Long-stay visas (Type D)
French EU Blue Card (Carte bleue européenne)
The EU-wide route for highly skilled workers, issued in France as a Talent 'European Blue Card' permit for graduates or experienced professionals holding a high-salary contract.
Under review — check current rules
Important information
- Issued by
- French consulate abroad, then prefecture / ANEF
- Route type
- Talent 'European Blue Card' long-stay visa then multi-year card
- Contract length
- Qualifying skilled job of at least 6 months
- Salary threshold
- Around €59,373 gross/year (about 1.5x the reference average salary)
- Set annually by decree; treat as indicative and verify
- EU mobility
- Facilitated movement and cumulative residence across EU member states
Who it's for
- Highly qualified non-EU professionals with a French job offer
- Graduates with a higher-education qualification (typically 3+ years) or, in certain sectors, equivalent experience
- Workers wanting EU-wide mobility rather than a purely national permit
Requirements
- Employment contract of at least six months for a highly qualified post
- Gross salary at or above the annual Blue Card threshold
- Recognised higher-education diploma or, where allowed, equivalent professional experience
- Valid passport, proof of accommodation and health cover
What you can do
- Work in the highly qualified role for your French employer
- Bring family with work rights via the Talent (famille) route
- Benefit from facilitated mobility to and from other EU member states
- Count Blue Card time across the EU toward long-term residence
How to apply
Secure a qualifying job offer meeting the salary threshold, then apply for the long-stay visa under the Blue Card / Talent category through France-Visas and your consulate.
After arrival, validate the visa online and, before it expires, apply at the prefecture (ANEF) for the multi-year European Blue Card.
Documents
- Valid passport and France-Visas application
- Employment contract (minimum six months) meeting the salary threshold
- Higher-education diploma or proof of equivalent experience
- Proof of accommodation and comprehensive health insurance
Frequently asked questions
The Blue Card is EU-harmonised and gives cross-border mobility, but it requires a higher salary (around 1.5x the reference average) than the standard qualified-employee category.
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.
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