France Eases EU Blue Card Rules to Attract More Skilled Foreign Workers
In a move aimed at boosting its skilled workforce and alleviating labour shortages across key industries, France has implemented significant changes to its EU Blue Card regulations, making it easier for highly qualified foreign professionals to live and work in the country.
The updated rules, which came into effect on May 2, 2025, introduce several key modifications that lower the threshold for eligibility, including expanded recognition of professional experience and a reduction in the required duration of employment contracts.
Key Changes to the French EU Blue Card System
One of the most notable updates is the expanded eligibility based on professional experience. Under the new rules, applicants for the French EU Blue Card can now qualify with just three years of relevant professional experience in their field. Previously, applicants needed a three-year higher education degree or at least five years of work experience.
In addition, the minimum duration of the required work contract has been halved. Where previously a 12-month contract was necessary to qualify, now a six-month contract is sufficient. Although this change may have limited practical impact—since highly skilled workers in France are often hired on permanent contracts—it significantly lowers the initial barrier to entry.
Intra-EU Mobility & Extended Visa Validity
The new regulations also relax intra-EU mobility rules for EU Blue Card holders. Foreign nationals holding a non-French EU Blue Card and residing in another EU member state for at least 12 months can now move to France without applying for a separate visa. This is a reduction from the previous requirement of 18 months.
Another worker-friendly change is the extension of visa validity for those with short-term contracts. If an employment contract is shorter than two years, the French EU Blue Card will now be valid for three months beyond the contract’s end date, allowing foreign workers more time to renew their contract or secure new employment without losing legal residency status.
Easier Path to Long-Term Residency
In a further enhancement, France has made it easier for foreign professionals to accumulate the five years of legal residence required to obtain the EU Long-Term Residence Permit. Time spent in another EU country on different types of residence permits—not just the EU Blue Card—will now count toward the five-year total. This marks a significant shift in supporting long-term integration for skilled migrants.
France’s Role in the EU Blue Card Landscape
France continues to be a leading destination for EU Blue Card holders, ranking among the top three EU countries for Blue Card issuance. In 2023, the country accounted for four percent of all EU Blue Cards issued, amounting to approximately 4,000 cards.
These reforms reflect France’s commitment to creating a more accessible and flexible immigration system for qualified professionals, aiming to maintain its competitiveness in the global talent market.
Source: Schengen.News
