Key Takeaways:
- Eligibility Requirements: Valid work contract, tertiary education, five years experience, minimum salary threshold of €27,864, legal compliance, and no public policy threat.
- Application Process: Secure employment, visit embassy, complete form, gather documents, submit application, and await confirmation within 60 days.
- Benefits: Public healthcare access, standard work hours, various paid leaves, family benefits, free EU movement, and work flexibility in Estonia.
Estonia EU Blue Card: A Comprehensive Guide for Highly Qualified Workers
Estonia, a thriving and technologically advanced country, offers a wealth of opportunities for highly qualified workers seeking career growth and new challenges. One of the most appealing paths for skilled professionals to establish residency and work in Estonia is through the EU Blue Card. In this blog post, we’ll explore the ins and outs of the Estonia Blue Card, including eligibility requirements, application procedures, benefits, and more.
What Are the Eligibility Requirements for an Estonia Blue Card?
To qualify for an EU Blue Card in Estonia, applicants must meet specific criteria. These requirements ensure that only highly qualified individuals are granted this residence permit:
- Valid Work Contract: You must have a valid job offer or employment contract for at least one year (12 months) in a highly qualified position.
- Educational Background: A minimum of three years of tertiary education from a university or equivalent educational institution is required.
- Professional Experience: At least five years of documented professional work experience is essential.
- Salary Threshold: Your annual salary must meet or exceed the minimum threshold, set at 1.5 times the average gross annual salary in Estonia. For 2022, this threshold is €27,864.
- Meet National Legal and Professional Requirements: Depending on whether your profession is regulated or unregulated, you must meet national legal requirements and relevant higher professional qualifications.
- Public Policy Check: You must not be considered a threat to Estonia’s public policy.
What Is the Minimum Salary Threshold for an EU Blue Card in Estonia?
The specific salary threshold for an EU Blue Card in Estonia varies annually. For 2022, the minimum salary threshold is set at €27,864. This amount is calculated at 1.5 times the average gross annual salary. Additionally, certain professions, such as top specialists or junior administrators in specific fields, may require a salary multiple of 1.24 of the average wage. These fields include:
- Natural and Technical Sciences
- Health Protection
- Pedagogy, Business, Administration, IT, and Communication
- Law, Culture, and Social Affairs
How Long Is the EU Blue Card for Estonia Valid?
The initial validity of an Estonia Blue Card is 27 months. If your employment contract is for a different duration, the card will be valid for the contract’s length plus three additional months. However, the employment contract must be for less than two years and three months.
What Are the Costs Involved in Getting an EU Blue Card for Estonia?
Applying for an EU Blue Card in Estonia includes several fees:
- Initial Blue Card: €120
- Renewal: €96
- Replacement: €31 (or €35 if applying from abroad)
What Professions Are Available With an EU Blue Card for Estonia?
The Estonia Blue Card opens doors to various high-demand professions, such as:
- Software Engineering
- Sales and Business Development
- IT and Product Management
- Architecture
- Electrical Engineering
- Pharmaceuticals
- Business and Management
- Agriculture
- Law
- Medicine
- Academia (Professors)
- Drivers
- Other specialized fields
How to Apply for an EU Blue Card for Estonia
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Secure Employment: Find a job offer in Estonia or have a binding employment contract with an Estonian employer.
- Visit Diplomatic Missions: Schedule an appointment at the nearest Estonian embassy or consulate in your country of residence.
- Complete Application: Fill out the EU Blue Card application form with all required information.
- Gather Documents: Collect necessary documents, including:
- Valid passport issued within the last ten years.
- Recent photograph adhering to Estonia’s photo regulations.
- Proof of comprehensive health insurance.
- Educational certificates showcasing a minimum of three years of tertiary education.
- Work experience documents proving at least five years in a professional field.
- Submit Application: Submit your completed application and supporting documents to the Estonian diplomatic mission.
- Receive Confirmation: Await confirmation, which will be sent to you via email.
According to Estonian law, the processing time for an EU Blue Card should not exceed 60 days from the date of submission.
What If My EU Blue Card Application Gets Rejected?
Appeal Process
If your EU Blue Card application is rejected, you have the right to appeal the decision. Appeals must be submitted to administrative courts within ten days of receiving the rejection notice.
Common Reasons for Rejection
- Failure to meet the eligibility criteria.
- Not meeting the annual immigration quota.
- Employer’s non-compliance with tax obligations.
- Employer’s failure to inform authorities about changes in employment conditions or contract termination.
Renewing Your Estonia Blue Card
The Estonia Blue Card can be renewed multiple times, each renewal valid for up to four years and three months. It is crucial to apply for renewal before your current Blue Card expires to avoid any legal complications.
Benefits of Holding an Estonia Blue Card
Working under an Estonia Blue Card provides numerous benefits, including:
- Healthcare: Access to public healthcare 14 days after beginning employment.
- Work-Life Balance:
- Standard working hours: 8 hours per day or 40 hours per week (Monday to Friday).
- Guaranteed breaks: At least 30 minutes for lunch and 48 consecutive hours of rest weekly.
- Overtime: Compensated either as time off or monetary (1.5 times your regular salary).
- Paid Leave:
- Annual leave: Minimum of 28 calendar days.
- Public holidays: Entitlement to 12 public holidays.
- Maternity leave: 140 days, starting at least 70 days before the due date.
- Paternity leave: 10 working days within two months of the due date and additional two months after childbirth.
- Parental leave: Available until the child reaches 24 months.
- Sick leave: 182 days at 70% of the previous year’s average salary.
- Study leave: Up to 30 days.
- Family Benefits: Your dependents can join you in Estonia and enjoy similar benefits.
- Free Movement: Right to move freely within EU countries.
Changing Employers While Holding an Estonia Blue Card
If you wish to change employers while holding an Estonia Blue Card, you can do so with certain conditions. Within the first two years of your Blue Card validity, your new employer must obtain consent from the Estonian Unemployment Insurance Fund. After residing in Estonia on a Blue Card for more than two years, this requirement is waived.
Losing Your Job: What Happens to Your Blue Card?
Your Estonia Blue Card will not be immediately revoked if you lose your job. You have a grace period of three months to find new employment. However, if your unemployment period extends beyond three months or if you experience multiple periods of unemployment during the validity of your Blue Card, it could lead to its revocation.
Can I Bring My Family to Estonia With an EU Blue Card?
Absolutely. Your EU Blue Card allows your family members to join you in Estonia. However, you must demonstrate sufficient funds to support them. Your dependents, defined as your spouse, cohabiting partner, and children under 18, will be entitled to work, study, and stay in Estonia alongside you.
Am I Allowed to Work in Other EU Countries With an Estonia Blue Card?
After working in Estonia for 18 months, you can move to another EU country to engage in highly skilled employment. However, you need to apply for a new EU Blue Card in the new country.
This extensive guide should help you understand the Estonia Blue Card, its benefits, and the application process. For more detailed information, you can visit the official Immigration and Citizenship website of Estonia.
Estonia offers a promising future for highly skilled professionals. With its robust technological landscape, competitive salary thresholds, and comprehensive benefits package, obtaining an EU Blue Card for Estonia could be the perfect step for advancing your career in one of Europe’s most innovative countries.
Learn Today:
Glossary of Immigration Terms
- EU Blue Card: A residence and work permit for highly qualified workers from non-EU countries, allowing them to live and work in an EU member state. It is designed to attract skilled professionals to fill shortages in specific fields.
- Salary Threshold: The minimum salary that an applicant must earn to qualify for an EU Blue Card. In Estonia, this is set at 1.5 times the average gross annual salary, ensuring that the worker is earning a competitive wage in line with the country’s economic standards.
- Tertiary Education: Education provided by universities and other higher education institutions, typically after the completion of secondary education. For the EU Blue Card, a minimum of three years of tertiary education is required, demonstrating that the applicant has undergone advanced study in their field.
- Validity Period: The length of time an EU Blue Card remains valid. In Estonia, the initial validity period is usually 27 months, exceeding the duration of the employment contract by three months, and can be renewed.
- Legal and Professional Requirements: The legal standards and professional qualifications required in Estonia for certain professions. These can vary depending on whether the profession is regulated or unregulated and are essential to ensure that the applicant can legally carry out their job duties in Estonia.
This Article In A Nutshell:
Estonia’s EU Blue Card offers a golden opportunity for highly qualified workers to live and work in a tech-savvy nation. To qualify, you need a valid job contract, higher education, significant work experience, and meet a salary threshold. Benefits include healthcare, family relocation, and free movement within the EU.
— By VisaVerge.com
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