Individuals with a work contract to work in the EU and with proof of a higher professional qualification or equivalent experience
Who is a highly-qualified worker under the EU Blue Card Directive?
You are considered a highly-qualified worker if you have a work contract (or a binding job offer) of at least one year, and if you meet the conditions listed below:
- You must prove that you have ‘higher professional qualifications’, either by showing a higher education qualification (such as a university degree) or by having at least five years of relevant professional experience (if such experience is recognised as qualifications in the Member State concerned);
- You must work as a paid employee – the EU Blue Card does not apply to self-employed work or entrepreneurs;
- Your annual gross salary meets the national salary threshold which must be at least one and a half times the average national salary;
- You must have the necessary travel documents. You must have health insurance for yourself and any relatives who come to the EU with you;
- You must prove that you fulfil the legal requirements to practice your profession, where this profession is regulated.