Date: September 4th, 2010     EU Blue Card Conditions EU Blue Card applicant has to meet these criteria in order to be eligible for the card: > Present a valid work contract or, as provided for in national law, a binding job offer for employment, of at least one year in the Member State concerned. > Proof of education and/or professional qualifications/skills related to the function defined in the job offer under paragraph 1 > Present a valid travel document, e.g. passport. > Sickness insurance for all the risks normally covered for nationals of the Member State concerned. Usually this is covered by the job contract. > One must not be considered to pose a threat to public policy, public security or public health. Crucial in your Blue Card application is the first condition: A work contract in the EU. The EU Blue Card Database is designed to bring EU employers in touch with Blue Card applicants, thus creating an environment in which a job contract can be secured. EU Blue Card Benefits The EU Blue Card will allow its holder to live and work in one of the member states, for a period of one to four years, depending on the job contract. After five years the holder of the Blue Card can apply for permanent residence. During the time the Blue Card holder lives and works in one member state the cardholder can travel freely throughout the union. After 18 months of working in one member state the cardholder can move to another member state if the cardholder secures a job contract in this member state. An important advantage of the EU Blue Card over the US Green Card is the Blue Cardholder's option to reunify with his family: The Blue Card cardholder will have the opportunity to bring his family to the European Union. Under the rules set by the directive, EU Blue Card holders will enjoy equal treatment with nationals of the member state issuing the Blue Card, with regards to: > Working conditions, including pay and dismissal > Freedom of association > Education, training and recognition of qualifications > A number of provisions in national law regarding social security and pensions > Access to goods and services, including procedures for obtaining housing, information and counseling services > Free access to the entire territory of the member state concerned within the limits provided for by national law ©2010 EU Blue Card * Square de Meeûs 38/40 * 1000 Brussels * Belgium.