France introduced several changes in 2026 that affect foreign residents, international students, and people planning to apply for long-term residency or French citizenship.
Some of these changes involve higher costs, stricter eligibility requirements, and new administrative procedures. Depending on your situation, they may have little impact—or they could significantly affect your long-term plans in France.
Here are the main changes to be aware of.
1. Higher Minimum Income Threshold
The French minimum wage (SMIC) increased by 2.41% on June 1, 2026.
The gross monthly salary for a full-time employee increased from €1,823.03 to €1,867.02, bringing the annual gross SMIC to approximately €22,404.
Although the SMIC is the legal minimum wage, applicants for residence permits are generally encouraged to demonstrate income above this level whenever possible.
2. Higher Residence Permit Fees
Since May 1, 2026, Article 128 of the Loi de finances pour 2026 (Law No. 2026-103) has increased several immigration-related administrative fees.
The main changes include:
- Validation of a long-stay visa equivalent to a residence permit (VLS-TS): €300 (previously €200)
- Stamp duty for issuing, renewing, replacing, or updating a residence permit: €50 (previously €25)
- Application fee for French naturalization or acquisition of French nationality: €255 (previously €55)
3. Higher French Language Requirements
France has increased the minimum French language level requirements for several immigration procedures. This takes effect from 01 January 2026,
The new requirements are:
- A2 for renewing a multi-year residence permit
- B1 for obtaining a 10-year residence card (previously A2)
- B2 for applying for French citizenship (previously B1)
4. New Civic Exam for Residency
Beginning January 1, 2026, certain non-EU nationals must pass a new state-administered civic exam (examen civique). The exam applies to applicants for:
- A first multi-year residence permit (carte de séjour pluriannuelle)
- A 10-year residence card (carte de résident)
- French citizenship
The exam is designed to assess knowledge of French civic values, institutions, and society.
5. Stricter French Citizenship Guidelines
The French Ministry of the Interior has issued new guidelines that tighten the criteria for obtaining French citizenship. The updated guidance places greater emphasis on an applicant’s financial independence and professional integration.
- Professional integration within five years.
- Stable employment, preferably with a permanent contract (CDI), although a fixed-term contract (CDD) of at least 24 months may also be accepted.
- Sufficient and stable financial resources without relying on social benefits, except in cases involving illness or disability.
These guidelines provide prefectures with a framework for evaluating citizenship applications.
6. New Travel Authorization Rules
International travel is becoming more administrative for many travelers.
- The European Union plans to introduce the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) in late 2026 (It is currently not in operation). Visa-exempt travelers, including British citizens, will need travel authorization before entering the Schengen Area.
- The United Kingdom is also introducing an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). Visitors from 85 nationalities, including the United States, Canada, and France, who do not need a visa, will not be able to legally travel to the UK without an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) from 25 February 2026.
7. Changes to CAF for Students
A decree published in the Journal Officiel on June 28, 2026 changed the eligibility rules for French CAF housing assistance (APL/ALS).
- Since July 1, 2026, non-EU/EEA students who are not scholarship recipients are generally no longer eligible for housing assistance, even if they hold a valid VLS-TS visa.
- Students from the EU, EEA, and Switzerland, as well as scholarship recipients of any nationality, remain eligible. students with any earned income (even a few hours of work a week) can still qualify.
Summary of Policy Changes for Expats in France in 2026
1. Higher minimum income threshold ~ June 1, 2026
2. Higher residence permit fees ~ May 1, 2026
3. Higher French language requirements ~ January 1, 2026
4. New civic exam for residency ~ January 1, 2026
5. Stricter French citizenship guidelines ~ January 1, 2026
6. Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) from the UK ~ February 25, 2026.
7. Changes to CAF for students ~ July 1, 2026
Final Thoughts
The changes introduced in 2026 may feel difficult to digest, but staying informed and prepared can make the transition easier. While the rules are becoming more demanding, France remains a welcoming place for many expats who plan ahead and adapt to the new requirements.