What is the EU Blue Card?

American competition

The idea of the Blue Card was introduced in 2007 with the aim of allowing a more relaxed flow of workforce between the member states. Initially the solution was criticised for being a cause of a brain drain in less developed countries outside the EU, but now it has become a natural part of the European labour market. The name Blue Card was adopted as a response to the popular American solution for migrants, the Green Card. The blue in its name is an obvious reference to the union’s symbol – the blue flag with twelve yellow stars.

Blue dream

The Blue Card is a unified residence and work permit issued for the entire European Union (except for the UK, Ireland and Denmark). It allows third-party foreigners to stay and work in the EU and does not restrict it to one country only. The Blue Card holders can therefore become mobile people of the 21^st century, who use their high qualifications in various member states of the EU. The card allows foreigners to stay in Poland 3 months after the end of their contract, but no more than 3 years in total.

It is essential to remember that not all jobs can be performed under the EU Blue Card. There is a regularly updated list of professions requiring high qualifications and the whole procedure is applicable only to these jobs.

Application process

A few conditions need to be met in order for the Blue Card to be issued. First of all, a foreigner needs to be already residing in Poland. Secondly, they ought to find a job and their possible employer needs to be willing to hire them. In such situations, sometimes a labour market test needs to be conducted. After receiving its positive results, the foreigner needs to apply for the permit to the relevant Voivode’s office. The documents that should be filed are as follows:

• 3 copies of the application for the temporary residence permit (download here)
• 4 recent photographs in colour
• 2 copies of the applicant’s travel document (e.g. passport)
• The labour market test’s results
• Contract of employment, contract for home-based work or civil law agreement – for at least one year
• Confirmation of formal higher professional qualifications (education at tertiary level)
• Health insurance confirmation or confirmation of coverage by the insurer of treatment costs in Poland
• Annual gross salary resulting from the monthly or annual salary, indicated in the contract, not less than that specified in the regulation of the Ministry of Internal Affairs

Along with them, a fee has to be paid (PLN 440). Another PLN 50 is paid on receiving the Blue Card.

Once you get it

After the Blue Card is granted, its holder is restricted to keep the position mentioned in the application form for at least 2 years. The salary also cannot be lower than the amount first indicated in the form. After the 2-year period, those amendments can be done, but the foreigner has to notify the Voivode’s office within 15 days. When it comes to changing your address or the company’s seat, its name or form, as well as when the employer is transferred to work for another entity, the authorities need not be notified.

Keep in mind that the whole period of your stay on the grounds of the Blue Card is included in the time required for obtaining a permanent residence card in Poland. Go ahead and apply for it – you will be one step closer to obtaining a permanent residence permit or even Polish citizenship in the future!