EU Blue Card Visa – what it is.
The blue card visa is a work and residence permit within the European Union for highly skilled, non-EU citizens. It was introduced in 2009 through the Council Directive 2009/50/EC, aiming to attract qualified professionals from outside the EU to address skill shortages and boost economic competitiveness.
The name “Blue Card” was inspired by the U.S. Green Card and the blue color of the European flag.
It allows them to live and work in an EU member state, facilitating their access to the labor market and fostering their mobility within the EU. This particularly concerns the employees occupying a highly qualified position who are eligible for a residence permit “European Blue Card” talent. To be eligible, the employee must justify:
- – An employment contract for an indefinite period or for a fixed period of at least 6 months with an employer established in France;
- – A diploma certifying at least 3 years of higher education or documents justifying 5 years of professional experience of comparable level;
- – With an annual gross remuneration at least equal to1.5 times the amount of average annual gross reference salary
The length of stay is equal to that stated on the employment contract, up to a limit of 4 years when the contract is concluded for a period of at least 2 years.
More relaxed rules
The French government, effective May 2nd, has significantly eased the requirements for obtaining an EU Blue Card, aiming to attract more highly skilled professionals to the country. These changes primarily focus on broadening the scope of eligible professional experience and shortening the required work contract duration.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown of the reforms:
- Expanded Professional Experience Eligibility: Previously, individuals seeking a French EU Blue Card needed either a three-year higher education degree or five years of professional experience. The new regulations have made the professional experience route more accessible. Now, applicants with at least three years of relevant professional experience are eligible. This change is particularly beneficial for individuals who may have gained substantial professional skills and knowledge through work rather than formal academic qualifications.
- Reduced Work Contract Duration: The minimum duration for a work contract required for an EU Blue Card application has been cut in half. It was previously a 12-month minimum, but is now reduced to a six-month minimum. This flexibility makes the French EU Blue Card more appealing to employers seeking to hire highly skilled foreign talent for shorter-term projects or initial engagements, and to professionals who prefer more immediate work opportunities.
- Streamlined Entry for Existing EU Blue Card Holders: A key benefit for existing EU Blue Card holders within the European Union is the simplified entry process into France. If an EU Blue Card holder has resided in another member state for at least 12 months, they are now eligible to enter France without needing a separate visa. This facilitates mobility for skilled professionals across the EU and promotes France as an attractive destination for those already contributing to the European workforce.
- Extended Job Search Period for Short-Term Contract Holders: For EU Blue Card holders in France with short-term employment contracts (specifically, those under two years), the new rules provide a crucial grace period. They will now have a three-month validity period after their contract ends to either renew their existing contract or actively search for and secure another job. This provision offers greater security and flexibility for these professionals, reducing the immediate pressure to leave the country upon contract expiry and allowing them more time to transition to new employment.
In essence, these reforms demonstrate France’s commitment to making its labor market more attractive to international talent by recognizing a wider range of professional qualifications, offering more flexible contract terms, and simplifying the entry and transition process for highly skilled individuals.