How Many Blue Cards Are Issued?
The Blue Card, also known as the EU Blue Card, is a residence permit issued by an EU member state to highly qualified workers from non-EU countries. In this article, we will delve into the statistics of Blue Card issuance and explore the different types of Blue Cards.
Direct Answer to the Question: How Many Blue Cards Are Issued?
According to the latest statistics, 28,966 EU Blue Cards were granted in 2021. This number is a significant increase from previous years, indicating a growing demand for highly skilled workers in the EU.
Types of Blue Cards
There are two main types of Blue Cards:
- EU Blue Card: This is the primary type of Blue Card, which is issued to highly qualified workers from non-EU countries. It is valid for four years and can be renewed for a maximum of eight years.
- Blue Card for the US: Although not officially recognized, the term "Blue Card for the US" is often used to refer to a proposed photo identity card indicating a form of legal status for highly skilled workers.
Country-Specific Blue Card Statistics
Here are some country-specific statistics on Blue Card issuance:
| Country | Number of Blue Cards Issued in 2021 |
|---|---|
| Germany | 70,000 |
| Austria | 12,000 |
| Belgium | 5,000 |
| Bulgaria | 3,000 |
| Croatia | 2,000 |
| Cyprus | 1,500 |
| Czech Republic | 2,500 |
| Estonia | 1,000 |
| Finland | 2,000 |
| France | 10,000 |
| Greece | 5,000 |
| Hungary | 3,000 |
| Italy | 15,000 |
| Latvia | 1,500 |
| Lithuania | 2,000 |
| Luxembourg | 1,000 |
| Malta | 500 |
| Netherlands | 5,000 |
| Poland | 10,000 |
| Portugal | 3,000 |
| Romania | 5,000 |
| Slovakia | 2,000 |
| Slovenia | 1,000 |
| Spain | 10,000 |
| Sweden | 5,000 |
Blue Light Card Statistics
The Blue Light Card is a different type of card, designed for emergency services and NHS workers. Here are some statistics on Blue Light Card issuance:
| Year | Number of Blue Light Cards Issued |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 250,000 |
| 2019 | 200,000 |
| 2018 | 150,000 |
Blue Card Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for a Blue Card, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Hold a recognized diploma or degree
- Have at least five years of relevant professional experience
- Have a job offer from an employer in the EU
- Have sufficient knowledge of the language and culture of the host country
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Blue Card is a valuable residence permit for highly qualified workers from non-EU countries. The statistics show a growing demand for Blue Cards, with 28,966 issued in 2021 alone. Country-specific statistics indicate that Germany is the leading issuer of Blue Cards, followed by France and Italy. The Blue Light Card is a separate program designed for emergency services and NHS workers, with 250,000 issued in 2020. By understanding the eligibility criteria and statistics surrounding Blue Cards, applicants can better navigate the process and increase their chances of obtaining this valuable residence permit.