A decree published in the Journal Officiel on 25 April 2026 completes France’s transposition of the EU Blue Card Directive (2021/1883) by adding a short‑term intra‑EU mobility exemption. The amendment clarifies that certain Blue Card holders can work in France without a French work permit for limited periods.
Work‑permit exemption
- Legal change – Article R. 5221‑2 of the French Labour Code now includes a new paragraph 21°, listing categories exempt from the obligation to obtain a French work permit.
- Who is covered – The exemption applies to:
- Holders of a European Blue Card issued by another EU Member State under Directive 2021/1883; and
- Holders of an EU long‑term residence permit that carries the notation “Former holder of a European Blue Card”, also issued by another EU Member State.
- Duration – Eligible individuals may take up paid employment in France for up to 90 days within any 180‑day period without a work permit.
- Scope of work – The French wording explicitly permits salaried employment, not merely business‑visitor activities, distinguishing it from the more ambiguous rules in several other Member States.
The exemption was foreseen by the 2021 Directive but was omitted when France initially transposed the broader Blue Card reform in May 2025. The April 2026 decree closes that gap.
Experience‑based pathway to the French European Blue Card
- Background – Since the May 2025 reform, Article L. 421‑11 of the CESEDA allows applicants for the “talent – European Blue Card” residence permit to qualify on the basis of three years of relevant professional experience acquired within the seven years preceding the application, instead of a higher‑education degree.
- New provision – The decree of 24 April 2026 introduces Article R. 421‑21 C of the CESEDA, which will set the list of eligible professions by a separate ministerial order (arrêté). That order has not yet been published, so the experience‑based pathway is not yet operational.
Practical implications for employers
- Short‑term assignments to France are now significantly simpler for highly qualified third‑country nationals who already hold an EU Blue Card in another Member State.
- The explicit exemption provides greater compliance certainty; employers must still respect the 90‑in‑180‑day limit, after which standard French work‑permit rules apply.
- The employee’s home‑country EU Blue Card and underlying employment must remain valid throughout the French assignment.
- The experience‑based French Blue Card route remains pending until the ministerial order listing eligible professions is issued.
Note: This update is for informational purposes only and does not replace legal or scenario‑specific advice.
Other recent French immigration developments (brief)
- Introduction of a mandatory civic exam and higher language standards for residency and naturalisation.
- Recap of immigration reforms implemented in summer 2025.
- Increase in the salary threshold for French talent permits.
- Implementation of the EU Blue Card reform in France.
- Relocation of CIBT’s Paris office to strengthen support for the French market.
Source article: newlandchase.com
