France: New residency card rules for non-EU workers

The French government has made it easier for non-EU workers to apply for residency cards, specifically those working in sectors with labor shortages. 

The new regulations are designed to help workers who have been contributing to the French economy but lack the correct long-stay visa, residency card, or work permit. Many workers in sectors experiencing labor shortages, such as construction, catering, healthcare, and personal or home services, fall into this category. 

This change is part of the 2024 Immigration Law, which aims to help fill job shortages and provide legal stability to workers who are already living in France. Without the correct documentation, these workers risk serious consequences, including possible expulsion from France and heavy fines for their employers. The new rules give workers in short-staffed jobs a way to legalize their status, considering their work history, family responsibilities, and how well they have integrated into French society.

An Easier, Faster Process

One of the most significant changes under the new rules is that workers can now apply for the residency card on their own, without needing their employer to initiate the process. Previously, the employer was required to complete a form to apply for the work permit component, which the worker would then include in their application. Now, workers who meet the eligibility criteria can take this step independently.

If approved, applicants will receive a one-year residency card, known as a carte de séjour, under the category of travailleur temporaire or salarié, depending on whether their employment contract is temporary (CDD) or permanent (CDI). The card will be renewable, allowing workers to continue their employment legally in France.

Application and Timeline

To qualify for this residency card, applicants must meet the following conditions:

-> Be from a non-EU/EEA/Swiss country.

-> Have worked a short-staffed occupation for at least 12 months (these months do not need to be consecutive) over the past 24 months.

-> Hold a job in a sector with staffing shortages at the time of application.

-> Have lived in France continuously for at least three consecutive years.

Applications need to be submitted to the local prefecture - the new process is now in effect and will be available until December 31, 2026. Many prefectures are expected to offer online application options soon, although not all of these systems are running yet.

There is currently no information on how long it will take for applications to be processed.