The “European Blue Card” (EBC) talent passport is a multi-annual residence permit for highly-qualified foreigners.
Here are the main conditions for obtaining it:
1. General conditions of employment
- Type of job: The foreign national must hold a highly qualified job for a period of at least one year (“The multi-annual residence permit bearing the words “talent – carte bleue européenne” is issued to foreign nationals […] who hold a highly qualified job for a period of at least one year”) [1], [2].
- Minimum remuneration: foreign nationals must provide proof of gross annual remuneration at least equal to 1.5 times the average annual reference salary. This amount is currently set at €53,836.50 by a decree dated October 28, 2016 (“Subject to proving compliance with a remuneration threshold set by decree in the Council of State. […] This threshold is currently €53,836”). Please note that the threshold is reviewed every year according to minimum wage in France.
- Diploma or professional experience: Foreign nationals must :
- Hold a degree from a state-recognized higher education institution, attesting to at least three years of higher education; or
- Proof of at least five years’ professional experience at a comparable level (“Foreign nationals must have a diploma certifying at least three years of higher education or at least five years’ professional experience at a comparable level”).
2. Supporting documents
To obtain the EU Blue Card, the following documents are required, in accordance with Appendix 10 of the Code de l’Entrée et du Séjour des Etrangers and the Decree of May 4, 2022:
- An employment contract of 12 months or more with an employer based in France.
- A certificate from the employer specifying the duties performed and the conditions of remuneration.
- A copy of the diploma or proof of professional experience mentioned above.
- A detailed curriculum vitae (“The applicant must provide […] a curriculum vitae accompanied by the supporting documents mentioned”)
It is advisable to accompany the application with an explanation of the project in France and the continuation of the professional project in the career plan of the principal applicant. It should also be noted that the principal applicant’s family also benefits from the accompanying family – talent passport scheme.
3. European mobility
Foreign nationals who have resided for at least 18 months with an EU Blue Card issued by another EU member state can apply for an EU Blue Card in France. These conditions are specific:
- The application must be made within one month of entering France.
- No long-stay visa is required for this application (“Foreign nationals who can prove that they have spent at least eighteen months in another Member State […] obtain the same residence permit, provided that they apply for it within one month of entering France, without requiring a long-stay visa”).
4. Limitations and validity of the residence permit
- Period of validity: The card is issued for a period equal to that shown on the employment contract, up to a maximum of four years.
5. Processing time
The Prefect’s decision to grant the card must be notified within 90 days of submission of the application.
Summary table of main conditions
| Criteria | Requirements |
| Length of use | ≥ 1 year |
| Minimum remuneration | 53,836.50 gross per annum (value first quarter 2025) |
| Diploma or experience | Diploma ≥ 3 years of higher education or 5 years of comparable professional experience |
| Required documents | Employment contract, employer’s certificate, CV, diploma or proof of experience |
| European mobility | Stay ≥ 18 months in another member state with an EU Blue Card |
| Period of validity | Identical to the employment contract, up to a maximum of 4 years |
In the event of involuntary unemployment, the card can be renewed for a period equivalent to the unemployment rights acquired in France
For dedicated, personalized support from the LexCase Immigration team, please contact us directly.
