France Sets New Salary Threshold for Talent and EU Blue Card Permits

‍France Sets New Salary Threshold for Talent and European Blue Card Residence Permits

On August 29, 2025, the French government issued a new decree (NOR: INTV2520646A) that establishes the average annual gross reference salary for the issuance of multi-year residence permits under the "talent-qualified employee" and "talent - European Blue Card" categories. This decree, published in the Journal Officiel de la République Française on Légifrance, updates the salary threshold to €39,582 gross, aligning with France’s ongoing efforts to attract skilled professionals and streamline immigration processes for highly qualified workers.

What Is the Decree About?

The decree, issued by the Minister of State for Overseas Territories and the Minister of State for the Interior, sets the minimum salary requirement for two specific multi-year residence permits under the Code de l'entrée et du séjour des étrangers et du droit d'asile (CESEDA). These permits are:

1. Talent-Qualified Employee Residence Permit (Passeport Talent - Salarié Qualifié): Designed for highly skilled professionals contributing to France’s economy or culture.
2. Talent - European Blue Card Residence Permit (Passeport Talent - Carte Bleue Européenne): Aimed at non-EU nationals with advanced qualifications seeking employment in France.

The new salary threshold of €39,582 gross per year applies to applications under Articles R. 421-16 A and R. 421-21 A of CESEDA. This figure ensures that only professionals meeting a certain income level qualify, reflecting France’s focus on attracting top talent.

Key Provisions of the notification

The decree outlines several critical updates:

• New Salary Threshold: The average annual gross reference salary is now set at €39,582, replacing earlier thresholds.
• Geographic Scope: The decree applies to mainland France and extends to the overseas territories of Saint Barthélemy and Saint Martin for the European Blue Card permit, as specified in Article L. 421-11 of CESEDA.
• Repeal of Previous Decrees: The decree repeals two earlier decrees from 2016 (dated June 20 and October 28) that set salary thresholds for the European Blue Card and Talent Passport permits.
• Legal Basis: The decree aligns with Decree No. 2025-539 of June 13, 2025, which amended provisions for "talent" residence permits, as well as consultations with the Executive Councils of Saint-Martin (July 11, 2025) and Saint-Barthélemy (July 23, 2025).

For full details, refer to the official text on Légifrance.

Why This Matters for Skilled Professionals

France’s Passeport Talent and Carte Bleue Européenne programs are part of a broader strategy to attract global talent. By setting a clear salary threshold, the government ensures that these permits are granted to individuals who can significantly contribute to the French economy. The €39,582 threshold reflects an adjustment to economic conditions, ensuring fairness and competitiveness in the labor market.

For non-EU nationals, the European Blue Card offers a pathway to work and live in France, with the added benefit of mobility within the European Union. The Talent-Qualified Employee permit, meanwhile, targets professionals in fields such as technology, research, and the arts, fostering innovation and cultural exchange.

‍
Implications for Employers and Applicants

Employers hiring foreign talent must ensure that salaries meet or exceed the €39,582 threshold to comply with the decree. This applies to roles requiring high qualifications, such as engineers, researchers, or senior managers. Applicants should verify their eligibility by consulting the official guidelines on the French government’s immigration portal or consult Jobbatical experts.

‍

Effective Date and Implementation

The decree took effect upon its publication in the Journal Officiel on August 29, 2025. It applies to all new applications for the specified residence permits and is enforceable in Saint Barthélemy and Saint Martin for the European Blue Card.

‍

Conclusion

The Decree of August 29, 2025, reinforces France’s commitment to attracting skilled professionals through clear and updated immigration policies. By setting the salary threshold at €39,582, the government balances economic competitiveness with accessibility for global talent. For more information, visit Légifrance or the French government’s official portal to stay updated on immigration regulations.