Foreign-born population – 2024 | 14% of the population | Main countries of birth: |
9.3 million, 52% women | Evolution since 2014: +21% | Algeria (17%), Morocco (12%), Portugal (7%) |
International Migration Outlook 2025
In 2024, France received 298 000 new immigrants on a long-term or permanent basis (including changes of status and free mobility), ‑2.6% compared to 2023. This figure comprises 22% immigrants benefitting from free mobility, 20% labour migrants, 34% family members (including accompanying family) and 14% humanitarian migrants. Around 104 000 permits were issued to tertiary-level international students and 41 000 to temporary and seasonal labour migrants (excluding intra-EU migration). In addition, 375 000 intra-EU postings were recorded in 2023, a 11% increase compared to 2022. These posted workers are generally on short-term contracts.
Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia were the top three nationalities of newcomers in 2023. Among the top 15 countries of origin, China registered the strongest increase (1 200) and Morocco the largest decrease (‑9 300) in flows to France compared to the previous year.
In 2024, the number of first asylum applicants decreased by ‑9.8%, to reach around 131 000. The majority of applicants came from Ukraine (13 000), Afghanistan (10 000) and Democratic Republic of the Congo (9 300). The largest increase since 2023 concerned nationals of Ukraine (10 000) and the largest decrease nationals of Afghanistan (‑6 200). Of the 138 000 decisions taken in 2024, 38% were positive.
Emigration of French citizens to OECD countries decreased by ‑5% in 2023, to 104 000. Approximately 19% of this group migrated to Switzerland, 16% to Spain and 11% to Belgium.
In January 2024, France adopted a new immigration law to better regulate inflows and support integration. Undocumented workers in shortage occupations with 12 months of employment over two years and three years’ residence can now independently apply for regularisation, without requiring their employer to file the application on their behalf. Sanctions for employers of undocumented migrants were strengthened.
A new four‑year residence permit was introduced by the law for medical and pharmacy professionals. Language requirements were raised to A2 for multi‑annual permits, B1 for residency, and B2 for naturalisation.
The asylum system was streamlined by reducing the number of litigation procedures from 12 to 3 and improving local co‑ordination. Deportation rules now cover foreigners who arrived before age 13. A biometric decree adopted in April 2024 interconnects the fingerprint database with eight national and European systems.
In early 2024, Mayotte faced major political and economic unrest mostly driven by poverty and the scale of illegal migration. In response to protests, the French Government launched “Operation Wuambushu” to curb illegal migration and clear unsafe housing. It also proposed ending automatic birthright citizenship in Mayotte to discourage unauthorised immigration.
In March 2024, the government relaxed the tax rules for employers hiring non-EU foreign nationals: Employers of residence permit holders exempt from work authorisation no longer need to pay the foreign worker tax; for others, the tax is now payable annually instead of after each hire, simplifying the process and reducing administrative burdens. Another change aims to make France more attractive to foreign talent amid labour shortages. All agricultural professions are now included in the list of shortage occupations for all metropolitan regions.
Integration support has expanded, with enhanced language training for the Republican Integration Contract (CIR) signatories and the rollout of the AGIR programme, which offers refugees individualised assistance in employment, housing, and access to services.
France continued digitising residence permit applications, extending it to vulnerable categories like trafficking victims and minors in care. Employer obligations for posted workers were simplified to reduce administrative burdens.
Following the implementation of the 2024 law, in May 2025, a circular by the Ministry of Interior aimed at strengthening the conditions for access to French nationality by decree. It clarifies that applicants must not only meet the language and residency criteria (B2 level and five years’ lawful residence in most cases), but also demonstrate full tax and legal compliance, continuous physical presence in France, and clear integration through employment or sustained community engagement. Administrative practices have been harmonised across prefectures, and files showing unpaid taxes, undeclared income, or extended stays abroad face likely rejection.
For further information: www.immigration.interieur.gouv.fr | www.ofii.fr | www.senat.fr.
