A highly qualified worker must meet specific conditions. Firstly, there must be an existing employment contract or a binding job offer with a duration of at least one year. The individual must also provide proof of higher professional qualifications, which can be demonstrated through a higher education degree or by proving at least five years of professional experience, provided that this experience is recognized as equivalent to a qualification in the relevant EU country. Additionally, the worker must be employed in a paid position, as the EU Blue Card does not apply to self-employed individuals or entrepreneurs.
A key requirement is that the worker’s annual gross salary meets the national salary threshold in the host country, which must be at least one and a half times the national average salary. Valid travel documents and health insurance are also mandatory. If the occupation is regulated in the country, the worker must demonstrate compliance with all legal requirements to practice the profession.
The EU Blue Card grants highly qualified non-EU nationals the right to live and work in an EU country. To obtain it, the individual must have high professional qualifications and an employment contract or job offer that offers a salary which is above the national average in the country of employment.