What the Blue Card is and how it works
It is a single EU permit, governed by Directive 2021/1883, that allows graduates from third countries to work and reside in a member state. You apply in the country where the company is located, with the job offer in one hand and the qualification in the other.
The card is granted for a specific job and a specific country, but it facilitates mobility within the EU: after twelve months in one country, the holder can move to another member state under a simplified procedure. In practice, it is the most powerful permit for qualified profiles in Europe.
General requirements
The common requirements across all countries: a higher education qualification (bachelor's or master's degree) or five years of equivalent professional experience, a contract or binding offer of at least one year, and a gross annual salary above the threshold of the relevant country.
The worker cannot be in an irregular situation in the EU when applying, and must have no criminal record that poses a threat to public order. Direct family members (spouse and children) obtain residence permits and can work without additional procedures.
Salary thresholds in 2026
Each country sets its own threshold, usually linked to its average salary. These are the ones in force for 2026 in the markets where Filnet operates:
Key points
- Germany: €48,300 gross per year (general threshold) and €43,759.80 in shortage occupations
- Spain: 1.4 times the average annual earnings, reduced to 80% for hard-to-fill occupations (under the Royal Decree transposing the directive)
- Portugal: €21,030 gross per year for most occupations, below the national average to attract talent
- France: 1.5 times the gross annual minimum wage (SMIC), varying with contract duration
Duration, renewal and conditions
The card is granted for a period of one to four years, or the duration of the contract if shorter. After two years in the first country with the card, the holder can move within the EU under more favourable conditions than any other work permit.
If the contract ends, the holder has a job-search period (at least three months) without losing their status. In Germany, with sufficient contributions, permanent residence can be obtained in 21 or 27 months, well ahead of the usual five years.
The Blue Card does not require the labour market situation certificate that is requested for other permits: the company does not have to prove that there is no local candidate. That is the great attraction for a subsidiary that wants to bring in specific talent.
How to apply for it from your company
The procedure begins in the destination country: the company submits the application with the signed contract and the worker's documentation, or the worker applies at the consulate with the firm offer if the country allows it.
In Germany, the application to the Ausländerbehörde with the offer and the recognised or homologated qualification; in Spain, to the Large Companies Unit (UGE) or immigration office with the offer and the qualification; in Portugal, to AIMA with the contract and qualification.
In the six markets where Filnet incorporates subsidiaries, the entire process can be prepared with a local adviser: from the recognition of the qualification to the online submission. It is advisable to start it at the same time as the incorporation of the company, so that the worker joins once the company is already operational.
