EU Blue Card for Nigerians- How to Apply.

The EU Blue Card is a residence permit that is issued to certain persons from Third-World countries that are highly qualified and are planning to work and reside in the European Union. The holders of the EU Blue Card are granted certain benefits and securities. However, the EU Blue Card is hard to obtain.

EU is the short form for European Union- Europe is a continent located entirely in the Northern Hemisphere and mostly in the Eastern Hemisphere. It is bordered by the Arctic Ocean to the north, the Atlantic Ocean to the west, Asia to the east, and the Mediterranean Sea to the south. The European Union (EU) is a group of 28 countries that operates as an economic and political block- nineteen of the countries use the euro as their official currency.

The EU Blue Card enables Nigerians who are university graduates or those who have good qualification to receive the said residence permit for the purpose of working in Europe. EU Blue Card holders are permitted to bring a family (could be your partner, relative or children) and can also sponsor their family members' permits.

Who can apply for the EU blue card?

Like it was earlier stated, the EU blue card is not given to just anyone. It is issued to highly-qualified workers and even researchers from non-EU-countries.

In order to qualify for a EU Blue Card the following conditions must be met:

• Applicants are required to provide proof that they have completed college/university-level studies.
• Applicants must submit an employment contract or a binding job offer.
• Applicants of the EU Blue Card must be highly paid in order to receive the EU blue card. Blue Card applicants are expected to have a minimum gross salary of at least 52,000 Euros.

Even though certain third-world countries are allowed to apply for the EU Blue Card, not all nationalities are eligible for the EU Blue Card.

Apart from Ireland, Denmark and the United Kingdom, you can apply for the EU Blue Card in other Europe nations and the applications should be filed at the Foreigner's Office in the respective country.

You can also apply for a France work visa, check here to get more information on how to apply.

How to apply for an EU Blue Card

There are certain documents needed to apply for the EU Blue Card, these are:

• Two passport-sized personal photos not older than 6 months.
• Proof of application fee payment.
• An application form filled by either you or your employer.
• A university diploma that is recognized.
• A valid work contract of at least one year in the hosting Europe state.
• The equivalent certificate or license of profession (this is applicable for regulated professions).
• Proof of your salary exceeding by 1.5 times the average salary in the hosting Europe state.
• A declaration written by your employer.
• A valid travel document.
• A police statement confirming a clean criminal record.

EU Blue Card fees

The application fee payment for issuance of the EU Blue Card is around 140 Euros and 100 Euros for renewal of the EU Blue Card.

Do you know you can also apply for a Canadian work permit? Click here to know more.

EU Blue Card validity

Once the application is approved, the EU Blue Card is valid for between 1-4 years depending on the length of the applicant's work contract. The EU Blue Card is renewable.

EU Blue Card processing time

The EU Blue Card is processed within few days to weeks, this depends on the backlog of applications. The maximum processing time is three months.

Can the EU Blue Card be retracted?

The EU Blue Card can be taken away if applicants do not meet certain criteria. Applications may be rejected on several grounds, as cited by the European Union Council Directive 2009/50/EC. Your EU Blue Card can be rejected or taken away for the following reasons:

• An application may be rejected if you are not qualified for the particular job.
• If your employer is part of a fraudulent business.
• If your documents prove to be fake.
• For health and security reasons.
• If you no longer meet the required conditions.
• If there are national citizens, EU citizens, or non-EU citizens already living in the desired hosting state who can take up the position.

Are you a highly-skilled individual and you are looking to take up paid employment and residence permit in Europe? We can assist with the EU Blue Card application process, click here to get started.