Since the beginning of the year, several major reforms have reshaped the framework for professional immigration in France.
The adoption of the law of 26 January 2024, followed by the ‘Retailleau’ circular of 24 January 2025, had already tightened the conditions for exceptional admission to residence (AES), making it more difficult for many people in an irregular situation to regularise their status.
However, the decree of 21 May 2025, which updates the list of professions in high demand by region, marks a turning point. It opens up new prospects, both for foreign employees already present in the country and for employers seeking to recruit from abroad.
Tighter restrictions on exceptional admission to residence (AES)
The circular of 21 February 2024 restricted access to the exceptional admission to residence procedure, particularly for foreign nationals in an irregular situation wishing to regularise their status on the basis of their work.
Among the new requirements:
- A minimum of 7 years’ residence in France (except in the case of children in education),
- 24 months of work in the last 36 months, often with detailed proof (pay slips, bank transfers, certificates),
- A promise of employment or a signed contract,
- And a more thorough examination of the applicant’s social and professional integration.
This procedure, which was already discretionary, has become more demanding and uncertain.
A new path to regularisation for professions under pressure
However, the decree of 21 May 2025 opens a new door, which is more stable and better defined, for people working in a profession under pressure recognised in their region.
This procedure is based on Article L. 435-4 of the CESEDA and has several major advantages:
- No obligation to prove the unavailability of local labour;
- Direct access to a ‘salaried employee’ or ‘temporary worker’ residence permit under common law;
Objective criteria:
- 3 years of continuous residence in France;
- 12 months of work in the last 24 months, even if intermittent;
- And a job in a region where the profession is recognised as being in high demand.
This clearer framework does not rule out prefectural control, but it reduces legal uncertainty for the workers concerned.
Need help? Our team at Blue Bridge offers expert advice to ensure that your application meets all legal and procedural requirements.
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Simplified procedures for employers
The decree also benefits employers, whether they are recruiting from abroad or in France, in the context of a change of status, a first application or regularisation through work.
For positions in professions under pressure:
- No need to publish a job offer for three weeks on France Travail;
- No need to justify the lack of available candidates in the country;
- The work permit application can be submitted immediately via the ANEF platform.
This administrative simplification saves time and enables a faster response to urgent labour needs, particularly in the catering, personal services, construction and logistics sectors.
Key points
- Regularisation through work remains possible, but the traditional AES route is now more demanding.
- For people employed in a shortage occupation, a specific, more flexible procedure is now available.
- Employers also benefit from simplified procedures when the position offered is in a shortage occupation.
Anticipate, secure, succeed
These changes call for an individualised analysis of each situation, taking into account the profession, the region, the employee’s background and the needs of the company.
The right to residence based on employment remains a major lever for integration and security, but it is now based on a more targeted and technical framework.
Are you a foreign worker or an employer? Personalised support can make all the difference: contact us to identify the best strategy and take full advantage of these new opportunities.
Book a free 20-minute consultation with lawyer Yuliana Colorado.
