The European Blue Card Directive has been in place since their introduction in 2009 met with much criticism.
What is it?
The EU Blue Card program, established by the European Union, is a special work and residence permit designed to attract highly skilled individuals from non-EU countries.It shares similarities with the residency permit for highly skilled migrants, yet distinctive features set them apart:Unlike the highly skilled migrant permit, the EU Blue Card doesn’t necessitate the employer to be a recognized sponsor;A commitment to provide the employee with a job or employment contract lasting a minimum of one year is obligatory.For professions under regulation, the employee must demonstrate compliance with legal prerequisites for the job.Possession of at least a higher education program diploma is a requirement for the employee.The monthly salary for the employee must align with an income criterion which is higher compared to the highly skilled migrant scheme salary requirements. The minimum salary requirement for the application of the EU Blue Card is €6.245,00 excluding the mandatory in the Netherlands 8% holiday allowance.
Interesting facts
If you hold an EU Blue Card and have spent 18 months or more in another EU member state, that period contributes to the required 5 years of residence for a permanent residence permit. When applying in a second member state, a reassessment of conditions is, however, necessary.
EU Blue Card streamlined application process
Unlike the application for a residence permit as a knowledge migrant, your company doesn’t need prior recognition by the Dutch Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND) before you can apply for the EU Blue Card.
Flexible requirements for permanent residency
The EU Blue Card opens doors to more flexible conditions for obtaining a permanent residence permit (EU long-term resident). You are allowed to return to your country of origin for up to 12 consecutive months and 18 months in total for work, volunteer work, or study, without disrupting the qualification period for a permanent residence permit.
Additionally, periods of residence in different EU member states can be combined, contributing to the required 5 years of legal residence needed for eligibility for the permanent EU long-term resident residence permit.
Duration of the EU Blue Card application
The duration of the application for an EU Blue card can be long. For the Immigration authorities in the Netherlands to process the application takes usually around 3 months.
Exceptions
Denmark and Ireland are not participants in the EU Blue Card initiative. For a comprehensive list of countries actively engaged in the program, of the IND.
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