France Eases EU Blue Card Requirements for Skilled Foreign Professionals
France Eases EU Blue Card Requirements to Attract Skilled Workers
France has introduced a series of reforms to its EU Blue Card program to attract more highly qualified foreign professionals and alleviate labor shortages across key sectors.
Key Changes to Eligibility and Contract Requirements:
Under the new criteria, applicants in specific roles with at least three years of relevant professional experience are now eligible for the French EU Blue Card. Previously, eligibility required either a three-year higher education degree or five years of experience.
Additionally, France has reduced the minimum duration of employment contracts required for Blue Card applicants from 12 months to just six months. However, the overall impact is expected to be modest, as most highly skilled workers in France are typically employed on permanent contracts, according to Fragomen.
Improved Intra-EU Mobility & Visa Validity Extensions:
France has also relaxed mobility rules for non-French EU Blue Card holders. Those who have legally resided in another EU member state for at least 12 months (down from the previous 18 months) may now move to France without needing a separate visa, easing cross-border movement within the EU for skilled workers.
For those on short-term contracts, visa validity has been extended. If the employment contract is for less than two years, the EU Blue Card will now be valid for three months beyond the contract’s end. This change allows foreign workers time to renew their contract or secure new employment while retaining legal residence status.
Pathway to Long-Term EU Residency Simplified:
The reforms also facilitate the path toward long-term residency. Previously, only time spent under an EU Blue Card counted toward the five years of legal residence required to obtain the EU Long-Term Residence Permit. Now, time spent in France under other residence permits will also be considered, making it easier for skilled migrants to settle permanently.
France Among Top EU Blue Card Issuers:
In 2023, France ranked among the top three EU countries for issuing Blue Cards, accounting for approximately 4% of all EU Blue Cards issued—around 4,000 permits.
These updates underscore France’s continued efforts to attract top international talent and enhance its competitiveness in the global labor market.
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