France Cuts Residence Permit Decision Times and Eases Rules for Foreign Workers

France has introduced immigration reforms shortening the standard decision period for most residence permit applications from four months to 90 days, reducing the initial restriction on changing employers from 12 months to six, and strengthening residence protections for temporary workers facing involuntary unemployment.

The changes took effect on 30 October 2026 under Decree No. 2026-1001. They affect non-EU nationals applying for residence permits, foreign employees covered by the employer-change restriction, holders of “travailleur temporaire” residence cards and businesses employing these workers in France.

Most Residence Permit Decisions Are Now Subject To a 90-Day Deadline

For most residence card applications, the prefecture must notify its decision in writing within 90 days of receiving a complete application. This replaces the previous standard period of four months.

An additional 30 days may be allowed where a case is particularly complex, provided the applicant is informed. However, some residence categories have separate deadlines, and the extension is unavailable for certain applications.

The distinction between submitting an application and submitting a complete application matters: the new period runs from the latter. Applicants should therefore pay close attention to the documents required for their particular route.

The deadline also concerns the decision, rather than guaranteeing that a physical residence card will be delivered within 90 days. Silence does not mean approval: for applications covered by the general rule, the amended legislation provides for an implied refusal after 90 days without a decision.

Initial Employer Change Restriction Reduced To Six Months

The period restricting a change of employer after a first work authorisation has been reduced from 12 months to six months for workers covered by the rule.

This gives affected workers earlier access to a change of employment. However, reaching six months should not be treated as permission to begin any new job automatically. The work-authorisation requirements applicable to the proposed employment still need to be checked.

The decree also adds an exception to the initial restriction where an employer seriously breaches the conditions of the employment relationship. This sits alongside the exception for involuntary unemployment.

For a worker considering a move, the practical questions are therefore both when they may change employer and what authorisation the new role requires. Employers recruiting someone already in France should check both points before agreeing a start date.

Temporary Workers Gain Protection Following Involuntary Unemployment

The reforms introduce protection for holders of a residence card marked “travailleur temporaire”. Their card cannot be withdrawn solely because they have involuntarily lost employment for a total period of no more than three months during its validity.

This is a cumulative allowance during the card’s validity, rather than a fresh three-month allowance every time a job ends. It is also protection against withdrawal on that ground, rather than an automatic extension of the card’s expiry date.

If the worker finds a new employer during the protected unemployment period, they may remain in France while the new work-authorisation application is being considered.

The protected period increases by a further three months for workers subjected to specified forms of exploitation, including trafficking or working conditions incompatible with human dignity.

What Should Applicants And Employers Do Now?

Applicants should check the rules for their particular residence category rather than assuming every application has the same deadline. Workers changing jobs should confirm the required permissions before starting, while those facing unemployment should establish how the protection applies to their permit and circumstances.

Immigration Advice Service can help you understand the changes and plan your next steps when applying to live or work in France.