The European Commission has devised the EU Blue Card program as a means to link skilled individuals from outside the EU with 25 member countries of the European Union (excluding Denmark and Ireland).
The program forms an integral component of the European Union’s comprehensive approach to address the challenges posed by an aging population and a diminishing labor force.
The objective is to draw in proficient individuals from outside the European Union to the European Union to uphold economic expansion, improve competitiveness, and uphold its global technological dominance by combining talent from different countries, and promoting integration and development.
The EU Blue Card plays a crucial role in the migration policy of the European Union, aiming to entice skilled individuals who can contribute to the economic growth and competitiveness of the region. It serves as a chance for non-EU nationals to enhance their professional skills and experience personal growth within the European Union.
Why Was The Blue Card Initiated?
The European Union Blue Card drew inspiration from the United States Green Card and is currently regarded as the European Commission’s solution to the urgent requirement for skilled workers in industries facing labor shortages.
In May 2009, the EU Blue Card directive was adopted by the European Council, followed by the adoption of the single permit directive in December 2011. These two directives collectively establish the EU Blue Card Scheme, which serves as a demand-driven residence and work permit.
It differs from a typical work permit by embodying a commitment to advancement, potential, and inclusion for individuals with various professional experiences such as IT, engineering, and healthcare.
The Blue Card is highly advantageous for Nigerians, particularly those working in the IT industry, as it facilitates the progress of their international careers. It provides numerous benefits such as the opportunity for long-term residency, the chance to reunite with family members, and a smooth pathway to actively contribute to the economic dynamism of Europe.
Who Is Qualified For The Blue Card?
The Blue Card plays a vital role in fields with severe labor shortages, such as information technology (IT), engineering, and healthcare, which are essential for the economic development and innovation capacity of the EU.
Hence, meeting the requirements for the Blue Card necessitates a combination of work experience and educational accomplishments in these specific fields.
EU Blue Card For Inexperienced IT Professionals
Fortunately, IT professionals without formal qualifications have a unique opportunity under specific circumstances to benefit from the EU Blue Card. It is intriguing to note this exception.
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- To be qualified, the applicant must secure a specific job offer as an IT professional in Germany, with a minimum employment duration of six months.
- The prospective job in Germany must offer a gross annual salary of at least €41,041.80 (as of 2024) to meet the financial threshold.
- Additionally, the applicant must demonstrate a minimum of three years of experience in the IT field within the past seven years. This professional experience must be at a university level and deemed essential for employment in Germany.
The application procedure has been simplified to promote the recruitment of talented individuals and to demonstrate Europe’s dedication to attracting and retaining international expertise.
What Cardholders Stand To Gain
Cardholders have the opportunity to reside and engage in employment within the Member State that has issued the EU Blue Card for a duration ranging from one to four years, thereby promoting growth and embracing diversity.
Following this, the cardholder has the opportunity to obtain permanent residency within two to five years, varying based on the country of residence. The card is eligible for renewal for an additional period as long as all conditions continue to be met.
The conditions are as follows;
- Obtaining a valid EU Blue Card can enable the cardholder to enter, re-enter, and stay in the EU country that has issued the card, without restrictions to pass through other EU countries and stay there for up to three months.
- The EU Blue Card offers more favorable conditions for family reunification and access to work for spouses notably. If the relevant conditions are fulfilled and the applications lodged simultaneously, their residence permits can be issued at the same time as your EU Blue Card.
- The EU Blue Card also gives access to visit other EU countries for up to three months (90 days) during six months (180 days) with the privilege of traveling through other EU countries on your way to the EU country that you live and work in. It also provides residency permits for family reunification.
- Furthermore, the EU Blue Card facilitates short-term visits to other EU nations for up to three months within six months, with the added flexibility of transiting through other EU countries en route to the primary country of residence and employment.
- Aim addition, it facilitates family reunification by providing residency permits.
How To Qualify
To qualify for an EU Blue Card, applicants must;
- Hold a higher education degree or have a minimum of five years of relevant professional experience
- Have a job offer or contract from an employer in the EU with a salary that meets or exceeds a set minimum, usually 1.5 times the average gross annual salary in the member state. Self-employment or entrepreneurial activities do not qualify.
- Apply through the national immigration authorities of the EU country where the job is located.
- Possess necessary travel documents and maintain health insurance coverage for yourself and accompanying family members.
- For regulated professions, you must meet the legal requirements to practice in the respective field
- Issuance numbers
