EU Blue Card: complete guide for Saudi Arabia residents
A step-by-step resource for highly skilled professionals who want to work in Germany, the Netherlands and other EU countries using the EU Blue Card route.
The EU Blue Card is one of the fastest residence routes for highly qualified non-EU workers. If you live in Saudi Arabia and hold a university degree, this guide explains the exact requirements, salary thresholds and application steps for top destinations like Germany and the Netherlands.
What is the EU Blue Card?
The EU Blue Card is a combined work and residence permit for educated professionals from outside the European Union. It is designed to attract talent in fields such as engineering, information technology, healthcare, finance and science. Holders can bring family members, move between EU countries under certain conditions, and in many cases convert the card into permanent residency.
EU Blue Card eligibility criteria
Every EU member state applies the same core rules, but local salary thresholds and shortage lists differ. Before applying, make sure you meet the following baseline requirements.
University degree
A recognised bachelor's degree or higher related to the job offer. Some countries accept 5+ years of professional experience as equivalent.
Qualified job offer
A binding employment contract or firm offer for a highly qualified role, usually lasting at least one year.
Minimum gross salary
Your salary must meet or exceed the national EU Blue Card threshold, with lower rates for shortage occupations.
Valid passport & documents
A passport valid for at least 3 months beyond travel, plus attested degree, employment contract and health insurance.
EU Blue Card salary thresholds for 2026
Salary limits are updated every year. The figures below reflect the 2026 minimum gross annual salary required for a standard EU Blue Card application. Shortage occupations — typically IT, engineering, natural sciences and medicine — often qualify for a reduced threshold.
| Country | Shortage threshold | Standard threshold | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Germany | €45,908 | €58,400 | IT, STEM, doctors, engineers often qualify for lower shortage threshold. |
| Netherlands | €46,268 | €66,956 | 30% ruling may apply for highly skilled migrants in specific roles. |
| France | N/A | €53,836 | Lower threshold exists for recent graduates and shortage occupations. |
| Austria | €43,470 | €58,434 | Regulated professions and STEM profiles are prioritized. |
Germany and the Netherlands remain the most popular EU Blue Card destinations for Saudi applicants because of strong labour demand, clear English-language application portals and well-defined shortage occupation lists.
How to apply for the EU Blue Card from Saudi Arabia
The application process is straightforward when documents are prepared correctly. Most delays happen because of incomplete attestation or mismatched job titles, so follow each step carefully.
Credential evaluation
Get your Saudi degree and professional qualifications recognised by the target country's authority (e.g. ZAB for Germany, IDW for the Netherlands).
Secure a job offer
Sign an employment contract that meets the EU Blue Card salary and qualification requirements for your destination.
Prepare your documents
Attest your degree at the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, obtain a police clearance, translate documents and arrange health insurance.
Submit visa application
Apply at the destination country's embassy or consulate in Riyadh. Germany and the Netherlands both accept applications via VFS Global in Saudi Arabia.
Travel and collect residence permit
Once approved, enter the EU country and register with local authorities to receive your EU Blue Card residence permit.
EU Blue Card frequently asked questions
What is the EU Blue Card?
The EU Blue Card is a residence and work permit for highly qualified non-EU professionals who want to live and work in most EU member states.
Can I apply for an EU Blue Card from Saudi Arabia?
Yes. Saudi residents apply through the embassy or consulate of the EU country where they have a qualified job offer, usually via VFS Global.
How long does the EU Blue Card process take?
Most applications are processed within 8 to 12 weeks, depending on the country, document completeness and workload at the embassy.
Does the EU Blue Card lead to permanent residency?
Yes. After 33 months of legal employment — or 21 months with sufficient language skills — Germany allows conversion to a settlement permit.
Ready to start your EU Blue Card application?
Migrato Dream Jobs is the only done-base immigration agency in Saudi Arabia. We guide you through credential recognition, job matching, document preparation and embassy submission — with no advance payment required.