France has revamped its immigration policy to attract foreign talent, introducing a separate permit for healthcare professionals, merging several visa categories and shortening processing times for EU Blue Cards. Find out more about the new rules, which come into force on 16 June 2025, which also include an update to the minimum wage and clear legal deadlines for processing immigration applications.

France has officially updated its immigration legislation, simplifying the rules for issuing work visas and residence permits for foreign professionals. From June 16, 2025, new types of permits, accelerated processing of the EU Blue Card and special conditions for medical professionals will be in effect. This is part of the country's strategy to attract global talent to work in the fields of healthcare, technology, innovation and business.

Read about the main changes in the procedure for obtaining a work visa in France in 2025 in this article.

In 2025, France introduced a new online visa application process, read more here.

Planning a trip abroad? Choose a reliable health insurance policy on the Visit World portal.

Main changes in French visa rules in 2025

- A new permit for medical and pharmaceutical professionals has been introduced.

- Talent permit categories have been simplified.

- The procedure for issuing the EU Blue Card has been accelerated.

- A "reasonable time" rule has been introduced for responding to immigration requests.

- Updated salary thresholds.

France is changing its approach to naturalization in 2026: even long-term legal residence no longer guarantees citizenship. Read in our previous article who will be affected by the new rules, what requirements have been tightened and why citizenship is now considered a privilege, not a formality. 

A new path to France for doctors and pharmacists from outside the EU

France has opened a separate program for foreign doctors, dentists, pharmacists and midwives, which allows you to obtain a renewable residence permit for up to 4 years without the need to apply for a separate work permit.

- Minimum salary: €41,386.48 per year.

- Available to non-EU countries.

- Real possibility of legalization and employment in the French healthcare system.

This initiative is aimed at overcoming the shortage of medical personnel and creates attractive conditions for specialists from abroad.

Merging permits: more transparency for professionals and entrepreneurs

In 2025, France merged several work permits into two clear categories:

Talent – ​​Skilled Worker

- Covers: young graduates, temporary workers, staff of innovative startups

- Minimum salary: €35,891 per year

Talent – ​​Project Owner

Aimed at: business founders, holders of a French technical visa, investors.

These changes allow for a much faster adaptation to the French employment system, especially in dynamic sectors such as IT, biotechnology, startups.

Faster procedure for obtaining an EU Blue Card

Foreign professionals who already have an EU Blue Card from another member state can now obtain a French card in just 30 days.

In more complex cases – a maximum of 60 days.

If the family is filed together with the applicant – the decision is made on the same day.

In case of delay without a response – a lawsuit can be filed.

This greatly facilitates internal mobility within the EU and makes France even more attractive for multinational companies and professionals with experience.

More details on the new rules for the French Blue Card in 2025 here.

“Reasonable deadlines” instead of indefinite delays

France has enshrined in its legislation a mandatory rule: immigration authorities must set clear deadlines for submitting additional documents or a response. This will allow:

- to speed up the processing of applications;

- to avoid administrative delays;

- to protect the rights of applicants.

Current salary thresholds in France in 2025

New annual minimum salary thresholds have been introduced for popular types of permits:

- Medical and pharmaceutical professions – €41,386.48.

- Skilled workers (talent) – €35,891.

These figures are expected to be updated by the end of 2025, in line with the current economic situation.

Changes in French language requirements

Later this year, France is also expected to introduce higher French language requirements for certain work and residence permits. This is part of a broader strategy aimed at strengthening integration and ensuring smoother immigration processes for professionals.

The new reforms are a clear signal from France: the country is open to doctors, specialists, investors and entrepreneurs. If you are planning to move to France to work or launch a startup, 2025 is the perfect time to start.

Want to get a French work visa?

Our migration lawyers will help you at all stages - from choosing a permit to submitting an application.

Reminder! In 2025, France opened more than 80 vacancies for foreigners. We have already told you which professions are in short supply and how to work and live legally in France.

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