In an effort to simplify its immigration process and attract high-skilled professionals, France implemented major updates to its Talent Passport program and EU Blue Card application process beginning June 16, 2025.
These changes introduce new immigration pathways for healthcare professionals, faster processing for EU Blue Card holders, and updated income thresholds for several visa categories.
Here’s what’s changing—and what it means for international professionals planning to work in France.
Table of Contents
New Talent Permit for Medical and Pharmacy Professionals
France has officially launched the Talent – Medical and Pharmacy Occupations Permit, a long-anticipated visa route that grants a renewable four-year residence permit to eligible non-EU:
- Physicians
- Dentists
- Pharmacists
- Midwives
Key Benefits:
- No separate work permit is required
- Designed to address France’s healthcare staffing shortages
- Minimum income requirement: $48,425.70 annually
Though announced previously, the permit is now fully operational with established income thresholds and clear guidelines.
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Why This Matters
This is a significant opportunity for foreign healthcare professionals. With France’s renowned hospitals and vibrant medical research sector, the country is now more accessible to international talent than ever before.
Consolidation of Talent Permits for Streamlined Processing
France has consolidated several talent permits into two simplified categories:
1. Talent – Qualified Worker
Combines permits for:
- Recent graduates
- Employees on secondment
- Staff from young innovative companies
Minimum salary requirement: $41,994.26 annually
2. Talent – Project Holder
Combines permits for:
- Entrepreneurs
- French Tech Visa holders
- Investors
Impact of These Changes
By merging multiple categories, France aims to simplify and clarify the application process, making it easier for skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, and investors to contribute to the French economy.
Faster EU Blue Card Processing for Intra-EU Mobility
There’s excellent news for EU Blue Card holders and their families:
- Processing time for Blue Card holders transferring from another EU country is now reduced from 3 months to 1 month
- In exceptional cases, the period may extend to 2 months
- Same-day decisions are possible for family members applying together
- Applicants can challenge processing delays in court if the deadline is not met
Impact
These improvements support intra-EU mobility and strengthen France’s position as a top destination for skilled migrants and multinational companies.
Reasonable Processing Time for Immigration Applications
France has also formally introduced a reasonable response time rule for immigration authorities.
Previously, applicants typically had 15–30 days to respond to requests for additional documents via the ANEF portal—but there was no official legal timeframe.
Now:
- Authorities must set clear deadlines when requesting missing documents
- Applicants must respond within a reasonable period
While the rule leaves some flexibility, it is expected to improve processing times and reduce bureaucratic delays.
Upcoming Language Requirements and Additional Changes
Later in 2025, France is expected to introduce higher French language proficiency requirements for certain jobs and residence permits. This move is part of a broader plan to enhance social integration while simplifying the legal process for qualified professionals.
Conclusion
These wide-ranging updates reflect France’s commitment to attracting global talent in healthcare, technology, and entrepreneurship—while reducing administrative burdens for employers and applicants.
Whether you are a doctor, startup founder, or IT professional already working within the EU, France is positioning itself as one of the most streamlined and welcoming countries for highly skilled foreign workers.
