France Updates EU Blue Card Rules: Impact on Employers

France has adopted new, more flexible EU Blue Card rules, making it easier for employers to attract and relocate international professionals. The updates include broader eligibility criteria, shorter contract requirements, and simpler mobility within the EU.

What’s New in France’s EU Blue Card Rules?

In May, France implemented changes to its EU Blue Card system. These adjustments aim to align with the 2021 EU Directive while addressing the ongoing need for skilled professionals across the country.

Here’s what’s changed:

1. Broader Eligibility for Skilled Talent

Foreign professionals with at least three years of relevant work experience, acquired in the last seven years, are now eligible for the EU Blue Card, even without a formal degree.
This new pathway will apply only to certain roles, to be defined in an upcoming decree.

This is an important shift for employers, who can now consider a wider range of skilled candidates, especially during a time of labor shortages in France.

2. Shorter Minimum Employment Contracts

The minimum contract duration has been reduced from 12 months to 6 months.

While this adds hiring flexibility, it’s worth noting that highly skilled professionals in France are often brought on with permanent contracts, so the change may not impact all industries equally.

3. Simpler Moves Within the EU

Current EU Blue Card holders in other EU countries will now find it easier to move to France.

• After living for 12 months in one EU Member State, individuals can enter France without a visa.
• After spending 6 months in a second EU Member State (following the initial 12), they can also enter without a visa.
• In both cases, they must apply for a French EU Blue Card within one month of arrival.

This allows companies more flexibility in relocating employees across the EU without restarting the entire visa process.

4. Longer Blue Card Validity for Short-Term Jobs

If the work contract is less than two years, the Blue Card can now be issued for three months longer than the contract duration, up to a 24-month maximum.

This gives employees a grace period to apply for renewals or transition to a new job. For employers, it reduces the risk of last-minute disruptions in work permits.

5. Easier Path to Long-Term Residency

Time spent in other EU Member States on certain residence permits (in addition to Blue Cards) now counts toward the five years required for the EU Long-term Residence Permit.

This increases stability for employees and helps companies retain talent who want to build a longer-term future in France.

What should Employers do next?

In 2023, France issued 12,647 EU Blue Cards: 8,616 to principal permit holders and 4,031 to their dependents. With these new changes, even more skilled professionals are likely to consider France as a destination.

For French employers, these changes open the door to a more diverse talent pool, increase hiring flexibility, reduce restrictions on relocating employees within the EU, and improve long-term retention prospects for international hires.

Companies should now consider:

• Reviewing the updated eligibility rules
• Considering candidates without formal degrees but with strong experience
• Tracking visa validity closely for short-term contracts
• Keeping an eye on further regulatory updates
  

How Jobbatical can support your global mobility strategy

As France adapts its immigration rules to meet labor market demands, now is a smart time for companies to reassess their hiring strategies. Taking advantage of the updated EU Blue Card rules can help you stay competitive and attract the talent your business needs to grow.

Our local team of experts helps you bring in talent faster, stay compliant, and take full advantage of these changes.
Book a call with our team today.