Foreign-born population – 2025 | 14.5% of the population | Main countries of birth: Algeria (15%), Morocco (12%), Portugal (6%) |
Size: 9.6 million, 52% women | Evolution since 2015: +23% |
International Migration Outlook 2026
50th Edition
In 2025, France received 334 000 new immigrants on a long-term or permanent basis (including changes of status and free mobility), 8.9% more than in 2024. This figure comprises 21% immigrants benefitting from free mobility, 16% labour migrants, 32% family members (including accompanying family) and 22% humanitarian migrants. Around 109 000 permits were issued to tertiary-level international students and 35 000 to temporary and seasonal labour migrants (excluding intra-EU migration). In addition, 472 000 intra-EU postings were recorded in 2024, a 26% increase compared to 2023. These posted workers are generally on short-term contracts.
Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia were the top three nationalities of newcomers in 2024. Among the top 15 countries of origin, Haiti registered the strongest increase (1 900) and Romania the largest decrease (‑1 900) in flows to France compared to the previous year.
In 2025, the number of first asylum applicants decreased by ‑10%, to reach around 116 000. The majority of applicants came from Ukraine (12 000), the Democratic Republic of the Congo (12 000) and Afghanistan (11 000). The largest increase since 2024 concerned nationals of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (2 300) and the largest decrease nationals of Guinea (-2 600). Of the 151 000 decisions taken in 2025, 40% were positive.
Emigration of French citizens to OECD countries increased by 3% in 2024, to 108 000. Approximately 18% of this group migrated to Switzerland, 15% to Spain and 11% to Belgium.
In 2026, immigration law in France enters a new phase. Several major reforms stemming from the law of 26 January 2024, aimed at controlling immigration and improving integration, are now fully applicable.
The 2024 law maintained until 31 December 2026 an exceptional regularisation procedure for foreign workers present in the country and working in so-called “shortage” occupations. In January 2025, the Minister of the Interior issued a circular that reaffirmed the exceptional nature of the procedure and instructed prefectures to place greater emphasis on integration, knowledge of French, respect for republican values and public-order considerations when assessing applications.
An updated list of shortage occupations was released. This list is used for both new entries of foreign workers and regularisation purposes. The revised list serves as a reference for implementing provisions introduced under the 2024 immigration law concerning foreign workers employed in sectors experiencing persistent labour shortages. The scheme allows eligible workers meeting residence and employment requirements to apply directly for a temporary residence permit without relying on an employer-sponsored application.
On the employers’ side, obligations have been strengthened. The criminal fine for hiring a foreign worker without a valid residence permit is now set at EUR 30 000 per worker concerned, compared to EUR 15 000 previously.
In May 2025, a further ministerial circular tightened administrative practices relating to acquisition of French nationality by decree. Prefectures were instructed to apply stricter assessments of applicants’ economic autonomy, fiscal compliance, professional integration and effective residence in France. The circular also sought to harmonise decision making practices across prefectures.
In 2025, implementing measures were also adopted concerning the high skilled residence permit (Talent), including adjustments to eligibility conditions and permit categories for highly qualified workers and other skilled profiles.
On 1 January 2026, new integration requirements established under the 2024 immigration law entered into force and strengthened the link between long-term residence rights, access to nationality and demonstrated integration outcomes. More demanding French-language requirements became applicable to access several immigration statuses, including multi-year residence permits, long-term residence cards and naturalisation. To obtain these statuses, the reform also introduced new requirements linked to civic integration and knowledge of the values and principles of the French Republic.
A reciprocal pilot “one-in one-out” agreement was signed between France and the United Kingdom in August 2025. For every undocumented asylum seeker who arrives in the United Kingdom via small boat and is subsequently deported to France, the United Kingdom accepts one vetted asylum seeker from France who has valid family ties or a high chance of being granted asylum.
Following the June 2025 decision of the Council of the European Union on temporary protection for persons displaced from Ukraine, France extended implementation of the temporary protection regime until 4 March 2027. Beneficiaries retained access to residence rights, employment, education, healthcare and social assistance under the national framework for temporary protection.
For further information: www.immigration.interieur.gouv.fr | www.ofii.fr | www.senat.fr
