France is getting set to introduce the European Union Blue Card, one of the first western European nations to do so. So far, the Blue Card has only been implemented in eastern European nations such as Hungary.

The Blue Card is a work visa which allows non-EU skilled workers to live and work in the EU. Exceptions are the UK, Ireland, and Denmark, who have chosen to opt out of the Blue Card initiative.

The Blue Card provides an excellent opportunity for skilled workers who wish to live and work in Europe. Immigration to most European countries has historically been difficult, however the EU is recognizing that skilled immigration is needed to help support their aging population and declining working age population.

To qualify for a Blue Card, a non-EU national must have a job offer valid for at least one year in a participating EU state. A worker must also have a higher education degree, five years of relevant work experience, and must be making 1.5 times the minimum salary level set by the state.

After 18 months, a Blue Card holder can move to another EU state if he has a job offer, with little bureaucratic overhead.

In France, Blue Card holder spouses will be issued a "Private and Family Life category" work permit which is valid for one year initially and renewable on an annual basis.