In 2025, France is actively addressing the problem of labor shortages, for the first time since 2021, the list of in-demand professions has been expanded, and the procedure for obtaining work permits for undocumented foreigners has been simplified. Find out how the new rules will affect the employment of foreigners in France

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The French government has revised its list of professions with labor shortages for the first time since 2021, aiming to close staffing gaps in key sectors of the economy and facilitate access to the labor market for foreigners. This policy change, as well as a significant simplification of migration legislation, will be a good opportunity for expats from Nepal, Brazil, Tunisia, Mauritius and other countries around the world to find work in France in 2025.

More on the professions with the maximum shortage of workers in France and changes for undocumented foreigners later in this article.

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In which sectors of France will the maximum shortage of workers be felt in 2025?

According to official data, the shortage of personnel in France is most noticeable in the following areas:

- Hotel and restaurant business - staff shortages in hotels, cafes and restaurants affect the quality of service.

- Construction - qualified specialists, in particular bricklayers, electricians and carpenters, are in high demand.

- Social services and care - due to the aging population, the need for caregivers and domestic workers has increased.

The most popular professions in 2025 in France

For foreigners considering working in France, the following positions remain the most promising:

- Cooks and restaurant staff.

- Construction workers (electricians, plumbers, bricklayers).

- Medical and social sector (nurses, carers, home helpers).

- Logistics and transport (truck drivers, couriers).

- IT industry (software developers, cybersecurity specialists).

New opportunities for undocumented workers in France in 2025

One of the main changes in French migration policy was the introduction of new rules for workers without legal status.

From now on, this category of foreigners can apply for a one-year residence permit, which automatically grants the right to work.

- To obtain a one-year residence permit for people without legal status in France, you must:

1. Have at least 12 months of work experience in one of the scarce professions over the past two years.

2. Provide proof of employment (payslips, bank statements or references from the place of work).

Unlike the previous rules, continuous employment is not mandatory, which expands the possibilities for legalization.

Why are these changes to migration policy important?

The new rules are expected to help thousands of foreigners integrate into the official French labor market. This is particularly relevant for the hospitality industry: over the past 18 months, about 8,000 restaurants have closed in France due to staff shortages.

Since up to 50% of hospitality workers are foreigners, the innovation should significantly facilitate filling vacancies, especially for evening and weekend shifts.

Restrictions on illegal immigrants remain

Despite simplifying the employment procedure for certain categories of foreigners, France is simultaneously tightening its migration policy in other aspects. In particular, the Senate passed a law prohibiting undocumented migrants from marrying, explaining this by the fight against fictitious unions. About 247,000 suspicious marriages are registered in France every year.

The updated rules for granting work permits in France open up new opportunities for migrants, helping to fill vacancies in critical sectors. This will support the country's economy and help businesses avoid a crisis due to a shortage of personnel.

For those considering finding a job in France, 2025 could be the ideal time to get a job in one of the scarce positions.

Contact an employment lawyer to understand all the features of employment in France. The help of a qualified specialist will allow you to get a job in the country quickly and without unnecessary worries.

Let us remind you! France, like most European countries, is facing a shortage of workers. The IT, healthcare and mechanical engineering industries are especially vulnerable. To overcome the shortage of personnel, the country attracts highly qualified expats. We have already told you what specialists France lacks and what preferential conditions the country offers to healthcare workers.

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