How can a skilled worker move to France for a job?

For most skilled workers, the move to France starts with a job offer. If you hold a master's degree (Bac+5) or equivalent and your role pays at or above the reference salary threshold, the Talent — Qualified Employee card is usually the strongest choice: it is valid for up to four years, carries no labour-market test, and gives your spouse and minor children a Talent — famille card with work rights. If your role is more senior or specialised and meets the Blue Card salary threshold, the Talent — EU Blue Card sub-category adds EU mobility and a faster route to long-term residence.

If your job offer does not meet the Talent thresholds, the standard employee work permit (salarie / travailleur temporaire) is the route. The difference is that your employer must first obtain work authorisation, which includes a labour-market test showing no suitable EU/EEA or resident candidate is available — so it is slower and more involved than the Talent route.

Salary thresholds are set annually by ministerial order, so confirm the current figure on france-visas.gouv.fr and service-public.gouv.fr before applying. If you are unsure whether your role and salary qualify for a Talent card, an ACME consultant can help you and your employer position the application.