France Tightens Immigration Rules in 2025

France saw a significant shift in immigration patterns in 2025 — rising entry permits but stricter controls on regularisation and naturalisation. Official government data released in January 2026 paints a complex picture: between openness and control, opportunity and restriction.

A Record Number of Residence Permits

In 2025, 384,230 residence permits were issued — an 11.2% increase from the previous year. France remains a major destination for international students and those seeking humanitarian protection.

Main Categories of Residence Permits:

Student visas: 118,000 issued, reflecting France’s ongoing global education appeal.
Humanitarian permits: 92,600 granted, a 65% surge driven by global conflicts and crises.
Economic permits: 51,190 delivered, a 13% decline, notably for seasonal and salaried workers.

While more people are being admitted for study and protection, the government has tightened immigration for economic and irregular migrants.

Asylum Applications Decline Slightly

Although humanitarian visas rose, asylum requests dropped by 3.7% in 2025, totalling 151,665 applications.

Top Countries of Origin:

Ukraine
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Afghanistan

The approval rate climbed to 52%, compared with about 40% in previous years — a sign that more applicants are meeting France’s protection criteria.

The Retailleau Circular: A Tougher Stance on Regularisation

A key shift came with the introduction of the Retailleau Circular in early 2025, replacing the more lenient Valls Circular from 2012. Its aim: to make regularisations “truly exceptional” once again.

Effects of the Retailleau Circular:

Only 28,610 irregular migrants were regularised in 2025 — a sharp drop.
Removals increased by 15.7%, with 24,985 people expelled.
Forced removals rose 21%, reaching 15,569 deportations.
Arrests of undocumented migrants soared — particularly from Algeria, Tunisia, and Morocco.

This tougher stance marks a clear return to what the government calls “controlled immigration.”

Naturalisation Becomes Harder

The number of people acquiring French nationality fell by 6.8% to 62,235 in 2025. New rules introduced in mid-2025 have made the process more demanding.

Key Changes:

Stricter eligibility and documentation requirements.
A mandatory civic knowledge test now applies for both naturalisation and multi-year residence cards (in force from January 2026).

These changes reflect the government’s push for stronger integration measures — and a more selective approach to citizenship.

What This Means for Expats in France

For English-speaking residents and those planning to move to France, these shifts highlight the importance of preparation and compliance.

Practical Takeaways:

Student and humanitarian visas remain accessible for qualified applicants.
Economic permits are becoming more selective — ensure your paperwork is meticulous.
If applying for citizenship or long-term residency, prepare early for the civic test.
Stay up to date with prefecture requirements, as local implementation may vary.

The Bottom Line

France’s 2025 immigration policy signals a more controlled, security-focused era — with a mix of humanitarian openness and administrative strictness. For those ready to build a life in France, understanding these evolving rules is now essential to succeed.