Can I travel freely within Schengen countries with a single visa?

Yes. A Schengen visa allows you to travel within the 29 Schengen member states for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. However, the visa does not automatically give you the right to work — for that, you usually need a separate work permit from a specific country.

What is the EU Blue Card and who can get one?

The EU Blue Card is a work and residence permit for highly skilled non-EU nationals. It requires a job offer with a salary above a national threshold and relevant qualifications. It gives rights to work and live in the issuing EU country and, after a period, to apply for long-term residence.

Can I bring my family to live with me in an EU country?

Yes, through family reunification. Under the EU Family Reunification Directive, legally resident non-EU nationals can generally apply to bring their spouse and minor children. Some countries extend this to other relatives. Conditions include adequate housing, health insurance, and stable income.

EU visa and immigration basics — what you need to know

Plain-language guide · reviewed for general accuracy · European Union

The EU has a layered immigration system: some rules are set at EU level, while others are determined by each member state. Whether you are planning a short visit, looking for work, or want to settle with your family, here is an overview of the main pathways and rules.

1. Schengen short-stay visas

The Schengen Area now covers 29 countries, including most EU member states plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. A Schengen visa allows non-EU nationals to enter and travel freely within these countries for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. You must apply at the embassy or consulate of the country that is your main destination. The visa does not give you the right to work — for employment, you need a separate work permit or long-stay visa from the specific country where you will be employed. Ireland and Cyprus are not in Schengen and have separate entry rules.

2. Long-stay visas and residence permits

If you plan to stay in an EU country for more than 90 days — for work, study, or family reasons — you generally need a national long-stay visa and, in many cases, a residence permit. Each country has its own application process, required documents, and processing times. Common requirements include proof of purpose (job contract, university admission letter), adequate financial means, health insurance, and a clean criminal record. Some countries also require a language test or integration course.

3. EU Blue Card for skilled workers

The EU Blue Card (Directive 2021/1883) is designed for highly qualified non-EU nationals seeking employment in the EU. Key requirements include a job offer or employment contract of at least six months, a salary above the threshold set by each member state (usually 1.0 to 1.6 times the average gross annual salary), and higher professional qualifications (a university degree or, in some cases, equivalent professional experience). The Blue Card gives you the right to work and reside in the issuing country, and after 18 months you may move to another EU country under certain conditions. After five years of legal residence — including time spent in different member states — you may apply for EU long-term resident status.

Tip: Blue Card salary thresholds vary significantly between EU countries. Germany and the Netherlands have relatively accessible thresholds, while Luxembourg and Denmark set them higher. Check the latest figures for the country where you plan to work.

4. Family reunification

Under the EU Family Reunification Directive (2003/86/EC), non-EU nationals who are legally resident in an EU country can apply to bring their spouse and minor children to live with them. Some member states also allow adult dependent children, unmarried partners, or parents. Common requirements include proof of adequate accommodation, health insurance, and stable and sufficient income. The application is typically made to the immigration authority in the host country. Some countries impose an integration measure such as a language test before entry.

5. Permanent residence and citizenship

After five years of continuous legal residence, non-EU nationals can generally apply for EU long-term resident status. This gives near-equal treatment with nationals in areas such as employment, education, and social security, and allows a degree of intra-EU mobility. Citizenship is governed by national law and requirements differ widely — some countries allow dual citizenship, others do not; some require a certain period of residence (often five to ten years), language proficiency, and a citizenship test.

Common questions

Can I visit multiple Schengen countries with one visa?: Yes, a Schengen visa covers all 29 member states for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Apply at the embassy of your main destination.
How do I qualify for an EU Blue Card?: You need a job offer with a salary above the national threshold, a university degree or equivalent experience, and in some countries, a recognised qualification. Apply through the immigration authority of the country where you will work.
Can my spouse and children join me in the EU?: Generally yes, under the Family Reunification Directive, if you are a legal resident. You will need to show adequate income, housing, and health insurance. Requirements vary by country.

Visa and immigration rules are complex and change often. Tell the assistant your nationality, which country you want to go to, and your purpose for a plain-language starting point.

This guide is general information about EU visa and immigration rules and is not legal advice. Immigration laws vary by country and are subject to frequent change. Always check the official website of the embassy or immigration authority of the relevant country, or consult a licensed immigration lawyer.