EU Blue Card in France

Your complete guide to securing an EU Blue Card.

What is the EU Blue Card for France?

The EU Blue Card for France is a residence permit for highly skilled non-EU workers who have a university degree or equivalent professional experience and a job offer with a minimum salary threshold. It allows you to live and work in France for an initial period of 1 to 4 years, depending on your contract. The Blue Card also facilitates family reunification and can lead to long-term EU residency.

To apply, you must first obtain a job offer or employment contract of at least 12 months with a French employer, offering a gross annual salary of at least €53,836.50 (as of 2024). Once secured, you apply for a “Passeport Talent – Carte Bleue Européenne” long-stay visa at the French consulate in your country of residence. After arrival, you validate your visa online and apply for the residence permit at your local prefecture.

The typical required documents include:

  • A valid passport

  • A signed employment contract of at least 12 months

  • Proof of higher education degree (minimum 3 years) or equivalent professional experience

  • Evidence of a salary ≥ €53,836.50 gross per year (or 1.5× the average French reference salary)

  • Health insurance valid in France

  • Proof of accommodation (rental agreement, housing certificate, etc.)

On average:

  • Visa processing time: 3 to 8 weeks, depending on your country and the consulate

  • Residence permit issuance in France: an additional 2 to 6 weeks after arrival
    It is strongly advised to begin the process 2 to 3 months before your intended travel date.

Yes. In most cases, the French employer must obtain prior approval from the DREETS (Direction régionale de l’économie, de l’emploi, du travail et des solidarités). This involves submitting a work authorization request that confirms the position, salary level, and your qualifications. Only after receiving approval can you proceed with your visa application. This step is essential to ensure that your job offer complies with labor regulations and EU Blue Card criteria in France.

Ready to navigate the complexities of moving to France? Contact our partners, experienced immigration lawyers, to receive personalized guidance, expert advice, and professional assistance with your card application. Let us help make your extended stay in France a seamless and successful experience. Reach out to us now to start the process!

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How can we help you with moving in France?

We work closely with a network of trusted attorneys who can assist you with every step of the process, including:

Personalized Eligibility Review
An immigration lawyer will thoroughly assess your background—academic qualifications, professional experience, and employment contract—to determine whether you meet the criteria for France’s EU Blue Card. This initial review ensures that your job offer, salary level, and profile align with legal requirements, setting the foundation for a successful application.

Strategic Document Preparation
Your lawyer will assist you in gathering and organizing all necessary documents. These typically include a valid passport, a signed job contract of at least 12 months, proof of qualifications (university degree or equivalent experience), evidence of salary meeting the required threshold (€53,836.50/year or more), valid health insurance, and proof of accommodation in France.

Step-by-Step Application Filing
From completing the visa application to submitting your file at the French consulate and following through with the prefecture in France, your lawyer will guide you through each step. Their expertise helps prevent common mistakes that could result in delays or refusals.

Simplifying French Administrative Processes
French bureaucracy can be complex and intimidating. With legal guidance, you’ll avoid missteps and move efficiently through the entire process—from employer work authorization (DREETS), to visa validation, to securing your EU Blue Card residence permit.

Ongoing Support and Monitoring
Throughout the process, your lawyer can monitor the progress of your application, respond promptly to any additional requests from French authorities, and ensure all paperwork is submitted within the correct timelines.

Residency Transition After Arrival
Once in France, legal assistance continues with the transition to resident status. Your lawyer will help you validate your visa online, attend any required appointments, and obtain your physical EU Blue Card (residence permit).

Assistance in Case of Rejection
If your application is denied, your lawyer can help identify the reason, improve your file, and, if appropriate, file an appeal to challenge the decision or reapply with stronger documentation.

Interested in applying for the EU Blue Card?
Book a consultation with our trusted immigration law partners to receive personalized legal guidance and full support through every step of your move to France.

Our Customers feedback

6 Great Reasons to Choose France 🇫🇷

1. World-Class Healthcare

France offers one of the best healthcare systems in the world—affordable, accessible, and high-quality, even for newcomers with the right residency status.

2. Exceptional Quality of Life

From charming villages to bustling cities, France combines a slower pace of life with modern comforts, excellent public services, and beautiful surroundings.

3. Rich Culture and History

France is a global cultural hub, home to world-famous museums, historic architecture, festivals, and a deep appreciation for art, fashion, and literature.

4. Gourmet Food and Wine

Enjoy world-renowned cuisine, daily fresh markets, and an incredible variety of regional wines and cheeses—part of everyday life, not just for tourists.

5. Strong Public Education and Family Benefits

France provides high-quality public education, generous parental leave, childcare support, and family subsidies—ideal for raising children.

Yes, in most cases you can apply from within France if you’re already legally residing there (e.g. student visa, visitor visa). You’ll need to switch your status through the local prefecture, and meet all Blue Card conditions.

Yes, during the first 12 months, the Blue Card is linked to your initial employer. After one year, you can change jobs without prior approval, as long as the new position meets the same eligibility criteria.

Not immediately. You must live in France with your Blue Card for at least 18 months before you can move to another EU country under Blue Card rules. You would then apply for a new card in that country.

You’re allowed to stay in France for up to 3 months while looking for a new job. If you find a new position that meets the salary and qualification requirements, you can update your residence status without leaving France.

No. The EU Blue Card is strictly for salaried employment. If you’re planning to work as a freelancer or independent contractor, you should apply for a different visa (such Self-Employed visa).

At the visa application stage, private health insurance is required. Once you’re in France and registered with the social security system, you can switch to public health coverage (PUMA).

Yes, your time living in France legally under a Blue Card can count toward the 5-year residency requirement for French naturalization—assuming you meet other integration conditions (language, stability, etc.).

It’s not mandatory, but highly recommended. French immigration procedures can be complex and vary by consulate. A lawyer ensures that your application is complete, compliant, and submitted properly, reducing the risk of delays or rejection. LegalMova connects you with vetted immigration experts to guide you from start to finish.

Need-to-Know Info

Meet Decra, your dedicated Immigration Advisor.

At LegalMova, we see immigration not just as a service, but as a journey we take with you. What drives us is helping you experience the peace of mind that comes with expert legal support—whether you’re planning to relocate to France, invest, or build a new chapter of your life. Our dedicated team of partner lawyers is here to make that transition smooth, secure, and successful.

Speaks French, English, Chinese

Meet Decra, your dedicated Immigration Advisor.

Speaks French, English, Chinese

At LegalMova, we see immigration not just as a service, but as a journey we take with you. What drives us is helping you experience the peace of mind that comes with expert legal support—whether you’re planning to relocate to France, invest, or build a new chapter of your life. Our dedicated team of partner lawyers is here to make that transition smooth, secure, and successful.

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