EU Blue Card

The EU Blue Card (Directive (EU) 2021/1883, recasting 2009/50/EC) is the EU's central residence/work permit for highly qualified non-EU professionals. Member States set the minimum salary at between 1.0× and 1.6× the national average gross annual salary (Art. 5(3)); a shortage-occupation derogation in ISCO major groups 1 and 2 lowers the floor to 0.8× of the MS threshold but ≥ 1.0× the national average. Applicants need either a higher-education qualification (Bachelor or above) or 5 years of higher professional experience, reduced to 3 years for ICT managers/specialists in ISCO 133 and 25. Minimum binding contract or job offer is 6 months (Art. 5(1)(a)); permit validity ≥ 24 months (Art. 9(2)); decision deadline 90 days (30 for recognised employers, Art. 11).