Socialist MP Fatiha Keloua-Hachi has tabled a draft law that would grant automatic renewal of French multi-year residence permits and ten-year *cartes de résident*, citing long prefecture delays that leave some 90,000 foreign professionals in legal limbo each year. The proposal, supported by 142 deputies, envisages electronic renewal triggered six months before expiry, provided the holder still meets income and insurance thresholds.
Business associations such as MEDEF and the Franco-German Chamber argue that the measure would enhance France’s competitiveness by giving companies greater certainty when hiring or extending contracts for non-EU talent. Critics on the right say automatic renewal could hamper efforts to remove foreigners convicted of serious crimes; the bill therefore retains a clause allowing prefects to revoke cards on public-order grounds.
If adopted, the reform would dovetail with the government’s broader digital-administration agenda, which includes a new online portal for Visa Talent holders launched last spring. Observers expect the Assembly to debate the text in early 2026. HR teams should monitor progress and be ready to adjust internal renewal calendars.
Business associations such as MEDEF and the Franco-German Chamber argue that the measure would enhance France’s competitiveness by giving companies greater certainty when hiring or extending contracts for non-EU talent. Critics on the right say automatic renewal could hamper efforts to remove foreigners convicted of serious crimes; the bill therefore retains a clause allowing prefects to revoke cards on public-order grounds.
If adopted, the reform would dovetail with the government’s broader digital-administration agenda, which includes a new online portal for Visa Talent holders launched last spring. Observers expect the Assembly to debate the text in early 2026. HR teams should monitor progress and be ready to adjust internal renewal calendars.
