CONVINUS Global Mobility Alert 23.2026

Relaxations to the EU Blue Card regulations have been introduced

France has recently relaxed the regulations governing the EU Blue Card.

Among the most significant changes are:

• New eligibility criteria regarding professional experience
• Shorter required durations for employment contracts and
• Relaxed regulations on mobility within the EU.

These reforms are part of France’s implementation of the requirements of the 2021 EU Blue Card Directive.

Note and reminder: As of April 25, 2026, holders of a European Blue Card issued by another EU member state or an EU long-term residence permit issued by another EU member state (bearing the notation “Former holder of a European Blue Card”) may enter France even without a work permit to engage in paid employment there for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.