What is EU Blue Card in Poland?
EU Blue Card refers to a temporary residence permit for highly qualified workers. If you plan to stay in Poland for more than three months for highly qualified work, you should apply for the EU Blue Card, a type of temporary residence permit. It's important to submit your application in person before your current legal status, such as your visa or residence card, expires. By applying before the expiry date, you can legally remain in Poland while your application is processed. Ensure your application is error-free and your passport is valid. Be aware that applications may be rejected without processing in certain circumstances, such as entering Poland on a visa for tourism or family visits.
Blue card requirements
Poland blue card minimum salary
To calculate the minimum salary requirement for the EU Blue Card in Poland, you multiply the average monthly gross salary from the previous year by 150%. Here's the breakdown for your example:
For 2023 Applications:
For 2024 Applications:
It's important to use the most recent full-year average salary data available at the time of application to ensure the calculation is accurate.
For 2023 Applications:
- The average salary for 2022, as reported by GUS (Main Statistical Office), was PLN 6,346.15.
- To find the minimum salary requirement for 2023, multiply PLN 6,346.15 by 150%: PLN 6,346.15 × 150% = PLN 9,519.225
- Rounded up, this gives a minimum salary requirement of approximately PLN 9,520 for Poznań.
For 2024 Applications:
- The average salary for the third quarter of 2023 was PLN 7,194.95.
- Assuming this figure represents the average for the entire year of 2023, the minimum salary requirement for 2024 would be: PLN 7,194.95 × 150% = PLN 10,792.425
- This would mean a potential minimum salary requirement of around PLN 10,792.42 for applications submitted in 2024.
It's important to use the most recent full-year average salary data available at the time of application to ensure the calculation is accurate.
Contract
The requirement for the EU Blue Card in Poland includes having a contract of employment that is valid for at least one year. This contract can take various forms:
1) Contract of Employment: A standard employment contract between an employer and an employee, specifying terms of employment, salary, and job responsibilities.
2) Contract of Superimposed Employment: This might refer to a specific form of employment agreement, possibly involving additional or specific terms compared to a standard employment contract.
3) Civil-Law Contract: This pertains to contracts under civil law for performing work, providing services, or being in an official relationship. Civil-law contracts can include specific types of agreements like contracts of mandate (umowa zlecenie) or specific-task contracts (umowa o dzieło).
Qualification
Applicants must provide a higher education diploma or proof of five years of professional experience, like an employment certificate. Documents in foreign languages should be accompanied by a Polish translation from a sworn translator.
Blue card in Poland VS Karta Pobytu
Benefits Karta Pobytu (Normal Residence Permit based on Work)
A residence permit in Poland based on work offers several benefits for non-EU nationals. These include:
- Legal Residence and Work Authorization: The permit allows you to legally reside and work in Poland. It is specific to your employer and job position.
- Family Reunification: Your family members may join you in Poland.
- Access to Social Services: You gain access to healthcare, social security, and educational services on the same terms as Polish citizens.
- Freedom of Movement: You can travel freely within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days.
- Path to Long-Term Residency and Citizenship: Prolonged stay in Poland on a residence permit can lead to long-term residency or even Polish citizenship, subject to fulfilling certain conditions.
- Employment Rights: You are entitled to the same employment rights as Polish nationals, including minimum wage, safe working conditions, and protection against discrimination, but under the company from which you got residence permit
Benefits of Blue Card in Poland
Beside the pros of Normal Residence Permit, you can also get special advantages of the Polish Blue Card:
- Family Benefits: Family members can work in Poland without a separate permit.
- Education Access: Children of Blue Card holders enjoy free education, just like Polish citizens.
- EU Residence Card Eligibility: Time spent in other EU countries on a Blue Card counts towards the EU Residence Card in Poland after 2 years of residency in Poland.
- Easy Employment Changes: After 2 years, changing employers or positions only requires notifying authorities, not reapplying.
- Flexible Stay: Up to 3 months' stay in Poland allowed without employment.
- PR: After For a Long-term EU residence permit in Poland, you usually need five years of continuous stay and proof of stable income in the last three years. However, for Blue Card holders, only the last two years' income is considered, making the process easier and quicker.
FAQ
How long can i stay outside Poland with blue card?
With a Polish Blue Card, you can stay outside of Poland, but not for an indefinite period. Generally, the Blue Card allows for shorter absences without affecting your status:
- Short Absences: You can stay outside Poland (and the EU) for up to six months in a year without affecting your Blue Card status.
- Longer Absences: If you are absent for more than six months in a year, it could lead to the revocation of your Blue Card.
Poland blue card changing after married surname.
If you have a Polish Blue Card and you change your surname due to marriage, you will need to update your Blue Card and other legal documents to reflect your new name. Here are the general steps you should follow:
- Update Your Passport: First, get your passport updated with your new surname.
- Notify Immigration Authorities: Inform the local immigration office or the relevant authority in Poland about the change in your surname. This is typically the office where you initially applied for your Blue Card.
- Apply for a New Blue Card: You will likely need to apply for a new Blue Card that reflects your updated surname.That doesn't mean the full application from 0. It is only the card update.
- Other Documents: You might also need to update other documents like your residence registration, work permit (if separate from the Blue Card), and any other official records.
- Timeline: Do this as soon as possible after your name change to ensure all your legal documents are consistent and up to date.
- Fees: Be prepared to pay any applicable fees for the issuance of a new Blue Card.
Blue card in Poland - planning changes
The conditions for obtaining a Blue Card in Poland, particularly concerning the minimum salary requirement, are subject to change regularly. These adjustments often reflect economic factors such as inflation and are part of the Polish government's efforts to support its citizens. As a result, the minimum salary based on the average wage can vary from year to year. As of now, there are no planned changes to the existing rules for Blue Card holders in Poland.
If i have eu blue card from Poland can i work in Germany
No. Holding an EU Blue Card from Poland does not automatically grant you the right to work in Germany or other EU countries. The EU Blue Card is tied to the country that issued it, which in your case is Poland. Here’s what you need to know about working in another EU country with a Polish Blue Card:
Initial Period: You are required to stay in the country that issued your Blue Card, Poland in this case, for at least 18 months before moving to another EU country for work.
Moving to Another EU Country: After 18 months, you can move to another EU country, like Germany, for work. However, you must apply for a new EU Blue Card in the country you wish to work in.
Application Process in New Country: To work in Germany, you would need to go through the application process for a German EU Blue Card. This includes meeting the salary threshold and other criteria specific to Germany.
No Automatic Transfer: Your Polish Blue Card does not transfer directly to Germany. Each EU country has its own application process and requirements for the EU Blue Card.
Short Stays: For short stays like business trips or tourism, you can use your Polish Blue Card to travel within the Schengen Area, but this does not permit you to work in other EU countries.
Initial Period: You are required to stay in the country that issued your Blue Card, Poland in this case, for at least 18 months before moving to another EU country for work.
Moving to Another EU Country: After 18 months, you can move to another EU country, like Germany, for work. However, you must apply for a new EU Blue Card in the country you wish to work in.
Application Process in New Country: To work in Germany, you would need to go through the application process for a German EU Blue Card. This includes meeting the salary threshold and other criteria specific to Germany.
No Automatic Transfer: Your Polish Blue Card does not transfer directly to Germany. Each EU country has its own application process and requirements for the EU Blue Card.
Short Stays: For short stays like business trips or tourism, you can use your Polish Blue Card to travel within the Schengen Area, but this does not permit you to work in other EU countries.
How to travel to London from Poland with blue card?
Traveling from Poland to London with an EU Blue Card involves a few specific considerations, especially since the United Kingdom is no longer a part of the European Union following Brexit. Here are the steps you should follow:
- Valid Passport: Ensure that your passport is valid. While your EU Blue Card identifies your residency status within the EU, it's not a travel document. You'll need a valid passport to travel to the UK.
- UK Visa Requirements: As a non-EU country, the UK has its own visa requirements. Depending on your nationality, you may need to apply for a UK visa to enter the country. The EU Blue Card does not grant you visa-free access to the UK.
- Visa Application: If you require a visa, you should apply for it from the UK government's official visa website. The type of visa will depend on the purpose of your visit (tourism, business, etc.).
- Travel Insurance: It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers your stay in the UK.
- COVID-19 Regulations: Be aware of any COVID-19 travel restrictions or requirements, such as testing or quarantine. These regulations can change, so check the latest information before your trip.
- Return to Poland: Ensure that your EU Blue Card and Polish residency are still valid for your return to Poland. Your absence from Poland should not exceed the permitted duration under the Blue Card regulations to maintain its validity.
Can i travel to Poland after my polish blue card is expired?
No. You can enter Poland only with valid travel documents which are granting the entrance to Poland.
How to get blue card in Poland?
To obtain a Blue Card in Poland, follow these steps:
Remember, each case can vary, and it's important to check for any specific requirements or changes in the process. Staying informed and organized is key to a successful application.
- Book an Appointment: Schedule an appointment at the Voivode office (Department of Foreigners or "immigration office"). If you're unable to book an appointment, seek assistance from customer support.
- Postal Submission Option: If managing the process independently, you can submit your documents via Poczta Polska (Polish Post) and wait for an invitation for fingerprinting.
- Using Support Services: Availing of support services can expedite the process. They can assist in securing an appointment slot, which can save about four months of waiting for a fingerprinting invitation.
- Document Collection: Once you have an appointment, gather all required documents:
- Two application forms.
- Immigration fees.
- Annexes No. 1 and No. 2.
- Labor Market Test.
- Employment contract.
- Qualifications proof, translated into Polish.
- Four passport-sized photos.
- ZUS RCA (Social Insurance Institution) document.
- Rental contract.
- Submission with Fingerprinting: Submit these documents to the inspector during your fingerprinting appointment.
- Follow-up: Regularly follow up on your case with the immigration office and provide any updated information as needed.
- Decision and Card Collection: Once the decision is made, you will be instructed on how to collect your Blue Card.
Remember, each case can vary, and it's important to check for any specific requirements or changes in the process. Staying informed and organized is key to a successful application.
Can blue card holder work with B2B in Poland?
Possession of business automatically makes impossible to get Residence Permit in Poland based on work. In summary, while the EU Blue Card is typically associated with standard employment contracts, any desire to work under a B2B contract in Poland should be carefully evaluated in the context of immigration and labor laws. Anyway after getting Blue Card nobody checks if you have business entity in Poland.
How much time blue card processing take in Poland in 2023
The process time depends on the location. In Warsaw we get cases done in 5-6 months. In Kraków, Wrocław, Opole - up to 7 months. In Katowice and Gdańsk people may wait even up to 18 months.
Does poland provide blue card to international students
No. The Blue Card is only of privilege of those who work in Poland. However if you got a vacancy in company and your salary meets the requirements, you can consider the change of your stay purpose.
