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EU Blue Card
VisasFranceEU Blue Card
FranceFrance•Europe
Open

EU Blue Card

Work PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa. Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

1–3 months

Estimated Cost

€449 EUR

Varies by filing options

Stay Duration

4 years

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

Job offer required

Work

Remote not required

Apply Now Official Information
France flag

Living in France

Cost of Living
10% cheaper than United States
Avg Salary€28,800
Quality of Life
155/200
Full Country Guide

Overview

Highly skilled employment with a recognized degree and salary above the member state threshold. Portable across EU after 12 months.

The EU Blue Card (Passeport Talent Carte Bleue UE) is France's permit for highly qualified non-EU workers with a recognized degree of at least three years — or five years of comparable professional experience — and a job contract of six months or more paying at least EUR 59,373 per year.

The permit lasts up to four years (matching contract length), is renewable, and leads to long-term EU residence. Spouses receive a residence permit and may work without restriction. After 12 months in France, holders may transfer to another EU state under simplified rules. Dual intent is permitted.

This visa is ideal for non-EU professionals with a recognized degree and a high-skilled French job offer who want a renewable work pathway with EU mobility and a route to permanent residence.

France

Curious about life in France?

Discover cost of living, salary benchmarks, tax rates, and quality of life — everything you need to know before you make the move.

Explore Guide

Cost Breakdown

Long-stay visa fee€99 EUR
Residence permit tax€300 EUR
Residence permit stamp duty€50 EUR
Total€449 EUR

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant4 years

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

L. 426-1 — 10-Year Resident Card (Carte de résident)
France flagFrance

L. 426-1 — 10-Year Resident Card (Carte de résident)

Validity10 years (renewable)
Processing2-4 months
View Visa Details
EU Long-Term Residence Permit
France flagFrance

EU Long-Term Residence Permit

Validity10 years (renewable)
Processing4 months
View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Higher education qualification

Employment contract 6+ months

Salary above member state threshold

KEY CRITERIA

Education

bachelor or higher

Min. Income

59,373 EUR/yr

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Passport

Degree credentials

Employment contract

Salary evidence

Health insurance

Advantages & Considerations

Worth Knowing

  • Algerian nationality (subject to Franco-Algerian agreement)

Application Forms

Go to application portal
Varies by member state—

Verified Claims (24)

Last verified May 31, 2026
Application Steps
—
service-public.fr
Blockers
Algerian nationality (subject to Franco-Algerian agreement)
service-public.fr
Dependent Visa
Family reunification rights
france-visas.gouv.fr
Fee Breakdown
Long-stay visa fee: 99 EUR; Residence permit tax: 300 EUR; Residence permit stamp duty: 50 EUR
service-public.fr
Fee Breakdown · Residence permit stamp duty · amount
25
service-public.fr
Fee Breakdown · Residence permit tax · amount
200
service-public.fr
Fees
EUR 99 (long-stay visa) + EUR 225 (residence permit: EUR 200 tax + EUR 25 stamp duty)
service-public.fr
Forms
Varies by member state
service-public.fr
Apply Now Official Information
France flag

Living in France

Cost of Living
10% cheaper than United States
Avg Salary€28,800
Quality of Life
155/200
Full Country Guide

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