EU Blue Card
The EU Blue Card is a residence permit designed for highly skilled non-EU nationals who wish to work and live in an EU member state. Introduced by the European Union in 2009, the Blue Card aims to attract highly qualified workers from outside the EU to fill labor shortages in specific sectors.
We explore in this section
What is the EU Blue Card?
The European Union has introduced the EU Blue Card in 2009. It is designed for highly skilled non-EU nationals who wish to work and live in an EU member state. Your family members can accompany you and will have the right to work in the host country.
The Blue Card is usually valid for one to four years, depending on the length of the work contract.
It can be renewed if the holder continues to meet the eligibility criteria.
After 18 months of holding a Blue Card in one EU country, you can apply for a Blue Card in another EU country, provided you meet the conditions.
After a certain period (typically five years), Blue Card holders may be eligible to apply for permanent residency in the EU.
Participating countries EU Blue Card
The following EU countries have implemented the European Blue Card
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Cyprus
- Germany
- Estonia
- Finland
- France (including French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Mayotte and La Reunion)
- Greece
- Hungary
- Italy
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- The Netherlands (excluding Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten + Bonaire, Saba and Sint Eustatius)
- Austria
- Poland
- Portugal (including the Azores and Madeira)
- Romania
- Slovenia
- Slovakia
- Spain (including the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands)
- Czech Republic
- Sweden
Ireland and Denmark have not implemented the European Blue Card.
Applying for an EU Blue Card in the Netherlands
Applying for an EU Blue Card in the Netherlands involves securing a job offer, gathering necessary documents and submitting an application to the Dutch immigration authorities.
Requirements
Job
You must have a job offer or a work contract from a Dutch employer for highly skilled employment. The job must last at least one year. Check our Career page for help here.
Minimum salary
The offered salary must meet the minimum threshold set for the EU Blue Card in the Netherlands, which is typically higher than the average wage. As of 2024, the gross annual salary requirement is approximately €70,128.
Qualifications
You need to have a higher education degree (e.g., a bachelor's or master's degree) or at least five years of professional experience in a relevant field.
Submit your application
The application can be submitted by either you or your employer to the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND).
The application is usually submitted online via the IND website or in person at one of the IND offices.
Along with the application, a fee must be paid (as of 2024, this fee is €320).