Key Points
- France introduced immigration reforms on June 13, 2025, under Decree No. 2025-539.
- Salary thresholds have been updated for the Talent – Qualified Employee and Medical Talent categories.
- EU Blue Card transfers now processed within 30 days of arrival in France.
- Entrepreneur and job seeker permit rules revised.
- Multiple permit categories consolidated under simplified classifications.
Overview
On June 13, 2025, the French government enacted Decree No. 2025-539, implementing wide-ranging changes to the country’s immigration framework. The reform is intended to simplify rules, enhance clarity, and promote skilled migration by refining permit structures and streamlining application procedures across several key categories.
Among the most notable updates are revised salary requirements for “Talent” residence permits. Applicants under the Talent – Qualified Employee route must now earn a minimum annual salary of €35,891, aligning with the national average. Previously, the threshold was tied to twice the minimum wage. For applicants in the medical and pharmaceutical fields, the minimum annual salary is now set at €41,386.48, consistent with Level 2 of France’s associate practitioner pay scale.
The reforms also include expedited timelines for intra-EU mobility. Skilled workers holding an EU Blue Card from another member state will now receive a decision within 30 days of entering France, down from the previous 90-day window. If approved, they will receive a Temporary Residence Permit with work authorization.
Additionally, France has revised the criteria for residence categories, such as “Entrepreneur/Liberal Profession” and “Job Search or Business Creation,” thereby improving procedural clarity for applicants who are starting businesses or seeking employment after completing their studies.
To further reduce administrative complexity, the decree consolidates multiple permits under broader categories. For example, permits previously issued to Young Graduates, Employees on Assignment, and Employees of Young Innovative Companies now fall under the unified Talent: Qualified Employee category. Similarly, the Talent: Project Holder classification now encompasses former permits for New Business Creators, French Tech Founders, and Investors.
Looking Ahead
Employers and mobility professionals should review these changes to ensure alignment with new eligibility thresholds and processing timelines. The consolidation of permit categories may offer operational benefits but also requires updated documentation strategies. Companies hiring international professionals or facilitating intra-EU transfers should adapt their onboarding processes accordingly. These reforms reflect France’s broader objective to strengthen its position as a destination for high-skilled global talent.
