EU Blue Card (Karta Blu tal-UE)

The EU Blue Card (Karta Blu tal-UE) is a high-level work and residence permit designed to attract highly qualified professionals to the European Union. In Malta, this scheme is governed by Subsidiary Legislation 217.27, which aligns with the EU Directive (EU) 2021/1883. It was established to address the need for specialized talent within the EU labor market by offering a standardized, attractive route for highly skilled non-EU nationals. It fills the gap for professionals who possess advanced qualifications and seek a clear, harmonized pathway to live and work in an EU member state with enhanced mobility rights.

This permit is for highly qualified non-EU nationals who have a valid employment contract for at least six months and meet a specific salary threshold, which is set at 1.5 times the average gross annual salary in Malta. It is ideal for professionals in fields such as IT, engineering, finance, and senior management. What makes the EU Blue Card distinctive is its focus on intra-EU mobility; after a specified period of residence in Malta, holders may be eligible to relocate to other EU member states under simplified conditions. It also provides a structured route toward long-term residency and family reunification, offering greater stability than standard national work permits.