Definition
The EU Blue Card is a combined work and residence permit enabling highly qualified third-country nationals to live and work in EU member states. Issued for up to four years, it requires a binding job offer or contract, recognised higher education qualifications or equivalent professional experience, and a salary at or above a country-specific threshold (typically 1.0–1.5× the average gross annual salary). Blue Card holders enjoy accelerated paths to long-term residency and, after 18 months, may move between EU member states.
Official name
Blaue Karte EU
Official sources
Related terms
Labour Market Test
A requirement for employers to demonstrate they could not find a suitable EEA candidate before hiring a non-EU worker for a specific position.
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Qualification Recognition
The formal process by which a European country or authority evaluates and accepts a foreign academic degree or professional qualification as equivalent to a domestic one.
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Residence Permit
An official document or authorisation that entitles a non-citizen to legally reside in a country for a specified period, often but not always including the right to work.
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Salary Threshold
A minimum annual gross salary that a job offer must meet for an applicant to qualify for certain work permits, most notably the EU Blue Card.
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Third-Country National
TCN
A person who is not a citizen of the EU, EEA, or Switzerland — the primary applicant group for European work and residence permits.
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