The EU Blue Card is a shared EU work and residence permit for highly skilled workers. Third-country nationals with a university degree as well as a job offer in a EU member state that provides a minimum salary of 50,000 € are eligible to apply for a EU Blue Card. Third-country nationals can enter a EU member state with a work visa and apply for a EU Blue Card at the immigration authorities before the visa expires. If there is a shortage of people with a certain profession, for example IT specialists, the required minimum salary might be lowered. The Blue Card is limited to four years but can be extended. Under certain conditions, the Blue Card might facilitate the application for a permanent settlement permit.