Recent data from the French Ministry of the Interior shows a clear trend: France is issuing more skilled worker visas and residence permits. In 2024, 51,335 economic visas were granted to employees, scientists, and entrepreneurs, reflecting France’s ongoing efforts to attract skilled professionals. 

France is currently facing a significant skills gap across multiple industries, from technology and healthcare to construction and hospitality. To address this, the French government is actively working to attract skilled international talent, making it easier for employers to bring in the expertise they need.

Here’s what the latest immigration figures tell us about France’s demand for skilled workers and how employers can benefit from these trends.

Skilled Workers Are in High Demand

France is experiencing labor shortages in over 95 industries, with urgent needs in technology, healthcare, construction, and hospitality. To help fill these gaps, the government has increased the number of visas and residence permits for skilled professionals. In 2024, economic visas—which include employees, scientists, and entrepreneurs—reached 51,335, making up a large share of long-stay visas.

• Employee Visas: While employee visas dropped by 18.4% in 2024, they remain essential for companies struggling to find workers. This downward trend is expected to reverse in 2025 as France is introducing new work visa rules to address labor shortages in key sectors. The government has updated its labor shortage list, loosening work permit requirements for foreign professionals in high-demand fields. These changes are especially important for hospitality, where nearly 8,000 restaurants have closed in the past 18 months due to staffing shortages. The construction, healthcare, and logistics sectors are also set to benefit.
• Skilled Professionals and Scientists: Visas for skilled professionals and scientists increased by 12.5% in 2024, showing France’s push to lead in technological innovation. This aligns with the country’s AI investment plan, which has secured €109 billion for infrastructure projects. With over 1,000 AI startups, France is investing heavily in AI education, research, and support for new businesses.
• Entrepreneurs and Self-Employed Workers: Visas for self-employed workers and entrepreneurs saw a slight rise (+0.2%). Programs like the French Tech Visa and Passeport Talent visa make it easier for foreign entrepreneurs to set up businesses in France. At the same time, initiatives like Station F in Paris offer resources and networking opportunities, reinforcing France’s position as a hub for innovation.

What this means for employers: If you’re hiring in tech, healthcare, or engineering, France’s skilled immigration policies make it easier to bring in the talent you need. The rise in visas for scientists and researchers is a sign that the innovation sector is expanding. This could encourage the government to invest further in these fields and offer more support to employers looking to hire international skilled talent in these industries.

What are the Top Nationalities for Skilled Talent?

Understanding where skilled workers are coming from can help employers identify important talent pools. In 2024, the top nationalities for visa issuance in France included:

1. India: Indian nationals received 237,863 visas in 2024, with 5.4% being long-stay visas. India remains a major source of skilled talent for France, particularly in the tech sector. The number of Indian students in France is set to reach 10,000 in 2025, a sharp rise from previous years. This growth aligns with France’s goal of hosting 30,000 Indian students by 2030. Many Indian professionals are building careers in AI, biotechnology, and environmental sciences, strengthening France’s innovation sector. 
2. Morocco and Algeria: These North African countries are consistently among the top nationalities and remain important sources of both short-stay and long-stay visas.
   In 2024, 11.6% of Moroccan visas and 7.2% of Algerian visas were for long stays. Their strong presence in the French job market is supported by historical ties and language advantages. With updated labor shortage lists easing work permit rules, workers from these countries are likely to see even more opportunities in industries like construction, hospitality, and healthcare. 
3. United States: While not in the top five, the U.S. saw a 5.3% rise in visa issuances. More than 13,000 Americans received their first French residency cards in 2024. With ongoing political and social shifts in the U.S., more professionals may be looking to relocate to Europe, creating new opportunities for French employers.

What this means for employers: India, Morocco, and Algeria are some of France’s main talent pools for long-term skilled workers. Additionally, the U.S. could become an increasingly important source of talent, particularly for multinational companies looking to relocate American employees to France.

International Students: A Growing Talent Source

While not an immediate hiring source, the rise in international students in France is worth noting. In 2024, 109,597 long-stay student visas were issued, with many graduates expected to enter the French job market. Programs like the Young Graduate Visa allow international students to stay in France for up to two years after graduation to find work, giving employers access to fresh talent.

What this means for employers: Building relationships with French universities and participating in career fairs can help you reach this talent pool. This is especially relevant for industries like tech and engineering, where skilled workers are in high demand.

What can employers expect from France’s 2025 Work Visa Reforms?

One of the central goals of France’s 2025 immigration reform is to align the country’s economic needs with its migration policies.

The reform introduces targeted pathways for skilled workers in sectors with severe labor shortages, including construction, healthcare, and hospitality. For employers, this means a more structured process and potentially faster visa approvals when hiring international professionals.

France is facing labor shortages in several major industries:

• Technology and Digital Innovation: The demand for software developers, data scientists, and IT specialists continues to rise.
• Healthcare and Nursing: An aging population has increased the need for nurses, medical technicians, and other healthcare professionals.
• Construction and Manufacturing: Employers in these fields are struggling to find workers for specialized roles.
• Hospitality and Agriculture: Filling both seasonal and permanent positions has become increasingly difficult.

The upcoming changes are expected to simplify the process of hiring skilled workers in these high-demand fields. With strong government backing for skilled immigration, businesses have a valuable opportunity to bring in qualified professionals from abroad. 

However, relocating international employees involves more than just securing a visa. Employers need to understand local regulations, ensure compliance, and help new hires adjust to their new environment. Partnering with experts in global mobility and immigration processes can make this easier, helping businesses integrate international hires effectively and take full advantage of the new policies.

Conclusion: France Is Ready to Welcome Skilled Professionals

France’s need for skilled workers is growing, creating new opportunities for employers. With labor shortages across multiple industries and policies designed to attract international talent, now is the time to expand your team with professionals from around the world.

By tapping into strong hiring markets, using programs like the Talent Passport, and staying up to date on immigration reforms, businesses can successfully fill critical roles and drive long-term growth.

Our team helps businesses in France bring in global talent efficiently and compliantly. Get in touch to find out how we can support your hiring efforts.