The green card, by which its holder can move to the United States, is known worldwide. Every year there is a drawing of the “ticket to the country of great opportunities”. However, few people know about its European analogy, the Blue Card. Although it is not required to participate in auctions to obtain the document, it is enough to get an invitation to work and draw up documents. Experts of artificial intelligence consulting company tell about who can get the Blue Card, and what requirements are set for the applicant.

Blue Card: Some General Information

Blue Card is a work visa but with additional “pluses” for the applicant. Its validity period is up to 4 years, the applicant must have a profession in demand in the European Union.

Who can count on an invitation:

• Medical workers of any qualification, representatives of professions as close to medicine as possible;
• persons with legal education, close to law specializations;
• engineers – of any direction, qualification;
• Representatives of “exact disciplines” – this category includes teachers of universities, schools, and IT-sphere workers.

Such people are welcomed in the EU, so after the expiration of the “Blue Card” they can count on a residence permit and after 5 years for citizenship. The applicant can legally work, move his family in full, and freely move around the EU countries without additional visas and documents. In addition, unemployment benefits will be paid for 3 months if the applicant loses his/her job.

Requirements to the Applicant

There are a few requirements. Any applicant over 18 years of age can submit documents. Mandatory conditions:

• Availability of education – the diploma must be recognized in the EU countries, otherwise the applicant will have to undergo the procedure for its recognition. The exception is the presence of work experience in the specialty for 5 years. In this case, it is not required to confirm the diploma.
• Have either an invitation to work in a company based in one of the Eurozone countries or an already executed employment contract.
• The salary offered at the place of work in the EU must exceed $13,053/year.

If you are planning to move to Europe, study the list of in-demand professions and get training. In this case, you are guaranteed to get a work permit and a Blue Card.

What a jobseeker needs to do before applying:

1. Find a job in one of the EU countries – you can do this on your own or through special online platforms. As a rule, they arrange and pass an online interview with a representative of the employer.
2. Submit documents – to the consulate of the country you intend to move to or on the website of the EU Blue Card Network. The application will be processed within 2 months. If the time is up, and you have not been informed of the decision, you should contact the consulate.
3. Get a visa – you will be asked for your Blue Card number when you apply.
4. Get a visa at the consulate.

After that, start the move. You will receive the Blue Card itself after you arrive in the chosen Eurozone country. Within 72 hours after arrival, you need to visit the migration office and pick up the Blue Card. That’s it, you can get a job, and set up your life in the European Union.

Published by: Nelly Chavez