France EU Blue Card

Written by Luis Minvielle Moderated by Oleksandra Dosii

Luis Minvielle

Luis is a writer with over 5 years of experience in B2B software. Even though he has always worked in tech, a sector he regularly publishes about, his initial incursions into writing were, curiously enough, music essays discussing scenes from different parts of the world—most likely to deal with his unfulfilled ambition of becoming a neo-soul crooner.

Oleksandra Dosii

Oleksandra is a dedicated marketer with a passion for growing HR-tech products. She believes content marketing is about delivering high-quality content that provides value—not just generating leads. Since 2016, Oleksandra has been involved in tech talent relocation.

Last update: July 2, 2025

Next update: Scheduled for February 2, 2026

Hey, your brand could be here!

Get noticed by relocation-ready individuals and expats

Start Advertising

Promoted

The EU Blue Card is a residence and work permit for highly qualified non-EU nationals who want to live and work in France for up to four years. It’s designed for professionals with strong qualifications or experience, and grants the right to stay in France for up to four years with the possibility of renewal. It’s part of the larger European EU Blue Card, which can also help you live in Germany or Belgium, for example.

 

Who can apply for the EU Blue Card in France?

The EU Blue Card in France is open to highly qualified non-EU nationals who want to live and work in the country for more than three months. To be eligible, you must have a valid work contract or job offer with a French employer for a role that requires a high level of expertise. This contract must be for at least one year. The best way to find those work contracts is by checking up which companies in France hire foreign workers.

Note: A new law adopted in April 2025 reduced the minimum contract length to six months, though the official websites may still show the older one-year requirement. Updates are expected soon.

You must also hold a higher education qualification awarded after a minimum of three years of study, or show at least five years of relevant professional experience in the field. For some roles, having at least three years of relevant experience gained within the past seven years may also count—another change introduced by the 2025 law. For regulated professions (such as medicine or law), you’ll need to prove that you meet France’s legal requirements to work in that field. For other roles, your qualifications or work experience will be enough.

The job must meet the minimum salary threshold for the Blue Card France, which is currently €53,836.50 gross per year (2025). This figure represents at least 1.5 times the average gross salary in France, which is slightly below the average in Germany and the Netherlands.

How long is the EU Blue Card valid for?

In France, the EU Blue Card is valid for up to four years. If your employment contract is shorter than that, your card will match the contract’s duration.

In the case your contract is under two years, the card will usually be granted for the contract length plus three months, capped at two years. Renewals follow the same rules.

How to apply for the EU Blue Card in France

The application process is a bit different if you’re applying from abroad or already living in France. Either way, the end result is the multi-year residence permit titled “Talent – European Union Blue Card”, which also acts as your work authorisation.

If you're living outside France

You first need to apply for a long-stay visa marked “Talent Passport – EU Blue Card” through the France-Visas portal. This visa allows you to enter France and start working legally based on your employment contract. You can request it up to three months before your planned arrival date.

After you arrive, you must apply for the actual residence permit within three months. This is done online via the dedicated ANEF platform. Once your application is submitted, the prefecture may ask for additional documents, which you can upload directly through the platform. While you wait for your permit to be issued, you'll receive a temporary certificate that allows you to stay and work in France.

If you're already in France

If you are already living in France under a different residence permit, you can apply for a change of status to the EU Blue Card also through the ANEF online platform. This should be done between four and two months before your current permit expires.

How long does it take to get a decision?

French authorities have up to 90 days to process your application for the EU Blue Card.

EU Blue Card requirements and documents

The list of documents can vary slightly depending on your situation and the prefecture handling your file. In general, you’ll need to prepare the following:

• A valid passport
• A diploma or proof of at least five years of professional experience
• A work contract or a binding job offer
• Proof that the salary meets the threshold
• Health insurance
• Proof of accommodation in France (e.g. recent utility bill, rental contract, or host certificate with ID)
• Completed application forms and payment receipts
• Any documents showing your experience or skills related to the job (e.g. CV, reference letters, certificates)
• A recent extract from the company register if your employer is a business, or equivalent if it's a sole trader
• If you previously held an EU Blue Card in another country: a copy of that card or a certificate

Documents not originally in French may need to be translated by a certified translator, or sworn translator, like the French government calls them. This is where you can find a sworn translator. The prefecture may also ask for additional paperwork depending on your case.

What are the fees for the EU Blue Card in France?

Here’s what you can expect to pay:

• Long-stay visa authorizing entry to France: €99
• Residence permit tax: €200
• Stamp duty: €25

This brings the total to €324 for the first application. The renewal or replacement fee is €225.

Step-by-step: How to get the EU Blue Card in France

Here’s a simple guide on the steps to apply for the EU Blue Card in France:

Step #1 – Make sure you’re eligible

To qualify, you’ll need:

• A binding job offer or work contract in France for at least six months.
• A gross annual salary of at least €53,836.50.
• Either a diploma from at least three years of higher education, or five years of relevant professional experience.
• For some roles (like in tech or engineering), three years of experience in the last seven years may also be accepted.

Step #2 – Submit your application

The process depends on where you’re applying from:

If you’re abroad:

• Apply for a long-stay visa marked “Talent Passport – EU Blue Card” via the France-Visas portal.
• Include your job contract, qualifications, passport, and proof of accommodation.
• Pay the €99 visa fee.
• Once approved, you’ll receive a visa valid for three months so you can enter France.

If you’re already in France:

• Apply for a status change to the EU Blue Card via the ANEF online platform.
• Upload your documents and pay the residence permit fee.
• No long-stay visa is needed in this case.

Step #3 – Apply for the residence permit

• After arriving in France (if coming from abroad), validate your visa online within three months.
• Then, apply for your EU Blue Card residence permit through the ANEF platform.
• The fee for the residence card is €225 (tax + stamp duty).
• While waiting, you’ll get a temporary certificate so you can start working.
• Your permit will match the length of your work contract (up to four years). If your contract is under two years, the card is usually issued for the contract duration plus three months, capped at two years.

Step #4 – Bring your family (if applicable)

Your spouse and children can apply for the “Talent – Family” residence permit, which lets them live and work in France during your stay.

Step #5 – Moving within the EU (optional)

​If you’ve lived in another EU country with a Blue Card for at least 18 months, you can apply for the French one within a month of arriving—no long-stay visa needed.

Can family members join you in France?

Yes. If you hold an EU Blue Card in France, your spouse and dependent children can join you under the accompanying family status. Your spouse can apply for a “ Talent – Family ” residence permit, which allows them to live and work in France for as long as your Blue Card remains valid. Each family member will need to pay the applicable visa and residence permit fees.

Can you move to France with a Blue Card from another EU country?

Yes. If you've lived in another EU country with a valid Blue Card for at least 18 months, you can apply for one in France without needing a long-stay visa. You must apply within one month of your arrival in France. If this is your second move within the EU, the previous stay requirement drops to six months.

You’ll still need to meet the regular conditions for the French Blue Card, which includes having a valid work contract and meeting the salary threshold. For expats, the EU Blue Card opens up career opportunities across Europe, and allows you to move to cities like Madrid, Frankfurt, or Helsinki with little paperwork. Still, each move depends on meeting the requirements set by the country you're moving to.

What happens after five years?

After five years of continuous legal residence in the EU with a Blue Card—at least two of those years spent in France—you may be eligible to apply for a long-term EU residence permit. This permit gives more stable rights and can be a step toward permanent residency or even French citizenship, depending on your situation.

Get help from relocation experts

France is a popular destination for highly skilled professionals, and the EU Blue Card offers a clear route to working and living there. But navigating the application process can be difficult—especially when most of the paperwork, official platforms, and communication with prefectures are in French. Even if you speak the language, you might need some help to understand the requirements in detail and prepare the right documents. Speaking with an immigration expert can help you avoid delays and move forward with confidence.

Need visa assistance/immigration advice?

Fill out this form

Shoot us an email with your inquiry at [email protected].