Our Romanian lawyers can help you apply for the EU blue card, the mandatory document required by some highly skilled foreign nationals as proof of their right to remain in the country.
What is the EU blue card?
The EU blue card, also known as the single permit in Romania, proves that the holder has the right to remain in the country.
The EU blue card is intended for highly skilled, non-EU employees who intend to live and work in the European Union, in this case, in Romania.
The EU blue card is a regime applicable to highly qualified workers, supporting their mobility within the European Union, and it is valid across the EU member states, except for Denmark and Ireland.
Who is required to apply for an EU blue card?
Highly qualified non-EU workers who are interested in taking up employment in an EU Member State are required to apply for a residence permit that suits their purpose of stay – this can be the EU blue card.
Where do you apply for the EU blue card?
The document is issued upon entry into Romania by the territorial office of the General Inspectorate for Immigration, in the county where you will be taking up employment in Romania.
The application is submitted in person, at least 30 days before the expiry of the entry visa.
An EU blue card is generally issued within 90 days following the submission of the application.
What are the required documents?
The general application dossier consists of the following:
- Filled-in application;
- Identification document (used to enter Romania – most commonly, the passport);
- Proof of accommodation;
- Medical certificate;
- Proof of fee payment.
The current costs associated with EU blue card applications submitted in Romania include a fee of 265 RON (about 52 euros), plus other consular fees.
The mandatory qualifications are highlighted below by our team.
What are the eligibility conditions for the EU blue card?
To obtain an EU blue card, a foreign employee must:
- Have an employment offer or a signed employment agreement;
- Have an annual gross salary that complies with the minimum amounts;
- Provide adequate proof of their professional qualifications, studies, or competencies.
How long is the EU blue card valid for?
The validity period depends on the length of the employment agreement. The following can apply:
- Minimum 24 months when the employment agreement is valid for two or more years;
- The duration of the employment agreement plus 3 months, when the employment contract is concluded for a period of less than two years.
What are the rights of an EU blue card holder?
An EU blue card holder enjoys short-term and long-term mobility within the European Union.
The following rights apply to foreign highly skilled individuals who reside in Romania under an EU blue card:
- Multiple entry in Romania and the right to reside in the country for the duration of the blue card;
- Access to highly qualified positions offered by Romanian employers (for which the applicant is qualified, as per the blue card conditions);
- The right to fair treatment, identical to that of Romanian citizens in terms of work, education, social security, and access to services;
- The right to apply for a family reunification permit;
- The right to accumulate the lawful residence period within the said state, to become eligible for a long-term residence permit within the EU.
A blue card holder who resides and works in Romania can travel to other EU Member States for no more than 3 months in a 6-month period, for work-related purposes.
After one year in Romania, the EU blue card holder can relocate to another Member State by submitting another application for the same type of permit to the authorities in the new country.
Contact us for more information about the Romanian single permit or blue card, or if you have questions about other matters related to immigration to Romania.