1. What is the EU Blue Card and how does it work in Estonia?
The EU Blue Card is a work and residence permit designed for highly skilled non-EU citizens who wish to work in the European Union. It allows these individuals to live and work in any EU member state, including Estonia, for up to four years.
To qualify for an EU Blue Card in Estonia, an individual must have a valid employment contract for at least one year with a salary of at least 1.5 times the average gross annual salary in Estonia (as set by the Estonian Ministry of Social Affairs). They must also have completed higher education or have at least five years of professional experience in their field.
To apply for an EU Blue Card in Estonia, the applicant must first obtain a job offer from an Estonian employer. The employer must then submit an application on behalf of the employee to the Police and Border Guard Board. If approved, the applicant will receive a residence permit and can start working in Estonia.
After holding an EU Blue Card for five continuous years, the cardholder may apply for long-term resident status in Estonia, which allows them to stay and work indefinitely within the country.
2. Who is eligible to apply for the EU Blue Card in Estonia?
Citizens of non-EU countries who have a valid job offer or employment contract in Estonia and meet certain salary and education requirements may be eligible to apply for the EU Blue Card. They must also have a valid residence permit and be able to support themselves financially.3. How long is the EU Blue Card valid in Estonia?
The EU Blue Card is valid for a maximum of 4 years in Estonia. After this period, it may be renewed for another 4 years if the conditions are still met. After 5 years of continuous legal residence in Estonia, EU Blue Card holders can apply for permanent residence.
4. What are the benefits of holding an EU Blue Card in Estonia?
1. Work and residence permit: The EU Blue Card allows non-EU citizens to live and work in Estonia for a period of up to 4 years.
2. Freedom of movement: The EU Blue Card allows holders to travel freely within the Schengen Area for business or leisure purposes.
3. Access to highly skilled jobs: In order to obtain an EU Blue Card, applicants must have a higher education degree or at least 5 years of professional experience in a relevant field. This makes it easier for holders to secure high-paying and skilled jobs in Estonia.
4. Family reunification: Holders of the EU Blue Card are allowed to bring their spouse and children (under the age of 18) to Estonia without a separate work permit, making it easier for families to stay together.
5. Longer validity: Unlike other types of work permits, the EU Blue Card is valid for up to 4 years and can be renewed if certain conditions are met, providing long-term job security and stability.
6. Favorable conditions for permanent residence: After holding an EU Blue Card for 5 continuous years, holders may apply for permanent residence in Estonia under more favorable conditions than other types of work permits.
7. Social benefits: EU Blue Card holders have access to social benefits such as healthcare, education, and social security on par with Estonian citizens.
8. Fast-track pathway to citizenship: After living in Estonia with an EU Blue Card for at least 3 years, holders may be eligible for fast-track naturalization as an Estonian citizen.
5. Can I apply for permanent residence after holding an EU Blue Card in Estonia?
Yes, you can apply for permanent residence in Estonia after holding an EU Blue Card. According to the Estonian Citizenship and Migration Board, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residence if you have held the EU Blue Card for at least five years, and have resided legally and continuously in Estonia for at least 183 days each year during that time. You must also demonstrate sufficient resources to support yourself and any family members, as well as the ability to communicate in Estonian at a basic level. Additionally, you must not pose a threat to public order or national security. The application process involves submitting an application form, supporting documents, and paying applicable fees.
6. What are the employment requirements for obtaining an EU Blue Card in Estonia?
The following are the employment requirements for obtaining an EU Blue Card in Estonia:
1. Job offer: The first requirement is to have a job offer from an employer in Estonia that is valid for at least one year. The employer must be registered and operating legally in Estonia.
2. Qualifications: You must have completed higher education or have completed at least five years of professional experience relevant to the job you have been offered. Your qualifications must also be recognized in Estonia.
3. Salary: Your job offer must come with a minimum gross annual salary of at least 1.5 times the average gross annual salary in Estonia, which is currently around 18,000 EUR per year.
4. Health insurance: You must have health insurance that covers all essential healthcare services in Estonia.
5. Sufficient means of subsistence: You must have sufficient financial resources to support yourself and any family members who will accompany you to Estonia without using social assistance programs.
6. Valid travel documents: You must possess a valid passport or other acceptable travel document when applying for the EU Blue Card.
7. Language skills: While not mandatory, it may be necessary to demonstrate basic knowledge of the Estonian language if your profession requires it.
8. Non-EU citizen: You are not an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen, and you do not hold a permanent residence permit in any EU member state or Switzerland.
9. No threat to public policy or security: You do not pose a threat to national security or public order in Estonia.
Please note that these requirements may vary depending on your specific situation, so it is best to consult with the Estonian immigration authorities for detailed and up-to-date information before applying for an EU Blue Card.
7. Is knowledge of Estonian language required for obtaining an EU Blue Card in Estonia?
Yes, knowledge of the Estonian language is required for obtaining an EU Blue Card in Estonia. According to the Aliens Act, applicants must have at least a basic knowledge of the Estonian language equivalent to A2 level on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) in order to be eligible for an EU Blue Card. This requirement can be waived if the applicant is a highly qualified worker in a field where English or another widely used language is necessary. However, even in such cases, demonstrating some knowledge of Estonian may increase the chances of obtaining a EU Blue Card.
8. What are the required documents for applying for an EU Blue Card in Estonia?
The required documents for applying for an EU Blue Card in Estonia are:
1. A completed and signed application form
2. Valid passport or travel document
3. A copy of a valid employment contract or binding job offer with a company registered in Estonia, which must be at least one year in duration.
4. Proof of qualifications (diplomas, degrees, etc.) and professional skills, such as work experience or professional qualifications.
5. Proof of health insurance coverage.
6. Proof of financial means to support yourself during your stay in Estonia.
7. A recent passport-sized photograph.
8. Proof of payment of the application fee.
9. If applicable, documents relating to family members accompanying you, such as marriage certificate and birth certificates for children.
10. Police clearance certificate from your country of origin or residence proving that you have no criminal record.
Note: The exact list of required documents may vary depending on the specific circumstances and individual case.
9. Is there a salary requirement for obtaining an EU Blue Card in Estonia?
Yes, there is a salary requirement for obtaining an EU Blue Card in Estonia. The minimum gross salary for 2019 is set at €1,645 per month or €19,740 per year. This salary must be paid by the employer and must be at least 1.5 times the average gross monthly salary in Estonia. In certain high-demand professions (such as IT), the salary requirement may be lower if it is still considered high compared to the average salary in Estonia. It is important to note that the salary requirements may change every year, and it is recommended to check with the Estonian Migration Board for the latest information.
10. Do I need a job offer before applying for an EU Blue Card in Estonia?
Yes, in order to apply for an EU Blue Card in Estonia, you must have a job offer from an employer in Estonia. The job offer must meet certain requirements, such as offering a salary that is at least 1.5 times the average gross monthly salary in Estonia and requiring a higher education degree or five years of professional experience in a relevant field.
11. Can I apply for an EU Blue Card if I am self-employed or a freelancer in Estonia?
No, you cannot apply for an EU Blue Card as a self-employed or freelance worker in Estonia. The EU Blue Card is intended for highly qualified workers who have an employment contract with a company in Estonia. Self-employed and freelance workers must apply for a residence permit in Estonia according to the specific regulations for entrepreneurs.
12. Are there any restrictions on changing jobs while holding an EU Blue Card in Estonia?
Yes, there are some restrictions on changing jobs while holding an EU Blue Card in Estonia. According to the Estonian Aliens Act, a person with an EU Blue Card can only change their job within the first two years of employment if the new job meets certain conditions. These include:
– The new job falls under the same occupational field as the original job for which the EU Blue Card was issued.
– The new job corresponds to at least the same level of qualifications as the original job.
– The new job offers a salary that is at least 1.5 times the average gross annual salary in Estonia.
If these conditions are not met, the person may need to apply for a new EU Blue Card or a regular residence permit in order to work in their new job. Additionally, if a person wants to change jobs after two years of employment, they must apply for a new EU Blue Card or residence permit and satisfy all eligibility criteria once again.
13. Can family members join me while I hold an EU Blue card in Estonia?
Family members of EU Blue card holders have the right to join them in Estonia. This includes the spouse and minor children under the age of 18. Family members must meet certain requirements, such as having valid travel documents and health insurance. They may also be required to apply for a residence permit at the Estonian Migration Board.
14. What are the healthcare and social security benefits available to holders of the EU Blue card in Estonia?
There are several healthcare and social security benefits available to holders of the EU Blue card in Estonia:
1. Access to public healthcare: The EU Blue card allows for access to the Estonian public healthcare system, including emergency care, general practitioner services, specialist medical care, and prescription medication.
2. Social insurance: EU Blue card holders are required to pay social tax in Estonia, which provides them with access to the country’s social security system. This includes benefits such as sickness and maternity leave, parental benefits, unemployment benefits, and retirement pensions.
3. Pension accumulation: Holding an EU Blue card in Estonia also allows for pension accumulation in the country’s pension system.
4. Family benefits: EU Blue card holders may be eligible for family benefits such as child allowances and childcare support.
5. Mobility within the EU: The EU Blue card allows for easy mobility within the European Union, including access to healthcare and social security benefits in other member states.
It is important to note that specific entitlements and eligibility criteria may vary depending on individual circumstances and length of stay in Estonia. It is recommended to consult with local authorities or immigration officials for more detailed information.
15. How long does it take to process and receive an EU blue card in Estonia?
The processing time for an EU blue card in Estonia can vary depending on individual circumstances, but it generally takes around 4-6 weeks to process the application and receive the card. Certain delays may occur due to additional document requests or administrative procedures.
16. Is it possible to extend my stay on the basis of an EU blue card after its expiration?
If your EU blue card has expired and you wish to extend your stay, you can apply for a renewal of your residence permit. However, this will depend on whether you still meet the eligibility criteria for the EU blue card. To be eligible for a renewal of your residence permit, you must have:
– Continued employment in the same job or in a new job that meets the salary threshold
– Adequate health insurance coverage
– Sufficient knowledge of the language of the host country (if required)
You should apply for a renewal before your current residence permit expires. If you fail to do so, you may be subject to penalties or even face deportation.
17. Can I change my status from an EU blue card holder to another type of residence permit?
Depending on your circumstances, it is possible to change your status from an EU blue card holder to another type of residence permit.
For example, if you have been living and working in the same EU country for five years, you may be eligible for permanent residency. In this case, you can apply for a permanent residence permit instead of renewing your EU blue card.
Additionally, if you no longer meet the eligibility criteria for an EU blue card but still wish to stay in the EU country where you hold it, you may be able to switch to a different type of residence permit that better suits your situation.
It is important to note that each EU country has its own immigration laws and procedures, so it is best to consult with local authorities or an immigration lawyer for specific advice about changing your status as an EU blue card holder.
17.Is it possible to obtain citizenship through the EU blue card scheme in Estonia?
Yes, it is possible to obtain citizenship through the EU blue card scheme in Estonia. The EU blue card scheme is a program designed to attract highly skilled workers from outside the European Union to work and live in member states. After holding an EU blue card for 5 continuous years and meeting other requirements, such as proving proficiency in the Estonian language, an individual can apply for permanent residence and eventually citizenship in Estonia. However, it should be noted that citizenship is not guaranteed and each application will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis by the authorities.
18.What are some occupations that are considered high-skilled under the criteria of the EU blue card scheme?
Some occupations that are considered high-skilled under the criteria of the EU blue card scheme include:
1. Engineers (except for technicians)
2. Natural and physical scientists
3. Medical doctors
4. IT professionals (e.g. software developers, database administrators)
5. Architects and urban planners
6. Teachers at primary or secondary level with qualifications equivalent to university level education
7. Accountants
8. Management consultants and analysts
9. Marketing and sales managers
10. Financial advisors and analysts
11. Lawyers
12. Pharmacists
13.Medical specialists (e.g., psychiatrists, surgeons)
14.Researchers in natural sciences, engineering or technology fields
15.Designers (e.g., fashion, graphic)
16.Civil servants with university-level qualifications in policy development and analysis fields
17.Dentists
18.Scientific research managers or project leaders
19.Technical writers or translators in certain language combinations
20.Control system engineers for industry-specific automation solutions
19.Does holding a previous European degree make me eligible for a reduced processing time or easier qualification criteria when applying for anEU blue card?
Possibly. Applicants holding a previous European degree may have an easier time qualifying for the EU blue card if their degree is in a high-demand field or if they meet other eligibility requirements. However, this does not guarantee a reduced processing time as each application is evaluated on its own merits and there may be other factors that could affect the processing time. It is important to thoroughly research the specific requirements and guidelines for obtaining an EU blue card in your desired country of employment.
20.How does taxation work while holding anEU blue cardin Estonia and can I receive tax exemptions or other benefits as a holder of this document?
As a holder of the EU blue card in Estonia, you will be subject to the same taxation laws as any other resident or non-resident working in the country. This means that you will have to pay income tax on your salary and other sources of income, according to the Estonian tax rates. The employer is also responsible for deducting income tax from your salary before paying it out.
However, as an EU blue card holder, you may be eligible for certain tax exemptions and benefits, depending on your individual circumstances. For example, if you are a highly qualified worker earning at least 1.5 times the average gross monthly salary in Estonia (currently around 1700 euros), you can benefit from a reduced income tax rate of 20% instead of the standard rate of 20-33%. This applies for up to five years after receiving your EU blue card.
Additionally, you may also be eligible for other benefits such as deductions for education expenses or double taxation relief if you are also paying taxes in another country.
It is important to note that these exemptions and benefits may vary depending on your personal situation, so it is recommended to consult with a tax advisor or contact the Estonian Tax and Customs Board for more information.