The Holy Grail of French immigration, the famous Passeport Talent – European Blue Card, is evolving and aligning itself with European regulations by adjusting several of its conditions.
Now more accessible — and above all, more European — the Blue Card (CBE) was introduced in France in 2012, following the law of June 16, 2011. Its main goal: to attract highly qualified workers to France, notably by allowing their families (married spouse + children under 18) to live and work in France.
Here’s a summary of the various measures applicable since May 2, 2025!
Employment contract duration
6 months (previously 12 months)
Eligibility conditions
Hold at least a Bachelor’s degree (bac+3) or equivalent AND/OR prove 5 years of professional experience. New: applicants can also qualify with 3 years of professional experience over the past 7 years, for certain professions specified by decree.
Residence permit duration
The card can be issued for up to 4 years. If the employment contract is shorter than 2 years, the permit will be granted for the contract’s duration + 3 months, capped at 2 years.
Minimum salary
Set by decree, currently 1.5× the average annual gross salary (i.e., €53,836.50). ⚠ Note: bonuses and premiums cannot be included in this amount.
Intra-EU mobility
If the person has resided in another EU Member State for one year under an equivalent permit, they can obtain the CBE in France after one year (previously 18 months). This waiting period is reduced to 6 months after the second intra-EU mobility.
EU long-term resident card
The application for the EU long-term resident card (generally valid for 10 years) will be facilitated for someone who has held the Passeport Talent – European Blue Card for 2 years and who has already resided for at least 3 uninterrupted years in France or another Member State under the status of Blue Card holder, highly qualified employee, researcher, or as a refugee/beneficiary of subsidiary protection.
Family
The married spouse and children under 18 are entitled to a Passeport Talent – Family residence permit, allowing them to live and work in France. Now, the renewal of this permit will also apply if the person can demonstrate 5 years of uninterrupted residence in any EU Member State as a “dependent” of a European Blue Card holder, with the last 2 years spent continuously in France.
WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?
Because the Passeport Talent – European Blue Card is a strategic tool for companies seeking to attract highly qualified talent to France.
In addition to being issued for a reassuring duration (up to 4 years) and through a relatively smooth process, this card:
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- Integrates family members into the mobility package (spouse with work rights, minor children)
- Opens the path to the EU long-term residence card (10 years)
- Serves as a stepping stone towards French naturalization after 5 years of continuous, legal residence in France
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In short, it’s a powerful tool for attraction, retention, and international mobility for employers who want to remain competitive in the global talent market.
💬 Want to learn more about the European Blue Card or any other France & Global immigration topics?
📩 Contact us: oui@oui-immigration.com
👉 Also, check out our previous article on the European Blue Card: The EU Blue Card (the misnamed) – OUI Immigration
