU Citizens

A unique category exists for non-EU family members of EU citizens who are exercising their free movement rights. These individuals have special protections under EU law that may be more advantageous than the Blue Card.

EU Family Permit

Available if your EU spouse/partner works in a country other than their own nationality:

  • No salary threshold requirements
  • No qualification requirements
  • Immediate and unrestricted work authorization
  • Faster processing times
  • Free or minimal application fees
  • Right to self-employment

When Blue Card May Be Better

Consider a Blue Card instead if:

  • Your EU family member lives in their home country
  • You want an independent immigration status
  • You may divorce or separate in the future
  • You want to build toward permanent residence in your own right
  • You plan to move between EU countries independently
Legal Note: The EU citizen must be exercising their treaty rights (working, self-employed, studying, or self-sufficient) in an EU country other than their own for family members to qualify for EU family rights. A French citizen living in France, for example, cannot sponsor family under EU free movement law - national immigration rules apply instead.

Education Requirements Overview

To qualify for the EU Blue Card, you must demonstrate that you have the qualifications for highly skilled employment. The primary pathway is through higher education.

DEGREE

Higher Education Qualification

You need a degree from a recognized higher education program lasting at least three years. This typically means a bachelor's degree or higher.

  • Bachelor's degree (3-4 years)
  • Master's degree
  • Doctoral degree
  • Equivalent professional qualifications
CHECK

Recognition Requirements

Your qualification must be recognized as equivalent to local standards in the destination country.

  • Check the anabin database for Germany
  • Apply for ENIC-NARIC evaluation
  • Regulated professions require additional recognition

Learn more about how to get your credentials recognized in our comprehensive Diploma Recognition Guide.

Professional Experience Alternatives

The 2021 EU Blue Card reform introduced a groundbreaking change: you can now qualify for the Blue Card based on professional experience alone, without holding a traditional university degree.

5

Standard Pathway

For non-shortage occupations

5 years of professional experience at a level comparable to higher education qualifications in the same field as your job offer.

  • Must demonstrate progressive responsibility
  • Should show specialized expertise
  • Relevant to your target position
3

Shortage Occupation Pathway

For IT and shortage professions

3 years of professional experience in the past 7 years, primarily for ICT professionals and positions on shortage occupation lists.

  • Applies mainly to IT/software roles
  • Also benefits from lower salary threshold
  • Fastest growing pathway for tech workers

For detailed information on using professional experience to qualify, read our Professional Experience Pathway Guide.

Job Offer Requirements

Having the right qualifications is only part of the equation. You must also have a concrete job offer from an employer in an EU member state that meets specific criteria.

1

Valid Employment Contract

You need a binding employment contract or a binding job offer for highly qualified employment. The contract must be for a minimum of 6 months (changed from 12 months under the 2021 reform).

2

Highly Qualified Position

The job must require higher education qualifications or equivalent professional experience. Entry-level positions or jobs requiring only basic skills do not qualify.

3

Matching Qualifications

Your education or professional experience must be relevant to the position. A computer science degree supports an IT role, but would not typically support an application for a marketing manager position.

4

EU-Based Employer

The employer must be established in an EU member state. Remote work for a company outside the EU generally does not qualify, though some countries have specific rules for cross-border employment.

Finding Blue Card Jobs

Many employers in the EU are experienced with Blue Card applications and actively recruit international talent. Check out our guides on Finding Blue Card Jobs and Tech Jobs in Europe for strategies and job portals.

Salary Threshold Overview

One of the defining requirements of the EU Blue Card is meeting minimum salary thresholds. These thresholds are designed to ensure the Blue Card is used for genuinely highly skilled and well-compensated positions.

Standard Threshold

1.0x - 1.6x

of the average gross annual salary in the member state

Example: ~EUR 45,300 in Germany

Shortage Occupation Threshold

0.8x minimum

for professions on the shortage occupation list

Example: ~EUR 41,042 in Germany

Key Salary Facts

  • Varies by country: Thresholds range from approximately EUR 12,000 (Bulgaria) to EUR 72,000 (Luxembourg)
  • Calculated annually: Thresholds are updated each year based on official salary statistics
  • Gross salary: The threshold applies to your gross annual salary, not net income
  • Guaranteed compensation: Only guaranteed salary elements count (not bonuses or stock options)

For complete salary threshold information for all 25 participating EU countries, see our detailed Salary Requirements Guide.

Health Insurance Requirements

All EU Blue Card applicants must demonstrate that they have adequate health insurance coverage. This requirement ensures you will not become a burden on the host country's healthcare system and protects you in case of illness or injury.

What You Need

Coverage Scope

Your insurance must cover all risks normally covered for nationals of the member state. This typically includes hospitalization, outpatient care, emergency services, and prescription medications.

Duration

Coverage must be valid for the duration of your planned stay or until you are enrolled in the country's statutory health insurance system through employment.

For Application

You may need travel health insurance for your visa application. Once employed, you will typically be enrolled in the mandatory public health insurance system.

For Family

If applying for family reunification, you must also demonstrate insurance coverage for your spouse and dependent children.

Good News: In most EU countries, once you start employment, you will be automatically enrolled in the statutory health insurance system, with contributions deducted from your salary. The initial insurance requirement is primarily for the visa application and transition period. Learn more in our Health Insurance Guide.

Quick Eligibility Checklist

Use this checklist to quickly assess whether you meet the basic eligibility requirements for the EU Blue Card.

Eligibility Checklist

  • Nationality I am a non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizen
  • Qualifications I have a 3+ year degree OR qualifying professional experience
  • Job Offer I have (or will have) a job offer in an EU country
  • Contract Duration The employment contract is for at least 6 months
  • Salary The salary meets the threshold for my destination country
  • Job Match My qualifications are relevant to the position
  • Health Insurance I can obtain adequate health insurance coverage

If you checked all boxes, you likely meet the basic eligibility criteria for the EU Blue Card. The next step is to understand the application process and prepare your required documents.

Ready to Start Your Blue Card Journey?

Now that you understand who can apply for the EU Blue Card, explore our comprehensive resources to guide you through the process.

Full Eligibility Guide Application Process Country Guides