France Simplifies Work Visa Rules: Faster EU Blue Card, New Medical Talent Pathway

In a move to streamline its immigration process and attract high-skilled professionals, France implemented major changes to its talent permit scheme and EU Blue Card application process starting June 16, 2025.

These reforms include new immigration pathways for foreign workers in healthcare, faster processing for EU Blue Card holders, and updated salary thresholds for several permits.

Let’s take a closer look at what’s changed and what it means for foreign professionals planning to work in France.

New Talent Permit for Medical and Pharmacy Professionals

France has officially launched the ‘Talent – Medical and Pharmacy Professions’ Permit, a long-awaited pathway offering a renewable four-year residence permit for qualified non-EU doctors, dentists, pharmacists, and midwives.

• No separate work permit needed
• Designed to fill healthcare labour shortages in France
• Minimum salary set at €41,386.48 per year

Although this permit was approved in early 2024, it has only now been fully implemented with salary thresholds and operational guidelines.

Why This Matters

This new pathway is a game-changer for international healthcare workers. With France’s world-class hospitals and vibrant medical research sector, the country is now more accessible to global talent than ever before.

Merging Multiple Permits for a Smoother Process

France has consolidated several existing talent permits into two streamlined categories:

Talent – Qualified Employee: Now includes young graduates, employees on assignment, and staff of young innovative companies.

• Young Graduate – Qualified Employee
• Employee on Assignment
• Employee of a Young Innovative Company
• Minimum salary: €35,891 per year

Talent – Project Holder: Combines permits for new business founders, French Tech Visa recipients, and investors.

• New Business
• French Tech Visa Founder
• Investor

The Impact

By merging these permits, France aims to make the application process more transparent and efficient. This is excellent news for skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and investors looking to contribute to the French economy.

Faster EU Blue Card Processing for Intra-EU Mobility

Good news for EU Blue Card holders and their families! France has cut down the EU Blue Card processing time from 90 days to just 30 days for applicants who already hold a Blue Card from another EU Member State.

• Time can extend to 60 days if special circumstances apply
• Same-day decisions for families who apply together
• If no response is given within the legal timeframe, applicants can challenge the delay in court

The Impact

This update enhances intra-EU mobility and makes France a more appealing destination for highly skilled migrants and multinational companies.

‘Reasonable Timeframe’ Rule for Immigration Requests

Another significant update is the legal introduction of a “reasonable timeframe” rule for responding to or requesting additional documents during immigration applications.

Previously, applicants were often given 15–30 days through the online portal (ANEF), but no legal timeline was in place. Now:

• Authorities must provide clear deadlines when asking for missing information
• Applicants must respond within a reasonable time

While still vaguely defined, this change is expected to improve application turnaround times and reduce administrative delays.

Updated Salary Thresholds for Talent Permits

France has introduced new minimum salary levels for certain permits:

Note: These figures are based on older 2016 benchmarks. The French government is expected to release updated thresholds later in 2025 to better reflect current economic conditions.

Language Requirements and More Reforms

Later this year, France is also expected to introduce higher French language proficiency requirements for specific work and residence permits. This is part of a broader strategy to strengthen integration while ensuring smoother immigration processes for professionals.

Final Thoughts

These sweeping reforms signal France’s ambition to attract top global talent in healthcare, tech, and innovation while reducing red tape for employers and skilled workers.

Whether you’re a foreign doctor, startup founder, or IT specialist already in the EU, France is positioning itself as an easier and faster destination for work and residence.