According to the 2025 EY Attractiveness Survey, France has retained its position as the most attractive country in Europe for foreign investment for the sixth consecutive year.
- France led Europe with 1,025 foreign investment projects in 2024, ahead of the UK (853) and Germany (608), despite a 14% drop in project numbers.
- It captured 19% of all foreign investments destined for Europe, slightly more than in 2019.
- France was the top destination for industrial investment, with 415 manufacturing projects—more than one-quarter of all such projects in Europe.
- It also led in research and development (R&D), with 104 projects, thanks to initiatives like the “France 2030” plan, which supports innovation in sectors like AI and quantum technologies.
- Regional attractiveness improved, with 75% of projects located outside the Paris region, showing balanced national development.
Despite a general decline in foreign direct investment across Europe due to economic uncertainty, high energy prices, and geopolitical tensions, France’s proactive industrial policies, skilled workforce, and innovation ecosystem helped it maintain its lead.
In this context, France implemented several legislative, regulatory, and practical changes in immigration policy. These updates primarily focus on exceptional admission to residence, residence permits, employment conditions for foreigners, and procedures relating to asylum and integration.
The circular issued on January 23, 2025, prioritizes exceptional residence permits for foreign workers employed in occupations and regions facing labor shortages. The criteria for regularization have become stricter, requiring applicants to demonstrate at least seven years of residence in France—up from five years previously—as a clear indicator of integration. Foreigners subject to recent return bans (IRTF) or obligations to leave French territory (OQTF) are generally excluded from the procedure, unless new information warrants reconsideration.
At the same time, the 2025 circular eliminates previous regularization criteria from 2012, such as temporary employment situations or short-term contracts, leaving prefectures with fewer specific guidelines to evaluate individual cases.
Regarding residence permits and integration, Law No. 2024-42, effective since January 26, 2024, introduces a “Republican Engagement Contract.” Foreigners seeking residence permits must commit explicitly to respect republican principles. Failure or refusal to sign or adhere to this contract may lead to denial or withdrawal of the residence permit. Additionally, the previously named “Passeport Talent” residence permit has been simplified and renamed the “Talent” permit, consolidating several categories for clarity.
Employment conditions for foreigners have also become stricter since September 1, 2024. Authorities now thoroughly assess employers’ compliance with social obligations and their criminal records before granting work authorizations. Employers must demonstrate that recruitment plans are proportionate to their economic activities. Furthermore, a new requirement mandates that employers ensure decent housing for seasonal foreign workers throughout their stay.
The asylum application process has been streamlined with the establishment of territorial “France Asylum” centers, enabling asylum seekers to complete all necessary steps—registration, rights activation, and filing of applications—in a single location. This reorganization aims to significantly reduce processing delays. Additionally, proficiency in French and adherence to republican values remain central requirements, reinforced under the updated Republican Integration Contract (CIR).
Finally, sanctions against employers exploiting unauthorized foreign workers have been significantly strengthened. Law No. 2024-42 doubles applicable fines, which can reach up to €30,000—or €200,000 if violations involve organized criminal groups—and converts the special contribution into an administrative fine.
Overall, the 2025 immigration reforms aim to balance tighter control of immigration flows with improved integration through employment and language acquisition for legally residing foreigners. However, stricter criteria for regularization and residence permits may limit access for certain groups. These changes reflect an approach focused on more restrictive immigration policies while addressing labor shortages in critical sectors.
Upcoming Changes to French Naturalization Requirements – Effective January 1, 2026
In May, a new draft circular from French Minister of the Interior, Mr. Bruno Retailleau, outlines significantly stricter requirements for foreign nationals seeking French nationality. These changes will take effect on January 1, 2026, and are intended to reinforce integration standards and ensure applicants maintain a strong, demonstrable connection to France.
Key Measures to Be Aware Of:
- Strengthened Language and Civic Requirements (Effective January 1, 2026):
Applicants will be required to demonstrate a higher level of French language proficiency. In addition, a mandatory civic exam covering the values and principles of the French Republic will be introduced as part of the naturalization process, specifically for first-time applicants for multi-year residence cards or permanent residency. - Demonstrated Assimilation:
Candidates must show clear assimilation into French society and a sincere adherence to the Republic’s core values. This includes respectful behavior, especially regarding French laws on entry, stay, and residence. - Clean Legal Record and Conduct:
Individuals with convictions for terrorism or any non-suspended prison sentence of six months or more will remain ineligible. The authorities may reject applications based on reports of problematic or inappropriate conduct. In less severe cases, a postponement of the application may be considered. - Immigration Compliance:
Applications will be automatically deemed inadmissible if the applicant is in irregular status, has been the subject of an unresolved deportation order, or is under a still-active exclusion from French territory. - Stricter Financial and Employment Criteria:
Applicants must demonstrate financial independence over a five-year period, excluding reliance on French social benefits. Priority will be given to those with stable, sufficient income earned in France. Applications from individuals whose primary income comes from abroad may be denied, as this suggests their primary ties remain outside France. - Longer Processing Times Expected:
Due to rising volumes, the government anticipates the backlog of applications could exceed 290,000 cases by the end of 2025, resulting in average processing delays of more than 28 months.
While the legal framework for naturalization is unchanged, the practical conditions for success are being significantly tightened. Anyone considering applying for French nationality should take steps now to ensure they will meet the more demanding requirements coming into force on January 1, 2026.