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- The EU Blue Card (Talent Passport – Employed Activity) permits highly skilled non-EU nationals to live and work legally in France without the need for a separate work permit, enabling faster employment start.
- Eligibility requires higher education (typically a university degree of at least three years) or relevant professional experience, a binding job offer or employment contract of at least one year (previously often noted as six months in older contexts, but aligned with at least 12 months under current rules), and a minimum gross annual salary of €59,373.
- The application process varies depending on whether the candidate is abroad or already in France, includes specific document requirements, and involves a processing fee (typically around €225–€269, subject to confirmation with official sources); the residence card is valid for up to four years, matching the job contract duration (renewable).
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 (e.g., bachelor's degree or equivalent), or five years of relevant professional experience (in some cases, three years of relevant experience in the last seven years for specified professions, per 2025 reforms).
- Job Offer: A binding employment contract of at least six months with a French employer.
- Salary: A gross annual salary of €59,373 or more (1.5 times the reference average gross annual salary of €39,582, confirmed stable for 2026).
If the candidate already holds an EU Blue Card from another EU country and has lived there legally for at least 12 months, they can apply for the French EU Blue Card upon arrival (with accelerated processing, often within 30 days).
Application steps:
From abroad or within France, the process differs slightly depending on where your candidate is located:
If the candidate is abroad:
- Apply for a long-stay visa (VLS-TS "Passeport Talent – Carte Bleue Européenne") via the French consulate.
- For stays under 12 months: the visa acts as a residence permit once validated online upon arrival.
- 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.
Documents 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 (often an online receipt). The prefecture will then review the application and notify them when the residence card is ready. There’s a processing fee of around €225–€269 (including stamp duty and administrative fees; confirm current amount on official sites).
The residence card is issued by the local prefecture and is valid for the duration of the employment contract, up to four years (renewable; if the contract is shorter, it may be issued for the contract duration plus a buffer period, capped accordingly).
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 as the main holder.
Why French employers are taking a closer look
Reforms implemented in May 2025 (including transposition of EU rules for broader eligibility, shorter contract minimums, and faster intra-EU mobility) - combined with the stable salary framework set in August 2025 continue to make the EU Blue Card more accessible and flexible in 2026. These changes directly respond to French labor market needs, helping employers tap into global talent more efficiently.
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.
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