EU Blue Card
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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

EUR €449

Stay Duration

4 years

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

Job offer required

Work

Remote not required

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Living in France

Cost of Living
4% cheaper than United States
Avg Salary€31,000
Quality of Life
173/200

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

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Cost Breakdown

Long-stay visa feeEUR €99
Residence permit taxEUR €300
Residence permit stamp dutyEUR €50
TotalEUR €449

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—

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