If you perform a well-paid profession that requires either higher education or many years of professional experience, it’s worth considering applying for the Blue Card of the European Union. The Blue Card is a temporary residence permit for working in a high-skilled profession.
This residence title comes with higher privileges compared to a “regular” temporary residence permit for work purposes, but the application process is more formalized and requires a greater number of documents.
The following privileges mainly speak in favor of applying for the Blue Card:
The procedure is harmonized based on the European Union directive from 2009. According to this directive, a profession that can be considered as requiring high qualifications is either one that requires completion of specialized higher education, i.e., lasting at least 3 years, or a profession that requires a minimum of 5 years of professional experience in the field of work.
Different authorities in Poland, regarding the first criterion, have similar practices regarding which diplomas from universities are accepted as sufficient confirmation of qualifications. It must be a diploma, along with a supplement, confirming the attainment of at least the first level of higher education (e.g., bachelor’s).
Regarding the documentation of professional experience, specific authorities may have different practices, which means that each case needs to be approached individually.
Additionally, in each voivodeship, the minimum earnings required for applying for the Blue Card vary and depend on the average salary in that particular region. The salary must be documented by a valid contract (regardless of whether it’s an employment contract or a civil law contract) that will be in force for a minimum of 1 year. Therefore, it’s best to apply while already employed by an employer with a valid work permit.
Typically, the applicant must have valid health insurance in the public health service (either insured in the National Health Fund – NFZ or have private health insurance).
For some professions, practicing the occupation may also require obtaining permission from a specific authority.
Due to the complexity of the procedure, it is advisable to seek help from a specialist (e.g., myVISA) when applying for the Blue Card EU, as there is a high risk of rejection if the application and attachments are poorly prepared.
Author: Michał Nowakowski
