Receiving the EU Blue Card begins with a contact between an employer and a future employee. If both parties are interested, an employment contract is concluded. 

After receiving the contract, you should apply in the embassy of the EU country where you plan to work.

In most cases, only the EU entry permit will be granted first, i.e. the work visa. And obtaining the Blue Card itself will have to be done after moving to the new country.

List of needed documents for EU Blue Card

• Application form for visa (2 copies);
• Application for residence permit (2 copies);
• Employment agreement (contract) with the minimal validity period of one year. The contract must specify the address of the company, working conditions, responsibilities of the specialist and the rate of salary. The document must be validated by both parties and by the Ministry of Labour of the inviting country;
• Diploma of higher education, including the insert with the list of subjects (2 copies). For regulated professions, the diploma must be confirmed by a certificate of conformity;
• Passport (“foreign passport” for the ex-USSR), valid for at least the period of the employment contract, and two copies of the personal data pages;
• ID card (“internal passport” for the ex-USSR), 2 copies of pages with personal data and registration at the place of residence;
• 3 EU Blue Card photos that can be obtained online at Visafoto.com;
• Work record book, confirming the work experience in the chosen specialty (2 copies);
• Health insurance;
• Certificate of no criminal record.

It is not necessary but desirable for Blue Card applicants to provide originals and two copies of the following documents:

• Сonfirmation of foreign language skills (certificates or references from language schools);
• Documents in support of the applicant (reference from the employer, letters of recommendation and the like).

The enterprise employing the immigrant has to be socially responsible. In other words, it must pay all national taxes and fees on time and do not violate labour laws. The Blue Card may require a document confirming this fact.

In some countries, the list of mandatory documents may be shorter. For example, the Swedish authorities do not require a diploma for unregulated professions. It is enough to confirm that you have worked for 5 years. Some countries ask the migrant to confirm that they have a rented or owned accommodation at the place of relocation.

How long does it take to issue a Blue Card?

Usually it takes about 8 weeks to review a standard set of documents. In some cases a more detailed check of the applicant’s details is required. But officials must meet the 3-month deadline, which is the maximum allowed. Most offices post positive decisions on their official websites. Negative answers are reported to the employer, and the latter must inform the failed employee.

The refusal to grant the Blue Card usually can be appealed.

The cost of the Blue Card in some EU countries (in Euros):

• Cyprus – €50,
• Hungary – €60,
• Latvia – €100,
• The Czech Republic – €92,
• Germany – €110,
• Poland – €111,
• Lithuania – €116,
• Estonia – €120,
• Austria – €120,
• France – €260,
• Italy – €274,
• Greece – €300,
• Spain – €418,
• Finland – €500,
• Bulgaria – €545,
• Netherlands – €881.