EU Blue Card Country Guides
The EU Blue Card is recognized in 25 member states. Each country has specific requirements, salary thresholds, and procedures. Select a country to learn more.
Most Popular Destinations
Germany
Europe's largest economy and the #1 destination for Blue Card holders with over 50,000 cards issued annually.
Netherlands
International business hub with English-friendly environment and one of the fastest processing times.
France
Growing tech ecosystem with strong industries in aerospace, luxury, and pharmaceuticals.
All Participating Countries
Click on any country to see detailed requirements, salary thresholds, application procedures, and practical tips for Blue Card holders.
Austria
€46,344/yearBelgium
€45,984/year Coming SoonBulgaria
€12,000/year Coming SoonCroatia
€18,500/year Coming SoonCyprus
€26,000/year Coming SoonCzech Republic
€24,000/year Coming SoonEstonia
€24,500/year Coming SoonFinland
€42,000/year Coming SoonFrance
€39,000/yearGermany
€45,300/year Most PopularGreece
€22,000/year Coming SoonHungary
€20,000/year Coming SoonItaly
€30,000/year Coming SoonLatvia
€18,000/year Coming SoonLithuania
€21,000/year Coming SoonLuxembourg
€72,000/year Coming SoonMalta
€28,000/year Coming SoonNetherlands
€46,107/yearPoland
€22,500/year Coming SoonPortugal
€23,000/year Coming SoonRomania
€17,000/year Coming SoonSlovakia
€18,500/year Coming SoonSlovenia
€27,000/year Coming SoonSpain
€33,908/yearSweden
€45,000/year Coming SoonNon-Participating Countries
Denmark
Has opted out of the EU Blue Card scheme. Denmark has its own work permit system for skilled workers including the Pay Limit Scheme and Positive List.
Ireland
Has opted out of the EU Blue Card scheme. Ireland offers its own Critical Skills Employment Permit for highly skilled workers.
Country Comparison
| Country | Min Salary | Shortage Salary | Processing Time | Language |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇩🇪 Germany | €45,300 | €41,042 | 1-3 months | German (B1 helpful) |
| 🇳🇱 Netherlands | €46,107 | €36,886 | 2-4 weeks | English friendly |
| 🇫🇷 France | €39,000 | €31,200 | 2-3 months | French (B1 helpful) |
| 🇦🇹 Austria | €46,344 | €37,075 | 2-3 months | German required |
| 🇪🇸 Spain | €33,908 | €27,126 | 1-3 months | Spanish helpful |
| 🇵🇱 Poland | €22,500 | €18,000 | 1-2 months | English in tech |
| 🇮🇹 Italy | €30,000 | €24,000 | 2-4 months | Italian helpful |
| 🇧🇪 Belgium | €45,984 | €36,787 | 2-4 months | Regional languages |
Salary thresholds are approximate and updated annually. Always verify current requirements with official sources.