Introduction:
The Luxembourg EU Blue Card is a work permit scheme introduced by the EU in 2009 to attract highly skilled professionals from outside the EU to work and live in the EU member states. The EU Blue Card is available to citizens of non-EU countries with high qualifications and skills that are in demand in the EU labour market. In this article, we will discuss the Luxembourg EU Blue Card, its requirements, how to apply, benefits, and costs.
Requirements:
To be eligible for a Luxembourg EU Blue Card, the applicant must meet the following requirements
Qualifications
The applicant must have a higher education degree equivalent to Luxembourg’s university degree. The degree must be from a recognized institution and in a field relevant to the job offered.
Employment Contract
The applicant must have an employment contract from an employer in Luxembourg that is at least 1 year long.Â
The applicant must have a job offer from a Luxembourg employer that offers a gross annual salary of at least €78,336 (2023), which is adjusted annually.
Or in fields such as Computer Network Professionals, Mathematician, actuaries and statisticians, software and application developers and analysts, multimedia developers, database and network professionals, systems analysts, applications programmers, database designers and administrators, must have a job contract that pays an annual salary of at least €62,668.80.
Work Experience
The applicant must have at least five years of professional experience in the field of the job offered, which may include periods of education or training.
Language Proficiency
The applicant must have knowledge of one of the three official languages of Luxembourg (French, German, or Luxembourgish) and must provide evidence of this.
Health Insurance
The applicant must have health insurance coverage that meets Luxembourg’s legal requirements.
Documents Needed:
To apply for a Luxembourg EU Blue Card, the applicant must provide the following documents:
A valid passport or travel document.
Proof of qualifications, such as academic certificates and transcripts.
A job offer letter from a Luxembourg employer, stating the salary and job description.
Proof of work experience, such as employment certificates.
Language proficiency certificate.
Proof of health insurance coverage.
A criminal record certificate from the applicant’s home country.
How to Apply:
To apply for a Luxembourg EU Blue Card, the applicant must follow these steps:
Find a job offer from a Luxembourg employer that meets the requirements of the EU Blue Card scheme.
Collect all the required documents.
Submit the application online on the Luxembourgish government’s website.
Pay the application fee of €80.
Wait for a response from the Luxembourgish authorities.
Benefits:
The Luxembourg EU Blue Card offers several benefits to the holder, including:
Residence Permit:
The holder of a Luxembourg EU Blue Card is entitled to a residence permit in Luxembourg, which allows them to live and work in the country for up to four years. The permit can be renewed for an additional four years.
Family Reunification:
The holder of a Luxembourg EU Blue Card can bring their spouse and children to Luxembourg, who will be entitled to residence permits and access to Luxembourg’s labour market.
Free Movement:
The holder of a Luxembourg EU Blue Card can move freely within the EU member states for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Permanent Residence:
The holder of a Luxembourg EU Blue Card is eligible to apply for permanent residence in Luxembourg after five years of legal residence.
Cost:
The cost of applying for a Luxembourg EU Blue Card is €80. This fee is non-refundable and must be paid at the time of application. The cost of health insurance coverage and other expenses related to the application, such as translation and legal fees, are the responsibility of the applicant.
Conclusion:
The Luxembourg EU Blue Card is an excellent opportunity for highly skilled professionals from outside the EU to work and live in Luxembourg. To be eligible for a Luxembourg EU Blue Card, the applicant must meet the requirements of the scheme, including having a job offer from a Luxembourg employer that meets the salary threshold and having the necessary qualifications and work experience.
The application process involves collecting the required documents and submitting the application online, along with paying the application fee. Once approved, the holder of the Luxembourg EU Blue Card is entitled to several benefits, including a residence permit, family reunification, free movement within the EU, and the ability to apply for permanent residence after five years. However, it’s essential to note that the cost of health insurance coverage and other expenses related to the application, such as translation and legal fees, are the responsibility of the applicant.
In conclusion, the Luxembourg EU Blue Card is an attractive option for highly skilled professionals looking to work and live in Luxembourg. The scheme aims to attract talent from outside the EU, and the requirements for eligibility are stringent, ensuring that only the most qualified individuals are granted a Blue Card. If you meet the requirements and are considering applying, make sure to collect all the required documents and follow the application process carefully. Good luck with your application!