FRANCE – EU Blue Card Reform is implemented.

May 8, 2025

By: Clara Excler, Associate, Newland Chase Advisory

While the core rules remain—pending the release of implementing Decrees—this reform offers greater mobility and long-term integration opportunities for skilled workers. Employers must ensure full compliance at all times. Failure to do so can impact not only Blue Card applications but also broader immigration processes for foreign workers.

France has implemented EU Blue Card reform (Directive 2021/1883) via Law No. 2025-391, published May 2, 2025. The reform aims to simplify and expand access to the scheme, strengthening the EU’s migration framework for skilled workers. Key changes contained within the new regulation are as follows.

Eligibility criteria.

Employment contract.

The minimum contract duration is reduced from 12 to six months.

Qualifications.

Applicants are still required to hold a bachelor’s degree (three years or more of higher education) or five years of relevant professional experience. A new option of three years of experience within the last seven years has been introduced. This option applies only to certain roles—a list of roles will be defined by an upcoming decree. If aligned with the EU directive, this is expected to target the information and communication technology (ICT) sector.

Salary threshold.

The salary threshold remains at 1.5 times the average gross annual salary. The threshold is currently set at EUR 53,837—unchanged since October 28, 2016—pending an update by decree.

Change of employer.

There are no changes to regulations covering change of employer. Blue Card holders in France have been permitted to change employers without prior approval since April 2021, provided eligibility is maintained.

Long term mobility and access to the 10-year card.

Intra-EU mobility.

After a minimum of 12 months (previously 18) as a Blue Card holder in another EU Member State, relocation to France is possible without a visa. However, it remains mandatory to apply for the French Blue Card within 30 days of arrival.

10-year residence card.

It is now possible to include years spent in other EU Member States towards the five years of residency prior to the application. As such, the 10-year card is accessible to:

• French Blue Card holders for a minimum of two years preceding the application.
• Applicants who, in the preceding three years, held one of the following permits—either in France or another EU Member State: Blue Card or Highly-Skilled Worker, Scientific Researcher, and beneficiaries of international protection.

Card duration.

There is no change to the card duration of up to four years. If the work contract is stipulated as being for under two years, the card will be issued for the contract duration plus three months, up to a maximum of two years.

New grounds for refusal.

New refusal grounds focusing on employer’s compliance have been introduced. The Blue Card application may be refused if the employer operates mainly to facilitate immigration or has violated labour, tax, or social laws.

As always, don’t hesitate to reach out to your Newland Chase dedicated contact or submit an inquiry here should you have any specific questions regarding this announcement.

This immigration update is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal or scenario-specific advice. Furthermore, it is important to note that immigration announcements are subject to sudden and unexpected changes. Readers are encouraged to reach out to Newland Chase for any case- or company-specific assessments.