A temporary residence and work permit for employment in a highly qualified profession (the so- called Blue Card / EU Blue Card) is a special type of permit for qualified non-EU foreigners who plan to take up employment in Poland based on an employment contract in a specialist position. The rules for issuing this permit are defined in the Act on Foreigners.
 

Important! A “highly qualified profession” is a profession that requires the foreigner to have completed higher education (at least a 3-year degree) or to have at least 5 years of professional experience at a level comparable to the qualifications obtained through higher education, necessary to perform this work.
 

Who can apply for a Blue Card?

Foreigners may apply if they:

  • are legally residing in Poland,
  • intend to work for more than 3 months in a highly qualified profession,
  • have an employment contract (or a civil law contract meeting the conditions of specialist employment) for a minimum period of 6 months,
  • receive remuneration not lower than 150% of the average monthly salary in Poland,
  • have higher education or at least 5 years of professional experience related to the proposed
    position,
  • have appropriate accommodation and means of subsistence (their own or provided by the
    employer),
  • have health insurance – either from the National Health Fund or a private policy covering
    medical treatment in Poland.
     

How to submit the application?

The application should be submitted to the voivode competent for the foreigner’s place of residence – no later than the last day of legal stay in Poland.

Important! The application must include a number of documents confirming qualifications as well as meeting financial and formal requirements.

We offer full support in preparing the Blue Card application – from document verification to representing the foreigner and employer during the procedure.
 

Why is it worth applying for an EU Blue Card?

The Blue Card offers a number of significant privileges that are not available under the standard single permit, including:

  • faster access to EU long-term resident status – after only 33 months of legal stay (or 21
    months if you have a certificate of Polish language proficiency at B1 level),
  • facilitated family reunification – family members of the foreigner can obtain residence
    permits under simplified rules,
  • easier change of employer – after 2 years of holding a Blue Card, changing employment does
    not require a new decision (it is enough to notify the voivode),
  • the possibility of working in other EU countries – after 18 months of legal stay in Poland on
    the basis of a Blue Card, the foreigner can apply for a similar permit in another EU Member
    State (without having to leave the Schengen area),
  • higher prestige of the document – the Blue Card is recognized throughout the European
    Union as a form of residence for specialists and highly qualified employees.

Note! Blue Card holders must still comply with the conditions specified in the decision – including those regarding the position, remuneration, and scope of employment.