Passeport Talent - EU Blue Card (Carte Bleue Européenne)
Highly qualified non-EU workers with a higher-education degree and a high-salary French job offer.
The Passeport Talent - EU Blue Card (Carte Bleue Européenne) is a French work & skilled visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (~€99 visa + €225 residence-permit tax (€200 + €25 stamp)) and processing time (~2-6 weeks), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the Passeport Talent - EU Blue Card (Carte Bleue Européenne) is for
Highly qualified non-EU workers with a higher-education degree and a high-salary French job offer.
Time in other EU states can count toward EU long-term residence and a 10-year card.
Passeport Talent - EU Blue Card (Carte Bleue Européenne) - eligibility criteria
- Higher-education degree (3+ years) or 5 years' equivalent experience
- Work contract of at least 6 months
- Gross annual salary at least 1.5× the average French salary
- Job matching your qualifications
- Valid passport and clean record
Passeport Talent - EU Blue Card (Carte Bleue Européenne) cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the Passeport Talent - EU Blue Card (Carte Bleue Européenne) (France) is ~€99 visa + €225 residence-permit tax (€200 + €25 stamp), with an indicative processing time of ~2-6 weeks. Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at France-Visas.
| Type | Temporary |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | At a French consulate abroad or at the prefecture if already in France |
| Length of stay | Up to 4 years, renewable |
| Work rights | Work for the sponsoring employer; EU mobility after 12 months |
| Study rights | Permitted alongside work |
| Government fee | ~€99 visa + €225 residence-permit tax (€200 + €25 stamp) |
| Processing time | ~2-6 weeks |
| Route to PR | Time in other EU states can count toward EU long-term residence and a 10-year card. |
Pathway & next steps
Time in other EU states can count toward EU long-term residence and a 10-year card.
Many applicants also compare Talent (Salarié Qualifié) · Passeport Talent - Qualified Employee (Master's or Young Graduate), Salarié · Employee Residence Permit (Carte de Séjour Salarié), ICT (Détaché) · Intra-Company Transfer Permit (Salarié Détaché ICT). Run a free VisaChief check to see which French route best fits your profile, then prepare an application reviewed by a registered migration agency in our partner network.
Common Passeport Talent - EU Blue Card (Carte Bleue Européenne) pitfalls we fix
Passeport Talent - EU Blue Card (Carte Bleue Européenne) - frequently asked questions
How much does the Passeport Talent - EU Blue Card (Carte Bleue Européenne) cost?
The Passeport Talent - EU Blue Card (Carte Bleue Européenne) government fee is ~€99 visa + €225 residence-permit tax (€200 + €25 stamp). Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at France-Visas before applying.
How long does the Passeport Talent - EU Blue Card (Carte Bleue Européenne) take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~2-6 weeks. Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the Passeport Talent - EU Blue Card (Carte Bleue Européenne) lead to permanent residence?
Time in other EU states can count toward EU long-term residence and a 10-year card.
Can I work on the Passeport Talent - EU Blue Card (Carte Bleue Européenne)?
Work rights: Work for the sponsoring employer; EU mobility after 12 months.
Who can apply for the Passeport Talent - EU Blue Card (Carte Bleue Européenne)?
Highly qualified non-EU workers with a higher-education degree and a high-salary French job offer.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official France government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, fees and processing times change - always confirm the current rules with the issuing authority before you apply:
- France-Visas - official France immigration authority