Skilled professionals in the EU contribute a lot into the economy. However, its fundamental sectors suffer from lack of highly skilled workers. That’s why the EU introduced a Blue Card, which helps to attract more specialists from non-EU countries. Here we gathered the most frequently asked questions regarding the Blue Card, and want to lay it all out for you.
Answering the most popular questions about the Blue Card let’s begin with the most crucial one – what is a Blue Card and who is eligible for it?
Blue Card is a type of residency card (karta pobytu) and more specifically: a work permit for highly skilled workers valid in the EU which is granted to the citizens of the countries which are not the EU members, and allows them to work in any EU country (excluding Denmark and Ireland). Of course, Poland is not an exception, since it is a part of the European Union.
What are the benefits of Blue Card:
- After receiving the Blue Card your spouse can be granted the residence permit based on your application. Moreover, he/she can work without need of work permit.
- If you have a Blue Card for more than 2 years and you want to change a job, you don’t have to apply for a new work permit. All you have to do is inform the Voivode’s office about the changes.
What are the conditions under which I can apply for a Blue Card?
There are three main conditions you need to fulfill in order to be eligible to apply for the EU Blue Card: 1) citizenship of a non-EU country; 2) At least three years of education completed with a Bachelor Degree or a Master Degree or: at least 5 years of professional experience in the required field; 3) employment offer or a contract.
The minimum salary which is required to issue the permit to a foreigner should be not lower than the equivalent of 150% of the average monthly salary in the national economy in the preceding calendar year (approx. PLN 6877,5).
What professions suffer shortage of workforce the most?
The most required professions are in the field of IT, Mathematics, Science and Medicine. People with one of these profiles have a better chance of getting the EU Blue Card.
For how long is the EU Blue Card valid?
A Blue Card is usually granted for a period 3 months longer than the period of the job contract, but not longer than 3 years.
How does the application process look like?
The application process for the Blue Card looks very similar to the application for the ‘regular’ residency card with basis of employment. This means, that in order to apply for the Blue Card you need to find a potential employer, who is willing to hire you. After that a labour market test should be conducted, if needed. When it’s done, you need to submit the following documents to the relevant Voivode’s Office:
- 2 copies of the application for the temporary residence permit;
- Attachment nr 2 & 3 to the application;
- A copy of your passport + additional copy of its the first page
- The labour market test’s results (if necessary);
- Employment contract;
- Confirmation of formal higher professional qualifications. Remember to have it translated by the sworn translator if it was issued in language other than Polish. The confirmation can be:
- A diploma with supplement demonstrating at least 3 years of studies, completed with a title of Bachelor or Master degree, or:
- Work certificates from period at least last 5 years.
- Health insurance
- 4 recent photographs;
- Confirmation of your financial means sufficient to live in Poland, e.g. 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
If I have a Blue Card and I want to change the employer, should I apply for a new card then?
This depends on how long do you have your Blue Card. If it has been issued less than 2 years, you have to submit an official notification to the Voivode’s Office stating that you changed an employer or a job along with the new job contract. After that your decision would be amended. In case of having a Blue Card for more than 2 years, you just need to inform the Voivode’s office about it within 15 days after quitting a job. There is no need to issue a new decision in this case.
I have less than five years of professional experience. Can I still apply for a Blue Card?
Yes. Experience is not a key condition if you have relevant education in the required field. Of course you can have both experience and education, but at least one of these is obligatory.
Is it possible to bring my family with me to Poland?
Yes, closest members of you family can apply for the temporary residency in Poland based on your EU Blue Card as long as you and they meet all the conditions. More
Citizens of what countries are excluded from holding a Blue Card?
Citizens of the European Economic Area, as well as of the overseas countries and territories (OCTs) that have constitutional ties with EU.
Does the EU Blue Card allow me to travel to countries of the European Union?
Yes, it does. You can visit other EU countries and stay there for a period not longer than 90 days during 180 days period.
Can I apply for Blue Card if previously I held ‘regular’ residency card based on employment?
You can apply any time if you fulfill the conditions, but bear in mind that it will require starting of a new procedure, administrative fees included. Simple changing of the regular card for blue card is not possible.
I applied for the regular card based on employment. Can I change my application for Blue Card?
If your procedure is still ongoing, meaning, the Voivode’s Office didn’t file a decision yet, you can try to change your application for Blue Card. It’s best to contact your inspector directly or file the additional documents together with a letter of explanation to Dziennik Podawczy as soon as possible.
We hope that you found the answers to your questions and got a lot of useful information from our article. If something you would like to know has not been mentioned above, don’t hesitate to ask your questions in the comment section below or contact us at [email protected]. We would be glad to help you!