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EU Blue Card Poland 

The EU Blue Card is a work and residence permit designed for highly skilled non-EU/EEA professionals who wish to work and live in Poland. It offers a streamlined process for obtaining a work permit and residence permit, along with several benefits.

What is the EU Blue Card?

The EU Blue Card is a special residence and work permit for highly qualified non-EU/EEA professionals who wish to work in Poland. It is part of an EU-wide initiative to attract skilled workers and facilitate their mobility within the European Union.

Benefits of the EU Blue Card in Poland

  1. Work and Residence Rights:
    • Allows you to live and work in Poland legally.
    • Grants access to the Polish labor market without needing a separate work permit.
  2. Family Reunification:
    • Your spouse and children can join you in Poland and also receive residence permits.
    • Family members are allowed to work or study in Poland.
  3. Mobility within the EU:
    • After 18 months of working in Poland, you can move to another EU country (except Denmark and Ireland) under simplified procedures.
  4. Path to EU Long term Residence permit :
    • After 5 years of legal residence in Poland (including time spent on the Blue Card), you may qualify for a Permanent Residence Permit.
  5. Access to Public Services:
    • You and your family can access public healthcare, education, and other social services.

Eligibility Requirements for the EU Blue Card

To qualify for an EU Blue Card in Poland, you must meet the following criteria:

  1. Higher Education Qualifications:
    • You must hold a university degree (at least a bachelor’s degree) that is recognized in Poland.
    • If your degree is from a non-EU country, it may need to be officially recognized by Polish authorities.
  2. Job Offer in Poland:
    • You must have a job offer or employment contract for a highly qualified position in Poland.
    • The job must be related to your field of education or expertise.
  3. Minimum Salary Requirement:
    • Your gross annual salary must be at least 1.5 times the average gross annual salary in Poland (as published by the Central Statistical Office). As of 2023, this is approximately 12,272 PLN per month in 2025.
  4. Valid Travel Document:
    • You must have a valid passport or another recognized travel document.
  5. Health Insurance:
    • You must have health insurance that covers your medical expenses in Poland.

Difference Between EU Blue Card and Normal Work-Based TRC

AspectEU Blue CardNormal Work-Based TRC
Target AudienceHighly qualified professionals with a university degree.All types of workers, regardless of qualifications.
Salary RequirementMinimum salary of 1.5 times the average gross annual salary in Poland.Minimum is 4,666 PLN
Mobility within the EUAfter 18 months, you can move to another EU country under simplified procedures.No special mobility benefits within the EU.
Path toEU Long term Residence permitAfter 5 years of legal residence, you may qualify for EU Long term Residence permit.Same, but the process may be less streamlined.
Processing TimeNormal as TRCNormal as TRC

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the minimum salary requirement for the EU Blue Card?

  • The minimum gross annual salary must be at least 1.5 times the average gross annual salary in Poland (approximately 12,272 PLN per month in 2025).

2. Can my family join me in Poland with an EU Blue Card?

  • Yes, your spouse and children can join you and receive residence permits. They are also allowed to work or study in Poland.

3. How long is the EU Blue Card valid?

  • The EU Blue Card is typically issued for 1 to 3 years, depending on the duration of your employment contract.

4. Can I change jobs while holding an EU Blue Card?

  • Yes, but you must notify the authorities and ensure that the new job meets the EU Blue Card requirements (e.g., salary and qualifications).

5. Is a university degree mandatory for the EU Blue Card?

  • Yes, you must hold a university degree (at least a bachelor’s degree) that is recognized in Poland.

6. Can I apply for EU Long term Residence permit with an EU Blue Card?

  • Yes, after 5 years of legal residence in Poland (including time spent on the Blue Card), you may qualify for a EU Long term Residence permit.

7. What happens if my EU Blue Card application is rejected?

  • You can appeal the decision within 14 days of receiving the rejection notice.

8. Can I work in other EU countries with a Polish EU Blue Card?

  • After 18 months of working in Poland, you can move to another EU country (except Denmark and Ireland) under simplified procedures.