The Blue Card is a work visa, accepted by all European Union countries, and allows high-skilled non-European Union citizens to work and live in most European Union countries.
In May 2009, European Union countries adopted a framework for managing high-skilled workers immigrating to European Union countries. Two years later, on June 19, 2011, this framework became a resolution adopted by most European Union countries (except for Denmark, Ireland, and the United Kingdom). This legislation improved the procedures for applying for a work Visa, transforming the European Union into an attractive place for high-skilled professional immigrants wishing to work and reside in the European Union with their families.
The original framework was created because European Union countries were interested in attracting experienced professionals that could contribute to the local markets and their development. The original resolution required an advanced academic degree, years of experience, and a salary three times higher than the average salary in the country where the immigrant would reside. However, in spite of some objections made by Germany and the United Kingdom, the resolution was changed, making it easier to obtain a work Visa.
Currently, people interested in a Blue Card must meet three initial qualifications. First, the person must have a valid employment contract in a European Union country. Second, the salary must be 1.5 times higher than the average salary in the country. Third, the person must be educated or skilled. A person who meets all three requirements and receives a Blue Card is limited to his/ her specific occupation for two years. After two years, the person will be allowed to work in a different field, provided that the field requires certain skills. 18 months after receiving the Blue Card, the person can apply to move to another European Union country with his/ her family. After having the Blue Card for five years, the person can apply for permanent residency for him or herself and his/ her family.
The Blue Card opens European Union countries to more immigrants and their families. It improves the bureaucracy that existed before the new resolution was adopted. European Union countries are hoping that the new resolution will add their countries to the list of countries that appeal to highly-skilled immigrants, like the United States of America, Canada, and Australia. European Union countries are also hoping that the new resolution will attract an experienced and high-quality workforce, which will help their local economies.
Since European Union countries adopted the resolution, there has been a meaningful increase in the number of applications made by high-skilled professional immigrants from all over the world to relocate to European Union countries.
All said and explained in this article does not constitute a legal opinion and does not replace legal advice. Responsibility for using the wordings and opinions conveyed in this article relies solely and entirely on the reader.
This article was written by Dotan Cohen Law Offices, working in the field of immigration law in the United States, Canada, Australia and England.
