What is the EU Blue Card and How Do I Get One in Poland?
If you’re a highly skilled non-EU professional looking to work and live in Poland—or elsewhere in the European Union—the EU Blue Card may be your best option. Designed to attract qualified workers to the EU labor market, the Blue Card offers a streamlined path to employment, residency, and long-term settlement.
In this blog post, we’ll focus specifically on how the EU Blue Card works in Poland: what it is, who is eligible, how to apply, and what benefits it provides.
What is the EU Blue Card?
The EU Blue Card is a residence and work permit for highly qualified non-EU/EEA nationals. It allows them to live and work in a member state of the European Union under favorable conditions. The goal is to make the EU more attractive to skilled professionals from outside the bloc—especially in industries with labor shortages.
In Poland, the Blue Card is issued in accordance with the Act on Foreigners and EU Directive 2009/50/EC.
Key Benefits of the Blue Card in Poland
- Legal residence and employment in Poland
- Access to the Polish labor market under simplified rules
- Family reunification rights
- Pathway to permanent residency
- Ability to move to another EU country after 18 months
- Faster and easier application process for skilled professionals
Who is Eligible for the Blue Card in Poland?
To qualify for a Blue Card in Poland, you must meet the following requirements:
- Non-EU/EEA citizenship
- You must not be a citizen of an EU or EEA country or Switzerland.
- Valid employment offer
- You must have a signed job contract or binding job offer for highly skilled employment in Poland for at least one year.
- Minimum salary threshold
- Your gross annual salary must be at least 150% of the average gross annual salary in Poland, as announced by the Central Statistical Office (GUS). The threshold changes yearly.
- Higher education or professional qualifications
- You must have either:
- A university degree relevant to the job, or
- At least five years of relevant professional experience.
- You must have either:
- Valid health insurance
- Either through the employer or private coverage.
- No threat to public order or national security
How to Apply for a Blue Card in Poland
Step 1: Secure a Job Offer
You must first secure a job offer or employment contract that meets the salary and skill criteria. The employer does not need to obtain a labor market test (information on the availability of Polish workers) for Blue Card applicants.
Step 2: Prepare Your Documents
You’ll need the following documents:
- Completed Blue Card application form
- Valid passport
- Employment contract or binding job offer (minimum one year)
- Proof of salary meeting the threshold
- Diplomas or certificates proving qualifications
- 2–4 recent passport-sized photos
- Health insurance proof
- Official confirmation of legal stay in Poland (if applying from within Poland)
- Proof of address (rental agreement or hotel booking)
All documents in foreign languages must be officially translated into Polish.
Step 3: Submit Your Application
You can apply:
- From outside Poland: at a Polish consulate in your home country
- From within Poland: at a Voivodeship Office (Urząd Wojewódzki)
Submit your application in person. In some cases, the employer may submit it on your behalf.
Step 4: Await the Decision
The processing time may take up to 90 days, but can vary by region. You’ll receive a decision in writing. If approved, you’ll receive a temporary residence card valid for up to 3 years, depending on your contract.
What Happens After You Get the Blue Card?
Once you have the Blue Card, you can:
- Live and work in Poland under the conditions of your permit
- Apply for family reunification for your spouse and children
- Travel within the Schengen Zone for up to 90 days in a 180-day period
- After 18 months, apply for a Blue Card in another EU member state (subject to local conditions)
Can the Blue Card Be Revoked?
Yes, your Blue Card may be revoked if:
- You lose your job and cannot find new employment within 3 months
- You provide false documents
- You no longer meet the minimum salary requirement
- You violate Polish laws or national security concerns arise
Path to Permanent Residency
After five years of continuous legal stay in the EU (including at least two years in Poland on a Blue Card), you can apply for long-term EU resident status in Poland. This status grants additional rights and less bureaucratic burden when changing employers or moving within the EU.
Final Thoughts
The EU Blue Card is a valuable tool for non-EU professionals who want to build a career and life in Poland. With favorable residency terms, professional mobility, and family support options, the Blue Card offers one of the clearest paths to long-term settlement for skilled workers.
If you're planning to apply, make sure your job offer meets the salary threshold and that you prepare your documentation carefully. Given that rules and thresholds can change, it's wise to consult an immigration lawyer or your local Voivodeship Office for up-to-date guidance.
