France Implements Major Reforms to Foreign Worker Residency Rules

A new decree, No. 2026-1001, issued on October 26, 2026, has introduced significant modifications to French immigration and labor laws. Aligning with European standards and post-Brexit agreements, the reform eases professional mobility by shortening the mandatory tenure with an initial employer from twelve to six months. Furthermore, administrative procedures for work-related residency permits must now generally be processed within 90 days, with enhanced safeguards for workers who lose their jobs involuntarily. The legislation also strengthens the 'EU Blue Card' scheme to attract highly skilled talent, simplifying intra-EU mobility and family reunification processes. Additionally, the decree implements specific provisions for British service providers, granting work authorization exemptions for certain temporary assignments while ensuring compliance with French labor standards. These changes aim to clarify the regulatory environment for international hiring.