What to watch in 2026 for employment and immigration

The year 2026 is shaping up to be a period of major transformation for employment and immigration. Several significant reforms will come into force from the beginning of the year, with direct impacts on immigration candidates, businesses and the labour market. Below are the key points to note:

Integration and naturalisation

• From 1 January 2026: new integration and naturalisation arrangements will take effect. These include, in particular, a mandatory B2 level in French for certain applicants, which will become a central criterion for obtaining French nationality.

• Civic examination: the implementation of this examination should be closely monitored, as it will remain a determining element in the naturalisation and integration process for foreign nationals seeking to obtain a multi-year residence permit, a long-term resident card or French nationality.

Minimum wage (SMIC)

• Increase in fiscal stamps: an increase in fiscal stamp duties is expected, with a direct impact on administrative procedures for both individuals and companies.

• Revaluation of the SMIC: the statutory minimum wage has been increased, resulting in an automatic adjustment of the thresholds applicable to several professional statuses minimum a été réévalué, ce qui entraîne également un ajustement automatique des seuils pour plusieurs statuts professionnels.

“Talent” statuses and skilled employment

• Change in the method for calculating thresholds for Talent statuses – Skilled Employee (in particular for graduates educated in France and employees of innovative start-ups). Until the end of 2025, the threshold was indexed to the SMIC; it is now calculated on the basis of an annual reference amount set by ministerial order, which may alter recruitment conditions for certain skilled profiles.

• Impact on the labour market: these changes affect the recruitment of foreign talent, professional mobility and workforce planning, in connection with current geopolitical and economic challenges.

In summary

2026 will be a pivotal year for integration policies and skilled employment. Companies and immigration candidates must anticipate these changes in order to remain compliant and optimise their recruitment and international mobility strategies.