France’s National Assembly opened debate this morning on Article 30 of the 2026 Finance Bill, a short clause with big consequences for anyone who needs French immigration documents. If adopted, the measure would increase the government’s stamp-tax (droit de timbre) on almost every immigration and naturalisation application beginning 1 January 2026.
Under the draft text, the fee for acquiring French nationality would rise by €200 to €450, while the cost of obtaining, renewing or replacing a standard carte de séjour would jump €100 to €300 (plus a €50 stamp). Regularisation visas—used by undocumented migrants who qualify for a status adjustment—would also increase by €100. Even the seemingly mundane exchange of a foreign driving-licence for a French one would attract a new €40 levy, and temporary residence authorisations would cost €100. The finance ministry estimates the package could raise an additional €160 million per year—money the government says brings France into line with ‘median levels’ elsewhere in the EU.
![French MPs mull steep hike to visa and residence-permit fees from 1 January 2026]()
Migrants’-rights groups reacted angrily. La Cimade called the plan “a step further in a policy of deterrence and exclusion,” warning that higher costs will discourage legal status and push more people into precarious situations. Employers’ federations, meanwhile, fear longer recruitment timelines for foreign talent as applicants scramble to find extra funds. Immigration lawyers note that the changes will arrive just six months before France’s new online residence-permit portal becomes mandatory, potentially creating a double-shock for applicants unfamiliar with the digital system.
From a corporate-mobility standpoint, the new tariffs will raise budgeting stakes for HR teams that bring in non-EU assignees on Talent-Passport permits (currently €225 in taxes). Multinationals are already advising 2025 transferees to file renewal paperwork before year-end where possible.
Debate on Article 30 is expected to run into the weekend. Because the government lacks an outright majority, amendments—including possible fee waivers for students and start-up founders—could still appear before the final vote later this month.
Under the draft text, the fee for acquiring French nationality would rise by €200 to €450, while the cost of obtaining, renewing or replacing a standard carte de séjour would jump €100 to €300 (plus a €50 stamp). Regularisation visas—used by undocumented migrants who qualify for a status adjustment—would also increase by €100. Even the seemingly mundane exchange of a foreign driving-licence for a French one would attract a new €40 levy, and temporary residence authorisations would cost €100. The finance ministry estimates the package could raise an additional €160 million per year—money the government says brings France into line with ‘median levels’ elsewhere in the EU.
Migrants’-rights groups reacted angrily. La Cimade called the plan “a step further in a policy of deterrence and exclusion,” warning that higher costs will discourage legal status and push more people into precarious situations. Employers’ federations, meanwhile, fear longer recruitment timelines for foreign talent as applicants scramble to find extra funds. Immigration lawyers note that the changes will arrive just six months before France’s new online residence-permit portal becomes mandatory, potentially creating a double-shock for applicants unfamiliar with the digital system.
From a corporate-mobility standpoint, the new tariffs will raise budgeting stakes for HR teams that bring in non-EU assignees on Talent-Passport permits (currently €225 in taxes). Multinationals are already advising 2025 transferees to file renewal paperwork before year-end where possible.
Debate on Article 30 is expected to run into the weekend. Because the government lacks an outright majority, amendments—including possible fee waivers for students and start-up founders—could still appear before the final vote later this month.
