France Introduces Work Authorization and EU Blue Card Changes

• France has introduced immigration and work authorization changes, including faster residence permit processing, expanded worker protections, updates to EU Blue Card eligibility and mobility requirements and new work authorization exemptions for certain U.K.-based service providers.  

 Work Authorization and EU Blue Card Changes

The French government has published a new decree implementing updates to its immigration and employment framework for foreign nationals.  

The changes align French law with recent European Union directives and modify several residence permit and work authorization provisions.  

The decree entered into force the day after its publication on Oct. 29, 2026.  

Faster Residence Permit Processing in France 

Under the new rules: 

• Authorities must generally issue a decision on residence permit applications within 90 days, down from four months.  
• For particularly complex cases, the processing deadline may be extended by up to 30 additional days.  
• The new timeline applies to a broad range of residence permit categories covered by France’s “single permit” framework.  

Greater Protections for Foreign National Workers 

The decree introduces additional protections for foreign nationals working in France: 

• The period during which a worker is restricted from changing employers after receiving an initial work authorization is reduced from 12 months to six months.  
• An exemption from this restriction applies when a worker experiences a serious violation of the employment relationship by the employer.  
• Holders of a temporary worker residence permit employed on fixed-term contracts may retain their right to remain in France during involuntary unemployment.
  • They may not be without work for more than three months during the permit’s validity.
  • The limit is six months for workers whose previous job involved human trafficking, forced labor or other conditions incompatible with human dignity.
• Workers who lose their jobs through no fault of their own may maintain their status while seeking new employment and while their new work authorization application is under review.  

EU Blue Card Validity Rules Restated

The government of France also restates the existing validity rules for the “Talent – EU Blue Card”:

EU Blue Card Validity Periods 

• For employment contracts lasting two years or longer, authorities may issue the EU Blue Card for the duration of the contract, up to four years.
• For contracts lasting less than two years, the permit may be issued for the contract duration plus three months, up to a maximum of two years.  

Easier EU Blue Card Mobility 

• The required period of residence in another EU member state before an EU Blue Card holder can undertake a first mobility move to France is reduced from 18 months to 12 months.  
• For certain subsequent mobility situations, the qualifying residence period is reduced to six months.  

Additional Job Loss Protections 

• EU Blue Card holders whose employment ends due to an employer’s failure to meet legal obligations may receive up to 6 months to find new employment while maintaining lawful status in France.  
• The decree also facilitates the renewal of residence permits for certain family members of EU Blue Card holders who have accumulated qualifying residence in multiple EU member states.  

New Salary Requirements for ICT Permit Holders 

France has introduced new compensation thresholds for certain intra-company transfer (ICT) categories: 

• Applicants for ICT and Mobile ICT employee permits must meet a minimum annual gross salary threshold tied to a government-established reference salary.  
• Similar salary requirements now apply to ICT and Mobile ICT trainee permits.  
• The required amount will be set by ministerial order and has not been published yet.
• The government says the aim is for cardholders to have expert or manager profiles.

Work Authorization Exemption for Certain UK-Based Service Providers 

The decree creates a new work authorization exemption for certain foreign nationals employed by U.K.-based entities: 

• Eligible individuals may perform qualifying contractual services in France for up to 12 cumulative months without obtaining a French work authorization.  
• The exemption applies only to specific sectors designated by government order and is subject to experience and qualification requirements. 

Don’t Miss an Update 

At Envoy Global, we’re led by experts and enabled by technology.  We deliver a better way for companies to manage global corporate immigration. Our holistic, proactive immigration services are built for accuracy and efficiency, always putting people first. 

Reach out today to learn how we can support your company’s immigration needs.