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Posted on October 10 2024

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

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By  Editor
Updated October 10 2024

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.

 

*Want to apply for an EU Blue Card? Sign up with Y-Axis for end-to-end assistance.

 

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

 

*Are you looking for step-by-step assistance with Overseas Immigration? Contact Y-Axis, the world’s No. 1 overseas immigration consultancy, for end-to-end assistance!

Tags:

EU Blue Card vs. Schengen Visa

Overseas immigration

Schengen visa

EU Blue card

Visit visa

Schengen visit visa

non-EU citizens

EU member states

Overseas immigration

visit abroad

work abroad

migrate to Europe

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