Talent - EU Blue Card (Carte Bleue Europeenne)
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 1460 days
- Processing time
- 2-4 weeks (expedited processing available)
- Fee
- EUR 99 (visa) + EUR 225 (residence card)
- Validity
- Up to 4 years (aligned with contract duration)
- Entry
- Multiple entry
The EU Blue Card is for highly qualified employees. Requires a higher-education degree (at least 3 years) or 5+ years of equivalent professional experience (for IT professionals). Minimum gross salary: EUR 59,373/year (2026 threshold). Employment contract must be permanent or fixed-term of at least 6 months. Reduced processing times have been introduced. After 2 years with a Blue Card in France, holder can move to another EU member state. Spouse receives automatic work authorization.
Eligibility
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Nationality
Non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals
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Employment
Must hold a permanent or fixed-term (6+ months) employment contract with a French employer offering minimum gross salary of EUR 59,373/year
Required status: Employed by French company
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Financial
Salary must meet or exceed EUR 59,373 gross per year (2026 threshold)
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 15
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Photo
Count: 3; Specifications: 35x45mm, white background, ICAO compliant
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Proof of funds
Accepted forms: Employment contract showing salary; Minimum amount: EUR 59,373 gross annual salary (2026 threshold)
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Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
Form name: Long-stay visa application form; Form url: https://france-visas.gouv.fr/en/visa-wizard
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Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: Cash, card; Amount: EUR 99
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Curriculum vitae
Provide a current CV showing education, work history and relevant qualifications.
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Degree attestation
Attesting authority: ENIC-NARIC France; Must be apostilled: Yes
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Work contract
Provide a signed job offer, contract or assignment letter showing the role, dates and employer.
Must be notarized: No; Must be translated: Yes
How to apply
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Online application
Employer initiates work authorization on the ANEF platform. Start visa application on France-Visas.
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Document gathering
Gather employment contract (translated), degree certificates (apostilled), CV, and proof of qualifications.
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Appointment booking
Book consulate appointment.
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Fee payment
Pay EUR 99 visa fee.
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Document submission
Submit application at consulate.
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Processing wait
Expedited processing of 2-4 weeks.
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Visa collection
Collect visa. Apply for Blue Card at prefecture within 2 months of arrival (EUR 225).