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France EU Blue Card 2026

Talent residence card – EU Blue Card (carte bleue européenne)

In short

France issues the EU Blue Card as a Talent card to highly qualified employees with a contract of at least six months and a gross annual salary of at least EUR 59,373, which is 1.5 times the reference average salary. A three-year degree or five years of relevant experience is required.

Apply on France-Visas (official visa portal) checked 25 October 2026

Key facts

Validity
Contracts of two years or more: length of the contract up to four years; shorter contracts: contract plus three months, up to two years.
Fee
€99Long-stay visa fee; in France the multi-year Talent card costs EUR 350 (EUR 300 tax + EUR 50 stamp duty).
Funds required
€59,373 per yearMinimum gross annual salary (1.5 × the reference average salary).
Processing time
Implicit refusal if the prefecture does not answer within 90 days.
Family
Spouse and minor children receive a "talent – family" card through the simplified accompanying-family procedure, with the right to work.
Path to permanent residence
EU long-term resident card after five years, of which the last two in France (earlier years in another EU state can count).
Where to apply
France-Visas, then the French consulate or its visa application centre in your country of residence.

Conditions

You need a higher-education diploma of at least three years, or five years of relevant professional experience (three years within the last seven for certain listed professions), an employment contract of at least six months and a gross annual salary of at least EUR 59,373. Holders of a Blue Card from another EU state can move after one year there (six months from the second mobility).

After arrival: VLS-TS, OFII and residence card

Validate the VLS-TS online on the ANEF website within three months of arrival and pay the residence tax; without validation you are not lawfully resident and cannot travel back to France after leaving. OFII may summon you for a medical visit. Apply online for the next card between four and two months before the visa expires.

Long-term residence

Blue Card holders can apply for the EU long-term resident card after two years in France immediately before the application plus at least three earlier years on eligible cards, with resources at the minimum wage level, B1 French and the civic exam.

Family

Spouses and minor children of Talent card holders can travel with you or join later under the simplified accompanying-family procedure, without going through family reunification. They receive a multi-year "talent – family" card that allows them to work.

Refusal

If the prefecture does not answer, the application is deemed refused after four months for most Talent categories, 90 days for the EU Blue Card and 60 days for researchers; you then have two months to appeal. Visa refusals by the consulate first go through the mandatory administrative appeal stated in the notice.

Documents

Required documents

Identity

  • France-Visas long-stay form and receipt, signed
  • Passport valid for the stay, issued less than 10 years ago, with copies
  • Recent ICAO-standard photo and proof of legal residence in the country where you apply

Travel

  • Proof of accommodation

Work

  • Employment contract of at least six months and the employer's contract-details form for the Blue Card

Study

  • Three-year degree or proof of five years' experience

Supporting documents (where they apply)

Other

  • Blue Card from another EU state, if moving within the EU

How to apply, step by step

  1. Create your long-stay application on France-Visas, choosing the "Talent – EU Blue Card" purpose, and print the form and receipt.
  2. Book an appointment with the French consulate or the visa application centre it uses in your country of residence, and attend in person with originals and copies.
  3. Pay the visa fee and give fingerprints; the consulate decides on the long-stay visa valid as a residence permit (VLS-TS).
  4. Within three months of arriving in France, validate the VLS-TS online on the ANEF website and pay the residence tax.
  5. Attend the OFII appointments if you are summoned (medical visit, integration contract where applicable).
  6. Apply online for the residence card between four and two months before the VLS-TS expires.

Forms

Frequently asked questions

What is the Blue Card salary in France?

EUR 59,373 gross a year.

Can I qualify without a degree?

Yes, with five years of relevant professional experience.

How fast is the decision?

The prefecture's silence counts as refusal after 90 days.

How long is the French Blue Card valid?

If the contract lasts at least two years, for the length of the contract up to four years; if it is shorter, for the contract plus three months, up to two years.

I hold a Blue Card from another EU state. When must I apply in France?

Within one month of entering France; the prefecture's silence then counts as refusal after 30 days instead of 90.

Official sources

Summarised from the official sources above. Rules, fees and processing times change: confirm with the embassy or the official portal before you apply.

Other visa types for France

Visits and short stays

Business and self-employment

Study and training

  • Student visa Validity: VLS-TS from four months to one year; then a one-year card, followed by a multi-year card for the rest of the degree.
  • Researcher visa Validity: Length of the hosting agreement, up to four years.
  • Internship and trainee visa Maximum stay: Company internship: six months initially; continuing training: 12 months, renewable once up to 18 months.

Work

  • Work visa Validity: First year on the VLS-TS; then a four-year multi-year card for permanent employees still in the job, or a card matching the fixed-term contract.
  • Skilled worker visa Validity: Length of the contract, up to four years.
  • Intra-company transfer visa Validity: Length of the assignment, up to three years, minus time already spent on the visa; not renewable.

Family

  • Family reunification visa Processing time: The mayor checks resources and housing within two months; the prefect decides within six months of the complete file reaching OFII (silence means refusal).
  • Spouse and partner visa Validity: VLS-TS valid one year; then a multi-year card of two to four years.

Residence

  • Retirement visa Validity: VLS-TS for the first year, then a renewable one-year card.
  • Permanent residence Validity: 10 years, renewable. The EU card lapses after more than three consecutive years outside the EU or six years outside France; the ordinary resident card after more than three consecutive years outside France.

Protection

France visa guide