If you are an engineer, IT specialist, doctor or another highly qualified professional, you may be eligible for two different routes into the European labour market: the EU Blue Card and a standard national work-based permit. Both let you live and work legally, but they differ in their requirements — and in what they offer you over time.
What is the EU Blue Card?
The EU Blue Card is a residence and work permit for highly qualified non-EU workers, available in every EU country except Denmark and Ireland. The rules were modernised by a revised EU directive that member states had to apply from November 2023, making the card easier to obtain and more attractive to hold.
To qualify, you generally need:
- a binding job offer or employment contract of at least six months,
- higher professional qualifications — usually a university degree; for IT specialists, at least three years of relevant professional experience gained in the last seven years can be accepted instead,
- a salary above the national threshold, which each country sets at between 1 and 1.6 times its average gross annual salary.
In Poland, the threshold is linked to the average monthly salary in the national economy (currently 150% of it), so it rises every year. Germany publishes its own thresholds annually, with a lower threshold for shortage occupations and recent graduates.
What is a national work-based permit?
In Poland, the standard route is the combined temporary residence and work permit, Poland's version of the EU "single permit". It is open to workers of all skill levels — no degree and no special salary threshold is required beyond the minimum wage and the conditions of the role. In exchange, it is closely tied to a specific employer and position.
How the two compare
| EU Blue Card | National work-based permit | |
|---|---|---|
| Qualifications | Degree or, in IT, relevant experience | No minimum level |
| Salary | High threshold, set nationally | At least the minimum wage and the conditions of the role |
| Contract | At least 6 months | Linked to one employer and position |
| Family | Can join you without a waiting period, with access to work | Usually requires a longer period of residence first |
| Moving within the EU | Possible after 12 months, under simplified rules | Generally requires a new application in the other country |
| Long-term residence | Time spent in different EU countries can be combined | Time counts only in the issuing country |
Which route should you choose?
The Blue Card is usually the better choice if you:
- hold a degree (or have strong IT experience) and a well-paid offer,
- plan to bring your family soon after you arrive,
- may want to move to another EU country later in your career.
A national work-based permit is usually the better choice if:
- your role does not require a degree or does not meet the salary threshold,
- you want the most straightforward route for a specific job,
- you plan to build your career in one country.
You are not locked in forever: many professionals start on a national permit and switch to a Blue Card when their salary or role changes.
Get the right route from the start
Choosing the wrong route can mean extra costs and months of delay. Our team reviews your qualifications, contract and salary and recommends the option that fits your plans. Book a consultation to get started.
Salary thresholds and requirements are updated regularly. Always check the current figures before signing a contract.