Are you thinking of coming to Spain to develop your working life? Do you know the permits you need to do so? This week at People Global Relocation we talk about the European Blue Card: what it is for, what requirements must be met to obtain it, who can apply for it and how to apply for it… Read on and find out all about it!
What is the European Blue Card for?
The European Blue Card is a special permit for people who wish to come and work in Europe. However, you should know that this card only grants entry and residence permits to people considered to be highly qualified personnel.
What are the requirements to obtain it?
Before 17 May this year, the requirements for obtaining this card were stricter. However, now, thanks to the revision of the Blue Card Directive, the conditions have been lowered.
In the words of the European Commission Vice-President for the Promotion of the European Lifestyle, this was done in order to: “Help sustain economic growth, respond to the needs of the labour market and increase productivity to enable the European Union to emerge stronger from this pandemic”.
Therefore, currently the requirements to be met are:
- Have a higher professional qualification. That is to say, to have a higher academic qualification or to demonstrate at least 5 years of work experience.
- Work as a paid employee. In other words, the European Blue Card will not be valid for the self-employed and entrepreneurs.
- Have a gross salary at least one and a half times the national average wage.
- Have an employment contract or a firm job offer of at least 1 year in any country of the European Union.
- Have all documentation in order and have medical insurance, both for the person concerned and for the rest of the members of his/her family.
- If the profession is regulated, prove that you meet the legal requirements to practice it.
Who can apply for it?
Only non-European Union foreigners who are highly qualified in their professions can apply for this card. Each year, each European country decides on the number of Blue Cards it will issue.
How to apply for the European Blue Card?
If you meet all the above-mentioned requirements, you can apply for the card. Depending on the country in which you want to work, this application can be submitted by the person concerned or by the employer. Once submitted, countries of the European Union may accept or reject the application.
If the application is accepted, the holder will obtain a European Blue Card valid for a period of 1 to 4 years, depending on the country. With this card, the cardholder and his/her family will be able to enter and stay in the country that issued the card, as well as move freely to other European Union countries.
You now have all the information you need to apply for your European Blue Card. However, remember that, if you have any doubts, at People Global Relocation we will answer and resolve all your queries.
You can also read other interesting posts in our blog:
– What is the European Health Insurance Card?
– What is the Covid-19 vaccination process for expats?
– Bank account in Spain: How can I get one if I am not a resident?
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