France Maintains Updated Salary Thresholds for Talent and European Blue Card Residence Permits in 2026

On August 29, 2025, the French government issued a ministerial order that set the average annual gross reference salary for issuing multi-year residence permits under the talent-qualified employee and talent - European Blue Card categories. Published in the Journal Officiel de la République Française on Légifrance, this order established the reference salary at €39,582 gross annually. These thresholds continue to apply in 2026, supporting France’s strategy to attract skilled professionals while adapting to economic conditions.

What Is the Order About?

The order, from the relevant ministers, defines the minimum salary requirements for two multi-year residence permits under the Code de l'entrée et du séjour des étrangers et du droit d'asile (CESEDA):

1. Talent-Qualified Employee Residence Permit (Talent - Salarié Qualifié): For highly skilled professionals contributing to France’s economy, innovation, culture, or related fields.
2. Talent - European Blue Card Residence Permit (Talent - Carte Bleue Européenne): For non-EU nationals with higher qualifications (typically a university degree or equivalent) and a skilled job offer.

The reference salary of €39,582 gross per year applies under Articles R. 421-16 A and R. 421-21 A of CESEDA. For the European Blue Card specifically, the threshold is 1.5 times this reference, resulting in €59,373 gross per year. This structure ensures these permits target high-value contributions to the French labor market.

Key Provisions of the Order

The order includes these main updates (unchanged in 2026):

• Reference Salary: Set at €39,582 gross annually (used as 1x for Talent-Qualified Employee).
• European Blue Card Threshold: €59,373 gross annually (1.5x the reference).
• Geographic Scope: Applies to mainland France and extends to overseas territories like Saint Barthélemy and Saint Martin for the European Blue Card, per Article L. 421-11 of CESEDA.
• Repeal of Prior Orders: Revokes earlier 2016 orders setting previous thresholds.
• Legal Basis: Aligns with Decree No. 2025-539 of June 13, 2025 (amending talent permit rules) and relevant consultations.

Why This Matters for Skilled Professionals

France’s Talent and European Blue Card programs attract global talent to drive economic growth, innovation, and cultural exchange. The standardized €39,582 reference (for Qualified Employee) makes the permit more accessible in some cases compared to prior SMIC-linked calculations, while the €59,373 Blue Card threshold ensures focus on highly qualified roles. Non-EU nationals benefit from EU mobility under the Blue Card, with pathways to long-term residence.

Implications for Employers and Applicants

Employers must offer salaries meeting or exceeding these thresholds (€39,582 for Talent-Qualified Employee; €59,373 for European Blue Card) for eligible roles like engineers, researchers, IT specialists, or senior managers. Applicants should confirm details via the official French immigration portal or experts. Jobbatical experts can simplify your France immigration and relocation—set up a consultation with our French specialists today.

Effective Date and Implementation

The thresholds took effect upon publication in August 2025 and apply to new applications (and renewals where relevant) in 2026. They cover mainland France and specified overseas territories for the Blue Card.

Conclusion

The 2025 order, still governing in 2026, underscores France’s balanced approach to immigration: clear, updated rules that attract top global talent while aligning with economic realities. The €39,582 reference salary and €59,373 Blue Card threshold promote competitiveness and fairness. For the latest details, check Légifrance or the French government’s immigration portal. Stay informed on any potential adjustments.

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