The EU Blue Card opens doors to an exciting professional journey in Europe, serving as a gateway for ambitious non-EU citizens to live and work across the European Union. This prestigious work permit, established under Directive (EU) 2021/1883, is specifically designed for highly skilled international professionals looking to contribute their expertise to the European market.

Named after the iconic blue European flag with its twelve golden stars, the Blue Card offers remarkable flexibility, much like the American green card. Not only does it grant its holders the right to work in their primary EU country of residence, but it also facilitates business travel throughout the Schengen area.

Why is the EU Blue Card a great option for ambitious talents

For talented professionals seeking to advance their careers in one of the world’s most dynamic economic regions, the EU Blue Card represents an opportunity to join Europe’s innovative workforce while enjoying the cultural richness and high quality of life that the European Union has to offer.

So far, so great. But what else is it that makes the Blue Card such an attractive proposition? For self-starters with their eye on kickstarting an international career, it can be an uphill struggle. Especially if their home country has a very competitive job market. Having access to opportunities abroad with an EU Blue Card can expand career horizons and allow talent to harvest not only professional, but also cultural experiences.

The EU, however, is a huge place. Where should talent looking to take advantage of the benefits of an EU Blue Card start their career journey? Why not choose Lithuania? These days, the country proudly holds the title of the Happiest Place to Live for under-30s, a ranking it earned in 2024 on the World Happiness Index.

And one of the reasons it ranked so highly is because of the job market. For a small country, it is punching well above its weight. It is home to the cybersecurity unicorn Nord Security, as well as the globally popular second-hand item marketplace Vinted. But that’s not all, the country also counts such global names as Moody’s, Continental, Western Union and Nasdaq among its thriving ecosystem of international businesses. But more of that later. Now let’s turn to the process of getting an EU Blue Card.

Blue Card: Who qualifies?

The criteria for qualifying for an EU Blue Card can vary a little from country to country, but the primary requirements are a university degree or equivalent qualification. You’ll also need to have at least a one-year employment contract in place that meets national salary thresholds at least.

In Lithuania, for instance, you’ll need to make sure that that job pays 1.5 times the minimum wage threshold. There are exceptions, however. If you have secured a working contract for a job that is contained in the list of “needed professions” the wage qualification minimum drops to 1.2.  The list of needed skills is fairly exhaustive and varied, although you’ll find that many of the in-demand roles fall within the ICT sector.

You will also find that in Lithuania, if you have proof of skills or qualifications that match the level of a university or college degree, you can apply to the Ministry of the Economy and Innovation for a certificate that proves you are adequately qualified for your intended role.

What opportunities can you unlock with an EU Blue Card?

So, if you meet these requirements, what can you expect if you receive your Blue Card? Well, first of all, and most obviously, you will be fast-tracking yourself into a world of greater choices. With an EU Blue Card, you will have the freedom to live and work in the EU for a maximum of 4 years in countries like Germany, or 3 years in Lithuania. You can then extend it for a similar period. This gives you the time and space to truly build a meaningful CV and career trajectory. Not only that, it greatly improves your chances of securing permanent residence in the country you have chosen to settle in.

The perfect option for those with families

One of the best things about the EU Blue Card is that it guarantees you the right to bring your family members with you! All they will need to do is apply for residence permits, which they can do at the same time you do your Blue Card paperwork. Their permits will also last just as long as yours, and should you decide to remain in the country, you’ll all be able to eventually apply for permanent residence.

And talking about permanent residence, in Lithuania for example, you become eligible once you’ve been in the country for a period of 5 years, without having left the country for six consecutive months. Your family members will also enjoy the opportunity to work as well, meaning that the Blue Card is not only a good option for your career path. It can also help to put your partner’s career on the map.

Why a Blue Card instead of a more common working visa?

The most obvious question to ask yourself is what makes the EU Blue Card so special? The answer is simple. Basically, unlike a traditional working visa, the Blue Card makes it easier for you to secure permanent residency in an EU block country. It is, of course, also applicable to all the countries within the EU block.

How do I get my EU Blue Card?

Again, procedures do vary a little from country to country, but let’s look at how you’d get an EU Blue Card in Lithuania as an example. To qualify, you’ll need either a relevant higher education degree or solid work experience (5 years generally, or 3 years for IT specialists). The salary requirements are competitive – you’ll need to earn at least 1.5 times the Lithuanian average monthly salary, or 1.2 times if your role is considered high value-adding. And even if you don’t have a formal degree, The Ministry of the Economy and Innovation can help assess your qualifications, ensuring your valuable experience is recognized.

Of course, you’ll need to have landed a job in advance to comply with the requirements. Doing this is not as complicated as it first might seem. Again, using Lithuania as our example, you’ll find such online career platforms as Work in Lithuania, which advertise the kinds of positions that match the qualification criteria. Indeed, these platforms will also often provide you with relocation advice, including detailed information about things like the EU Blue Card application.

The Blue Card Process in Lithuania

Your employer will then handle the crucial first steps through MIGRIS, the official e-service system of the Lithuanian Migration Department. They’ll submit a Mediation Letter along with your employment details, educational background, and passport copy. Once submitted, you’ll receive a unique Mediation Letter number, which is essential for your Blue Card application – you’ll need to keep this number handy as you’ll need it for the next stages of the process.

The Blue Card application process in Lithuania follows a straightforward three-step timeline, typically taking 1-2 months to complete. After receiving your Mediation Letter number, you’ll need to submit your application and supporting documents through the MIGRIS online system. Next, you’ll schedule an appointment with your local application centre via the VFS Global website. The final step involves visiting the centre in person to present your original documents, provide biometric data, and pay the required service fee. Plan ahead for these steps to ensure a smooth application process.

Once your application has been successfully processed, you will receive your card. You’ll then need to choose whether to take this in person or have it mailed to you. And that’s pretty much it, apart from the usual procedures of registering your address in your country of destination, etc.

Why Lithuania is the ideal destination once you have your EU Blue Card

Ok, so you know more about how to get your EU Blue Card, how the process works and what benefits the card brings.  Now you need some information about what destination might be best for you, your career, and your family. Let’s talk Lithuania.

As mentioned before, the country, and especially its capital Vilnius has a thriving startup and tech scene. For a start, the country is the headquarters of Nord Security, the multinational home of Nord VPN, amongst many other leading tech brands. In fact, Nord has its own hub, Cybercity, a cool complex of futuristic office spaces, gyms, cafes and even bars. And they are not the only local success story, international online second-hand marketplace Vinted is also headquartered in the Lithuanian capital. In fact, the tech scene is so well developed and established, that in 2025, a brand new, specially designated area, Tech Zity, will be opening. This will be a dynamic hub for innovators, ambitious talents, and entrepreneurs.

Apart from a thriving startup ecosystem, Vilnius, and its sister city Kaunas, is also home to international companies like Nasdaq, Dexcom, Moody’s, Western Union, Continental, and Thermofisher. There’s also a large cluster of Scandinavian banks like SEB, Danske, and Swedbank, many of which are developing their newest tech solutions in Lithuania. The country hosts numerous international small to medium financial technology service providers, showcasing its well-developed fintech sector.

And with the growth of so many dynamic and globally focused companies, it should come as no surprise that there is an increasingly large number of international talents in the country. These growing communities have spurred the development of a strong support network for relocating professionals. There’s International House in Vilnius, an initiative that provides support and advice for people relocating to Lithuania. Meanwhile, such online communities like Foreigners in Vilnius boast hundreds of members and host events with huge levels of participation.  So, anyone coming to Lithuania, needn’t worry about being left out.

Perfect work-life balance.

As we said in the introduction, Lithuania is ranked 1st position in the World Happiness Index for the under-30 category. This is because of the opportunities it offers. But not only professionally. Lithuania is a very green and temperate country that’s dripping in natural beauty. In fact, in all of its cities and towns, even the largest ones, you are never more than 20 minutes away from a green space, be it a park or a forest. Active lifestyles are also very much the thing, with ample options for water sports in its many lakes and rivers, skiing in the winter, and tracks for running or hiking. Then there are all the music, film and theatre festivals that make the cultural year an unending treat. So, all in all, the country offers an exceptional work/life balance.

Looking to start your new career adventure with the help of an EU Blue Card? Look no further than Lithuania.