What are the differences between an EU Blue Card and a Schengen Visa?

An EU Blue card and a Schengen visa are both, particularly for non-EU citizens. An EU Blue card serves as a work and residence permit for highly qualified and talented non-EU citizens, while a Schengen visa is a short-term visit visa that lets non-EU citizens visit the Schengen area. The EU Blue card is issued by 25 European countries, excluding Denmark and Ireland, which is yet to implement it. Around 27 countries fall under the Schengen area, excluding Ireland and Cyprus. The EU Blue card and a Schengen visa facilitate entry to non-EU citizens for different purposes.

 

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EU Blue Card vs. Schengen Visa

The table below lists the differences between an EU Blue Card and a Schengen Visa:

Factors	EU Blue Card	Schengen visa
Type of visa	Residence and work permit	Short-term visit visa
Eligibility Criteria	Master’s degree, or a certificate in an equivalent program	Must be a non-EU citizens
	Be a highly skilled professional	Must have an active passport
	Have a minimum of 5years of professional experience	Have €30,000 as medical travel insurance
	Have an employment contract in the EU state country	The purpose of travel must be established
	Fulfill the income requirements
	Proof that you fulfill the national legal requirements (For regulated professions)
Requirements	Filled application form	Valid passport
	Valid passport	Schengen visa application form
	Updated CV	Travel itinerary details
	Work experience of at least 5 years	Proof of funds
	Employment contract	Evidence that you will not be staying exceeding the visa duration (study status or employment contract)
	Proof of fee payment	Medical insurance
	Medical insurance
	Proof that you met the minimum salary requirements
	Criminal clearance certificate
	A written declaration form the EU employer
List of countries	Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden.	Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland
Can I apply for permanent residency?	Yes	No
Validity	1-4 years	90 days
Renewal?	yes	No
Application fees	Varies based on EU country	€90
Processing time	90 days	15 days
Pros	Provides a PR pathway	Allows free travel within the Schengen area
	Family Reunification	Gain access to Schengen countries sonly with a single visa
	Convenient entry and exit policies	Enter multiple times depending on your purpose of visit
	Free travel access within the Schengen area	Travel to 29 countries
	Allows you to bring your family
Cons	High salary requirements	Does not offer flexibility
	Strict eligibility criteria	Does not allow longer stay in the country
	Offers less flexibility	Cannot apply for permanent residence
		Cannot seek employment or take part I work-related activities

 

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