EU Blue Card - Highly Qualified Workers
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 365 days
- Processing time
- Visa D: 15-30 working days; Blue Card residence permit: 1-3 months
- Fee
- EUR 135 (National Visa D) + PLN 440 (residence permit)
- Validity
- Visa D up to 1 year; then EU Blue Card residence permit valid for duration of contract plus 3 months, maximum 4 years
- Entry
- Multiple entry
The EU Blue Card is for highly qualified third-country nationals. As of June 2025 reforms, the minimum employment contract duration has been reduced from one year to six months. Applicants with at least three years of relevant work experience can qualify, particularly in high-demand sectors like IT, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence, even without a university degree. The salary must be at least 1.5 times the average gross annual salary in Poland (or 1.2 times for shortage occupations). The Blue Card holder enters on a Visa D and then applies for the Blue Card residence permit at the local voivodeship office after arrival.
Eligibility
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Nationality
Third-country nationals (non-EU/EEA/Swiss) with high qualifications.
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Employment
Must have an employment contract of at least 6 months duration with salary at least 1.5 times the average gross annual salary in Poland (1.2 times for shortage occupations). Higher education degree or 3 years relevant professional experience in high-demand sectors.
Required status: Employment contract meeting Blue Card salary requirements
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Financial
Employment contract must meet minimum salary thresholds for the EU Blue Card.
Minimum funds: 1.5x average gross salary (or 1.2x for shortage occupations)
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 3
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Photo
Count: 2; Specifications: 35x45mm, colour
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Accommodation proof
Provide hotel booking, tenancy evidence or host details that cover the planned stay.
Accepted types: Rental agreement or employer-provided housing; Must cover full stay: No
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Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
Form name: National visa D and EU Blue Card application; Form url: https://secure.e-konsulat.gov.pl/
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Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: Cash, card; Amount: EUR 135 (visa) + PLN 440 (Blue Card residence permit)
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Curriculum vitae
Provide a current CV showing education, work history and relevant qualifications.
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Academic transcript
Provide academic records for the course, qualification or training route.
Must be notarized: Yes; Must be translated: Yes
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Work contract
Provide a signed job offer, contract or assignment letter showing the role, dates and employer.
Must be notarized: No; Must be translated: Yes
How to apply
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Document gathering
Obtain employment contract meeting Blue Card salary requirements. Gather passport, photos, qualifications, CV, insurance, and accommodation proof.
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Online application
Apply for Visa D via e-Konsulat system.
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Appointment booking
Book appointment at Polish embassy or consulate.
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Fee payment
Pay Visa D fee of EUR 135.
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Document submission
Submit Visa D documents in person.
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Biometrics
Provide biometric data.
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Processing wait
Wait for Visa D processing (15-30 working days). After arrival in Poland, apply for EU Blue Card residence permit at the voivodeship office (1-3 months processing).
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Visa collection
Collect passport with Visa D sticker. After arriving in Poland, collect EU Blue Card residence card from voivodeship office.