1. What is the EU Blue Card and how does it work?

The EU Blue Card is a work and residence permit issued by certain European Union (EU) member states to skilled non-EU citizens who wish to live and work in the EU. It was introduced in 2009 to make it easier for highly qualified workers from outside the EU to come and work in the EU.

In order to obtain an EU Blue Card, an individual must have a higher education degree (equivalent to a bachelor’s degree or higher), have a job offer or a binding job contract from an employer in an EU member state for at least one year, and meet the salary requirements set by the country where they wish to work. The salary threshold can vary between countries but must be at least 1.5 times the average national salary.

Once granted, the EU Blue Card allows its holder to live and work in the country that issued it for up to two years initially, with the possibility of renewal. After residing legally in that country for five years, the individual may apply for long-term residence status, which allows them greater freedoms within the EU.

Blue Card holders may also be able to bring their family members with them to the EU and have access to certain social rights such as education, health care, and family reunification.

Overall, the aim of the EU Blue Card is to attract highly skilled workers from outside Europe and increase competitiveness and economic growth within the EU.

2. How can I apply for an EU Blue Card in Malta?

You can apply for an EU Blue Card in Malta by following these steps:

1. Check if you meet the eligibility criteria: To be eligible, you must have a higher education degree or at least 5 years of professional experience, a job offer in Malta that pays at least 1.5 times the average gross salary, and valid health insurance.

2. Obtain a job offer from a Maltese employer: Your employer must confirm that your skills and qualifications match the job requirements and provide a signed contract or letter of employment.

3. Gather necessary documents: You will need to submit copies of your passport, educational and professional certificates, proof of valid health insurance, and a signed employment contract.

4. Apply for an Employment License: You or your employer must apply for an employment license through Jobsplus, which is the Maltese government’s online portal for work permits and immigration services.

5. Submit your application for an EU Blue Card: Once you have obtained the employment license, you can submit your application for an EU Blue Card to Jobsplus.

6. Pay the applicable fees: The processing fee for an EU Blue Card in Malta is €80.

7. Wait for your decision: The processing time for an EU Blue Card application in Malta is around 3 months from the date of submission.

If your application is approved, you will receive a residence permit which will be valid for up to 2 years. After 2 years, you can renew your residence permit as long as you still meet the eligibility requirements.

3. What are the eligibility requirements for obtaining an EU Blue Card?

To obtain an EU Blue Card, the applicant must meet the following eligibility requirements:

1. Have a valid job offer from an employer in an EU member state.
2. Possess a higher education degree or proof of at least five years of professional experience in a relevant field.
3. Meet the minimum salary requirement set by the member state (at least 1.5 times the average gross annual salary).
4. Have a valid travel document and health insurance.
5. Pass a background check and don’t pose any threat to public policy, security or health of the member state.
6. Meet any additional requirements set by the member state, such as language proficiency or specific skills in high-demand sectors.
7. Not have entered or stayed irregularly in the EU.
8. Not be considered a threat to public policy, security or health of other nations based on records from Interpol databases.

Please note that these requirements may vary slightly among different EU member states, as they have some flexibility in setting their own criteria for granting EU Blue Cards.

4. Can non-EU citizens apply for an EU Blue Card in Malta?

Yes, non-EU citizens can apply for an EU Blue Card in Malta if they meet the eligibility criteria.

5. What are the eligibility criteria for an EU Blue Card in Malta?
To be eligible for an EU Blue Card in Malta, you must:

– Hold a valid work contract for highly skilled employment in Malta lasting at least one year
– Have a recognized university degree or equivalent qualifications
– Have at least five years of relevant work experience
– Provide proof of sufficient financial resources to support yourself during your stay (such as bank statements)
– Provide a clean criminal record from your country of origin and any countries you have lived in for the past five years
– Have health insurance coverage
– Meet any other requirements set by Maltese immigration authorities.

6. How long is the processing time for an EU Blue Card in Malta?
The processing time for an EU Blue Card in Malta can vary depending on individual circumstances and workload of the immigration authorities. It is advisable to submit your application as early as possible to allow enough time for processing.

7. Can I bring my family members with me to Malta on an EU Blue Card?
Yes, you can bring your spouse or registered partner and minor children with you to Malta on an EU Blue Card. They will also need to apply for residence permits.

8. Is there a minimum salary requirement for an EU Blue Card in Malta?
Yes, the minimum salary requirement for an EU Blue Card in Malta is set at 1.5 times the average gross annual salary paid full-time employees in Malta, which is currently around €20,600 per year.

9. Will my EU Blue Card automatically be renewed after its expiration date?
No, your EU Blue card will not automatically be renewed after its expiration date. You will need to apply for a renewal at least 60 days before it expires and meet all necessary requirements again.

10. Can I change jobs while holding an EU Blue Card in Malta?
Yes, you can change jobs while holding an EU Blue Card in Malta. However, the new job must meet the requirements for a highly skilled occupation and your salary must still meet the minimum threshold. You will also need to inform the Maltese immigration authorities of the job change.

5. How long is the validity of an EU Blue Card in Malta?

The validity of an EU Blue Card in Malta is issued for a maximum duration of 3 years. After this period, it can be renewed if the employment contract is still ongoing and the applicant continues to meet the requirements for the Blue Card.

6. What are the benefits of holding an EU Blue Card in Malta?

1. Highly skilled job opportunities: The EU Blue Card is designed for highly skilled workers, making it easier to access higher-paying jobs in Malta.

2. Faster residence permit processing: The application process for an EU Blue Card is faster than regular work permits, allowing you to start working sooner.

3. Validity and travel flexibility: The EU Blue Card is valid for up to 4 years and allows for multiple entries and exits into the Schengen area, giving you greater flexibility to travel within Europe.

4. Family reunification: If you have an EU Blue Card in Malta, your family members can join you in the country without needing separate work permits.

5. Permanent residency: After holding an EU Blue Card for 5 years, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency in Malta.

6. Access to public services: As a holder of an EU Blue Card, you are entitled to access public services such as healthcare and education on the same basis as Maltese nationals.

7. Portability: If you have been living and working in another EU member state prior to coming to Malta with an EU Blue Card, your time spent working in that country can count towards your 5-year residency requirement for permanent residency.

8. Fewer restrictions on changing jobs: With an EU Blue Card, you are not restricted to working only for the employer who sponsored your card; you may change employers within the same industry or sector more easily.

9. Pathway to citizenship: Holding an EU Blue Card can also be a pathway to citizenship in Malta after meeting certain requirements.

10. Enhanced global mobility: Malta has agreements with several non-EU countries that recognize the qualifications of holders of an EU Blue Card, making it easier to work and live in other parts of the world.

7. Is there a minimum salary requirement for obtaining an EU Blue Card in Malta?

Yes, the minimum gross annual salary requirement for obtaining an EU Blue Card in Malta is €29,751 for highly skilled workers in general. However, this may vary depending on the specific job profile and local market conditions. It is recommended to consult with the relevant authorities or a legal advisor for up-to-date information on salary requirements.

8. Are there any language requirements for obtaining an EU Blue Card in Malta?

Yes, applicants must be proficient in English or Maltese language at a minimum B1 level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). This can be demonstrated through language exams or previous education and work experience in an English or Maltese speaking country.

9. Can I bring my family members with me when I obtain an EU Blue Card in Malta?

Yes, you can bring your immediate family members (spouse and children under 21) with you when you obtain an EU Blue Card in Malta. Your family members will be eligible to apply for a residence permit as dependents, which would allow them to live and work in Malta while you hold the EU Blue Card. They may also be eligible for certain social benefits and services.

10. Can I change jobs while holding an EU Blue Card in Malta?

Under the EU Blue Card Directive, as long as you meet the necessary qualifications and salary requirements for the new job, you are allowed to change jobs while holding an EU Blue Card in Malta. However, you will need to inform the authorities and obtain a new residence permit reflecting your new employment.

11. Do I need to have a job offer before applying for an EU Blue Card in Malta?

No, you can apply for an EU Blue Card in Malta without a job offer. However, you will need to meet the eligibility criteria and have the necessary documentation to support your application, such as proof of education qualifications and evidence of sufficient financial resources. Having a job offer may increase your chances of being approved for the EU Blue Card, but it is not a required component of the application.

12. Is there a quota limit for the number of EU Blue Cards issued in Malta?

There is no specified quota limit for the number of EU Blue Cards that can be issued in Malta. The government may set limits or restrictions based on labor market conditions and demand for highly skilled workers, but this is subject to change.

13. Can my employer sponsor me for an EU Blue Card in Malta?

Yes, your employer can sponsor you for an EU Blue Card in Malta if you meet the necessary requirements. This includes having a valid employment contract with a duration of at least one year, a university degree or five years of professional experience in a relevant field, and a minimum salary that is at least 1.5 times the average wage in Malta. Your employer will also need to provide supporting documents such as proof of their business registration, tax compliance, and any necessary permits.

14. Is it possible to obtain permanent residence through the EU Blue Card in Malta?

Yes, it is possible to obtain permanent residence through the EU Blue Card in Malta. After holding an EU Blue Card for five years (or three years if you have a highly skilled job), you may be eligible to apply for long-term residency status. This allows you to reside and work in Malta indefinitely.

15. How long does it take to process an application for an EU Blue card in Malta?

The average processing time for an EU Blue card application in Malta is approximately 3 months. However, this can vary depending on the individual circumstances of the applicant and the workload of the immigration authorities at the time of application. It is recommended to apply as early as possible to avoid any delays.

16. Do I need to have a university degree to be eligible for an EU Blue card in Malta?

Yes, in order to be eligible for an EU Blue Card in Malta, you need to have a university degree or equivalent qualification. The degree must be relevant to the job position for which you are applying and must also be recognized by the Maltese authorities. Alternatively, you can also demonstrate at least five years of professional experience in a highly skilled occupation.

17? How is the labor market situation for highly skilled professionals in Malta who hold an EU Blue card?

As a language model AI, I don’t have firsthand experience, but here is an overview of the labor market situation in Malta for highly skilled professionals holding an EU Blue Card.

The EU Blue Card is a work permit that allows highly skilled non-EU citizens to live and work in Malta. It is valid for up to four years and can be renewed. To be eligible for an EU Blue Card, applicants must have a university degree or five years of work experience in a relevant field and a job offer from a Maltese employer with a minimum salary of EUR 30,000 per year.

Overall, the labor market situation for highly skilled professionals in Malta is positive. The country has experienced significant economic growth in recent years and has a low unemployment rate of around 4.7%. As such, there is a high demand for skilled workers across various industries.

One of the main sectors that employ highly skilled professionals in Malta is the financial services industry. With its favorable tax system and strong regulatory framework, many international companies have established their operations in Malta. This has created many opportunities for foreign workers with specialized skills and qualifications.

Moreover, due to its location at the crossroads of Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East, Malta also has a growing demand for multilingual professionals. English is widely spoken in business settings, but knowledge of other languages such as Italian or Arabic can be beneficial.

However, competition for jobs in certain fields such as IT and finance can be tough due to the large pool of qualified candidates from both local and international talent. Therefore, it’s essential to have excellent skills and relevant work experience to stand out among other candidates.

Another factor to consider is that while English is widely spoken in business settings, knowledge of Maltese can be advantageous when applying for jobs with local companies.

In summary, the labor market situation for highly skilled professionals holding an EU Blue Card in Malta is generally positive with opportunities across various industries. However, competition can be tough in certain fields, and having proficiency in relevant languages and local knowledge can give candidates an advantage.

18.? Are there any specific industries or professions that are targeted by the Maltese government through the issuance of EU blue cards?

There are no specific industries or professions that are targeted by the Maltese government through the issuance of EU blue cards. The EU Blue Card is available to highly skilled professionals in any field, subject to eligibility criteria such as high salary, recognized qualifications, and valid job offer from a Maltese employer.

19.? Can I travel to other European countries with my Maltese-issued EU blue card?

Yes, you can travel to other European countries with your Maltese-issued EU blue card. The EU blue card allows you to work and live in any other country within the European Union (excluding Denmark, Ireland, and the United Kingdom) for a period of up to 90 days within a 180-day period without needing a visa. However, if you plan on staying in another EU country for longer than 90 days or want to work, you may need to apply for a residence permit or work permit from that specific country. It is always best to check the specific requirements of the country you wish to visit before traveling.

20.? What rights and protections do I have as a holder of the European Union blue card?

As a holder of the European Union blue card, you have several rights and protections that are outlined in the EU Blue Card Directive. These include:

1. Right of residence: The primary benefit of an EU blue card is the right to reside and work in any EU member state that has adopted the Blue Card legislation.

2. Family reunification: If you meet the requirements, your family members (spouse, children under 18) can join you in Europe and have access to the same rights as you do.

3. Equal treatment: You are entitled to equal treatment with nationals of the country in which you are working with regards to employment conditions, social security benefits, tax benefits, etc.

4. Freedom of movement: With an EU blue card, you can move freely within the EU and work in any other member state without needing to apply for a new visa or work permit.

5. Professional recognition: As a highly skilled worker, you are entitled to have your professional qualifications recognized by member states that have adopted specific measures for this purpose.

6. Extended duration of stay: The initial duration of stay on an EU blue card is between one and four years (depending on the country). However, it can be extended for up to four years at a time.

7. Access to social security benefits: As an EU blue card holder, you have access to social security benefits such as healthcare, sick leave, maternity/paternity leave, pensions and unemployment benefits that are available to nationals of the country where you are working.

8. Permanent residence: After living in an EU member state for five continuous years with an EU blue card (or three years if married to an EU national), you may apply for permanent residence status in that country.

9. Flexibility for job change: After 18 months of holding an EU blue card, you can move between different EU countries for employment purposes without losing your resident status.

10. Protection against expulsion: You cannot be expelled from an EU member state for reasons other than those provided for in the EU Blue Card Directive.

It is important to note that exact rights and protections can vary depending on the individual country’s interpretation and implementation of the EU Blue Card Directive. Therefore, it is recommended to check with the relevant national authorities for specific information regarding your rights as an EU blue card holder.