5 Compulsory Reforms of France’s EU Blue Card of 2025: Efficient Processes for Global Experts

France Becoming Friendly to Global Talent:

As part of its efforts to attract and retain overseas talent, France has adopted the EU Blue Card framework, effective as of May 2, 2025. The changes will simplify immigration to France for more skilled non-EU experts, making France a welcoming host nation to global talent. The 2021 EU Blue Card Directive resolves the internal labour gap in France and remains a one-policy net under a standard European highly qualified migration policy.

Understanding the EU Blue Card

The EU Blue Card is a residence and employment permit issued to third-country nationals with specific skills. The cardholder may stay and work in a member state of the EU and enjoy intra-EU mobility, family reunification, and long-term residence. It is now easier for individuals to obtain the card, specifically for professionals, but not necessarily those with a formal university education, rather those with worthy work experience.

Having More Professional Experience Now Being Equivalent to Having More Degrees

The most significant difference that has shifted is that professional experience is now considered equivalent to a degree. It was all about possessing a university degree or being in a situation where one had to demonstrate five years of professional experience, two years earlier. The EU Blue Card allows a professional with three years of professional work experience within seven years to work without a degree. It closes the gap between a pool of talent and seasoned professionals in every type of labour at work, with the capability of leveraging experience and regional expertise for French businesses.

Minimum Employment Contract Length

The minimum duration of a work contract has been reduced from 12 months to six months. This was advantageous to employees and employers for short-term job postings and work contracts. It also reduced the barrier for specialists to acquire French international experience.

Increased Administrative Autonomy for Blue Card Holders

The changes have contributed to the reality that EU Blue Card recipients from any other EU member country can relocate to France within the transition framework.
Previously, to move to France, one had to reside in any other EU nation for 18 months. Under the current reform, Blue Card holders may travel to France visa-free after living in any EU member state for 12 months, provided they obtain a French EU Blue Card within one month of entry. The reform enables the free movement of the EU’s best talent within a single labour market.
For less than two years, the EU Blue Card holds a tenure of three months over the contract tenure, which can be up to 24 months. It allows experienced professionals to change employers or professions without subjecting themselves to the entire gamut of visa technicalities.

Fast-Track Route to Permanent EU Residency

The French stay duration in other stay visas is five years for the EU Long-Term Residence Permit. This allows them to be promoted to long-term residency, which is a more permanent status that results in integration within the EU.
French skills shortages are prevalent in the fields of health, technology, and engineering. The French government aims to adopt the streamlined EU Blue Card process to prevent skills gaps like these from emerging from the multicultural pool of skilled professionals. Reform is in the spotlight as the entire EU strategy for making skilled migration competitive and cohesive, so that member states can attract the world’s talent.

EU Blue Card Application in France

Requirements

• Six and above work contract or offer of work.
• Offer of employment at least 1.5 times the average annual French gross salary.
• Or an associate degree or three years of professional, relevant experience in the last seven years

Application Process

• Get the job offer from the French employer.
• Employer applies to the French labour authorities (DREETS).
• Once authorised, you can apply for a long-stay visa (VLS-TS) at the French embassy or consulate in your country of origin.
• Upon arriving in France, verify your visa online within three months.
• Submit the EU Blue Card residence permit application to the residence prefecture.

Documents Required

• Original passport with a minimum of two blank pages.
• Binding work contract or letter of employment.
• Salary certificate of the minimum wage rate.
• Study certificate or professional experience certificate.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• French cover for proof of health insurance.
• French proof of residence.
• The EU Blue Card application form has been filled out.
• French obligatory passport photos for a visa.
• Paid application fee.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Is a university degree necessary to apply for the EU Blue Card?
Yes. As long as you have three years of previous working experience out of the past seven, you do not necessarily require a degree to render you eligible for the EU Blue Card in France.
Q2: Why is the salary low enough to render the candidate eligible for the EU Blue Card in France?
The lowest salary is 1.5 times the average annual French salary, approximately €53,837.
Q3: Can family members accompany the EU Blue Card?
Yes. Family reunification is permitted, along with the EU Blue Card. Your dependent children and spouse are also welcome to accompany you to France and have the right to work.
Q4: Would a shorter employment contract duration affect my application?
The minimum short-term contract duration has been reduced to six months, which will benefit the short-term contract practitioner by making it easier to achieve long-term residence under the EU Blue Card.
Q5: Will time spent in France under another residence permit be considered for long-term residency?
In practice. French residents in other categories of residence permits now also earn under the five-year qualifying period for an EU Long-Term Residence Permit.

A Progressive Step Towards Inclusive Skilled Migration

France’s 2025 EU Blue Card system reform is a step in the right direction for an open and flexible high-skilled immigration policy. Checking red tape, prioritising workplace experience, and orienting in terms of mobility within the EU positions France at the global forefront as a competitive and open marketplace for world talent. All these factors, along with meeting immediate labour market needs, drive the vision of a dynamic and inclusive European workforce.