French Republic · work sponsored · Leads to settlement
EU Blue Card (Carte Bleue Européenne)
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
Source check: all 5 official citations reconfirmed 11 July 2026
EU-wide highly qualified worker permit requiring a degree and a gross annual salary of at least EUR 59,373 in France.
- Processing time
- 2–8 weeks at consulate.
- Government fees
- Visa fee €99; residence permit tax €225.
- Typical duration
- Up to 4 years; renewable.
- Sponsorship required
- Yes
- Leads to permanent residency
- Yes
In short
As of 8 July 2026, the EU Blue Card (Carte Bleue Européenne) for French Republic is a sponsor-led France immigration route. Sources: official French Republic government pages, reviewed 8 July 2026.
Cite this: https://visaatlas.org/visas/france/eu-blue-card-france#answer
What is the EU Blue Card (Carte Bleue Européenne) in French Republic?
EU Blue Card (Carte Bleue Européenne) is a sponsor-led France route. Indicative government fees are Visa fee €99; residence permit tax €225; indicative processing time is 2–8 weeks at consulate; typical duration is Up to 4 years; renewable. This route can lead to permanent residence.
Verified against DGEF on 18 April 2026.
Overview
France's implementation of the EU Blue Card Directive targets highly qualified workers with a degree and a high-salary employment contract. Service-Public currently lists a gross annual salary threshold of EUR 59,373 for the EU Blue Card category. Blue Card holders can move between EU Member States after 12 months. After 5 years in the EU (including 2 in France), holders can apply for EU long-term resident status.
Guidance by nationality
Specific information for applicants from these countries. Don’t see yours? The general eligibility criteria above apply to everyone.
Indian applicants
Indian Blue Card applicants in France concentrate in tech and engineering. The Blue Card's intra-EU mobility is attracti…
American applicants
American professionals choosing between Talent Passport and Blue Card should consider whether they plan to relocate with…
Japanese applicants
Japanese professionals in France benefit from strong Franco-Japanese business ties. The Blue Card is attractive for Japa…
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓Employment contract of at least 12 months with a French employer.
- ✓Gross annual salary of at least EUR 59,373 under the current Service-Public EU Blue Card guidance.Direction générale des étrangers en France (DGEF) / Service-Public.fr (DILA) ↗
- ✓Higher-education qualification (at least 3 years of study — licence level).Direction générale des étrangers en France (DGEF) / Service-Public.fr (DILA) ↗
Common blockers
- !Salary below the published EUR 59,373 EU Blue Card threshold.Direction générale des étrangers en France (DGEF) / Service-Public.fr (DILA) ↗
- !Contract shorter than 12 months.
Typical evidence
- ·Employment contract.Direction générale des étrangers en France (DGEF) / Service-Public.fr (DILA) ↗
- ·Degree certificates with sworn translation.
- ·Passport.Direction générale des étrangers en France (DGEF) / Service-Public.fr (DILA) ↗
Application pathway
Secure qualifying employment
The role must meet the salary and contract-length requirements.
Apply for VLS-TS at consulate
Apply for a long-stay visa annotated "Carte bleue européenne".
Validate and work
Validate online via ANEF. After 12 months, you have intra-EU mobility rights.
Official application links
Where to actually go next
These are the official pages to use for this route. Open them before preparing documents: the forms, fees, appointment systems, and sponsor steps can change without warning.
- ApplyApplicantStart the France-Visas application ↗
Applicant completes the official long-stay visa application for the EU Blue Card category.
France-Visas · verified
- Official guidanceApplicant + sponsorCheck EU Blue Card rules ↗
Applicant and employer confirm contract, qualification, salary, and residence-card requirements.
Service-Public.fr / DGEF · verified
Matches these professions
Also explored by
Compare French Republic with
Related routes
Frequently asked questions
Should I choose the Talent Passport or the EU Blue Card for France?+
The Talent Passport is generally more attractive for France specifically: the salaried qualified Talent Passport threshold is EUR 39,582, compared with EUR 59,373 for the EU Blue Card, and family work rights are broadly comparable. Choose the Blue Card if you plan to move between EU countries — the Blue Card's intra-EU mobility rights after 12 months are its main advantage over the Talent Passport.
Can I combine Blue Card time in France with time in other EU countries?+
Yes. After 5 years of Blue Card residence in the EU (of which at least 2 must be in France), you can apply for EU long-term resident status. The key advantage is that Blue Card time in Germany, Netherlands, or any other EU Member State counts toward the 5-year total — Talent Passport time in France counts only toward French residence milestones.
How long does my job contract need to be for a France EU Blue Card?+
The EU Blue Card requires an employment contract of at least 12 months with a French employer. A contract shorter than 12 months is a common reason this route is refused.
Need tailored advice?
We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.
Find a regulated advisor