How does EU Blue Card (Highly Qualified Employment) work in Poland, and who qualifies?

The EU Blue Card is Poland's route for highly qualified third-country professionals who have a qualifying job offer. Compared with the single permit, it is aimed at higher-skilled roles and brings advantages such as easier employer changes and mobility to other EU states over time.

To qualify you generally need an employment contract for at least the minimum qualifying period, higher professional qualifications such as a university degree (or, where allowed, equivalent professional experience), and a gross salary above the national Blue Card threshold, which is set annually. You will also need health insurance and a valid travel document. As with other permits, the application goes to the voivode at the urząd wojewódzki.

Because the salary threshold changes each year and the qualification requirements are stricter, it is worth checking whether the Blue Card or the single permit fits you better. ACME can compare your offer and qualifications against both routes and recommend the stronger fit, and we suggest confirming the current threshold on the official portals first.