Countries You Can Visit with an EU Blue Card

The EU Blue Card is a residence and work permit designed for highly skilled non-EU nationals, offering not only career opportunities but also significant travel privileges within Europe. One of the major benefits of holding an EU Blue Card is the ability to travel freely across most European countries for short stays — without the need for additional visas.

Travel Flexibility Across the EU and Schengen Area

With an EU Blue Card, you are allowed to visit and stay in any of the 27 European Union (EU) member states for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. These countries include:

Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden.

In addition to EU countries, EU Blue Card holders can also travel visa-free to Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland, which, while not members of the EU, are part of the Schengen Area — a region that has abolished internal border controls.

Understanding the Schengen Area

The Schengen Area is a zone comprising most European countries that have removed passport and other types of border control at their mutual borders. For EU Blue Card holders, this means seamless travel across borders without the need for separate short-stay visas.

Visa-Free Short Stays

One of the standout advantages of the EU Blue Card is visa-free short-term travel to Schengen countries. This allows cardholders to travel for tourism, business, or personal visits for up to 90 days within any 180-day timeframe across the Schengen Area.

Important Restrictions and Conditions

While the EU Blue Card offers significant travel flexibility, it's important to be aware of certain limitations:

Work Restrictions: The EU Blue Card is typically tied to the country that issued it. If you plan to take up employment in a different EU member state, you may be required to obtain a new Blue Card or a separate work permit.
Long-Term Stay: For stays exceeding 90 days in another Schengen or EU country, or for residency purposes, you will generally need to apply for appropriate permits.
Renewal and Validity: Your travel rights are tied to the validity of your EU Blue Card. Make sure your card is valid throughout your travel period.

The EU Blue Card not only provides access to high-skilled employment within the EU but also opens doors to convenient, visa-free travel across most of Europe. Understanding the conditions attached to these privileges ensures you make the most of your mobility rights while staying compliant with European regulations.