France’s EU Blue Card explained: Hire skilled non-EU workers easily

As labor shortages persist in industries like tech, healthcare, engineering, and research, more French employers are turning to international hiring to fill essential roles. The updated EU Blue Card scheme offers a practical solution for attracting highly skilled professionals from outside the EU.

What is the EU Blue Card in France?

The Talent Passport – EU Blue Card – Employed Activity residence permit allows non-EU nationals with strong qualifications and job offers in France to live and work in the country legally. One of the biggest advantages for employers: there’s no need to apply for a separate work permit. Once the candidate is approved, they can start working in France without delay.

Who can you hire with the EU Blue Card?

To qualify for the EU Blue Card in France, your international hire must meet the following criteria:

• Education or Experience: A diploma proving at least three years of higher education, or five years of relevant professional experience.
• Job Offer: A binding employment contract of at least six months with a French employer.
• Salary: A gross annual salary of €53,836.50 or more.

If the candidate already holds an EU Blue Card from another country and has lived there legally for 12 months or more, they can apply for the French EU Blue Card as soon as they arrive.

Application steps: From abroad or within France

The process differs slightly depending on where your candidate is located:

If the candidate is abroad:

1. Apply for a long-stay visa (VLS-TS or VLS) via the French consulate.
2. For stays under 12 months: the visa acts as a residence permit once validated online.
3. For stays over a year: after arrival, the candidate must apply online for a multi-year residence card before the initial visa expires.

If the candidate is already in France:

They can apply directly for the residence permit online, starting up to four months before their current visa or permit expires.

What Documents Are Needed?

Here’s a quick look at the paperwork involved:

• For all candidates:
  
  • Valid visa or residence permit
  • Passport or equivalent ID
  • Proof of French residence (under 6 months old)
  • 3 passport-sized photos or e-photo code
    
    
• For former EU Blue Card holders:
  
  • Proof of previous Blue Card
  • Valid passport
    
    
• Employer documents:
  
  • Signed employer attestation (available online)
  • Proof of qualifications (degree or experience with certified translation)
  • K-bis extract (company registration)
  • Proof of social contributions
  • For regulated roles: proof of compliance with industry rules

If someone else is handling the process on your behalf, you’ll also need a signed authorization.

What happens after the application?

Once submitted, your candidate will receive a digital confirmation. The prefecture will then review the application and notify them when the residence card is ready. There’s a €225 tax, which includes a stamp duty and administrative fee.

The residence card is issued by the local prefecture and is valid for the duration of the employment contract, up to four years.

What about family members?

The EU Blue Card offers a simplified process for spouses and minor children. They can receive a Talent Passport – Family residence permit without needing to go through a full family reunification process. The card allows them to live and work in France for the same duration.

Why French employers are taking a closer look

Recent reforms to the EU Blue Card scheme, implemented in May 2025, have made it more accessible and flexible - a direct response to the needs of the French labor market. These changes align with updated EU laws and help make France a more attractive destination for top international talent.

Hiring with the EU Blue Card allows French companies to:

• Access a broader talent pool
• Fill roles faster in high-demand sectors
• Stay competitive globally

By understanding how the updated EU Blue Card works, you can expand your hiring strategy and bring in skilled professionals who might otherwise look elsewhere.

Talk to our local team to relocate the talent you need faster, simpler, better.