France 2025 Shortage Occupation List: 80+ Jobs Now Open to Foreign Workers!

France 2025 Shortage Occupation List: 80+ Jobs Now Open to Foreign Workers!
France has officially published its 2025 shortage occupation list, opening doors for foreign workers in over 80 in-demand roles. From hospitality to healthcare and tech, the update aims to tackle labour shortages and simplify work permit procedures for qualified migrants.

France has officially published its updated list of shortage occupations for 2025, highlighting over 80 job roles that are now open to foreign workers under simplified procedures. The new list, published in the Official Journal, plays a crucial role in regularising undocumented workers while addressing the country’s growing labour shortages.
This move is part of France’s broader strategy to meet workforce demands across sectors experiencing chronic labour shortages. The 2025 shortage list will also streamline work permit processes, offering foreign workers a clearer path to legal employment and residency.
The list includes high-demand jobs in sectors such as:
• Construction
• Agriculture and Forestry
• Hospitality and Food Services
• Transportation and Logistics
• Healthcare and Home Care
• Information Technology (IT)
• Manufacturing and Industry
• Renewable Energy
• Domestic Services
• Key Sectors and In-Demand Occupations
• Below is a breakdown of the major industries and some of the key roles listed in the 2025
Construction & Building Trades
• Construction Engineers, Carpenters, Plumbers, Electricians
• Roofers, Heavy Equipment Operators, Site Managers
• Welders, Boilermakers, Masons
Hospitality & Food Services
• Chefs, Kitchen Assistants, Hotel Staff, Restaurant Servers
• Bakers, Pastry Makers, Butchers, Fishmongers
Healthcare & Home Care
• Nurses, Caregivers, Healthcare Assistants
• Physiotherapists, Doctors, Early Childhood Educators
• Veterinarians
Agriculture & Forestry
• Agricultural Labourers, Horticulturists, Livestock Farmers
• Viticulturists, Arboriculturists, Forestry Workers
Manufacturing & Industry
• Machine Operators, Maintenance Mechanics
• Metal Processing Technicians, Industrial Quality Technicians
• Welders, Assemblers, Sheet Metal Workers
Transportation & Logistics
• Truck Drivers, Bus Drivers, Tram Operators
• Logistics Handlers, Packaging Workers
IT & Digital Professions
• Software Developers, Data Analysts, IT Security Experts
• AI Specialists, Network Engineers, IT Project Managers
Other Skilled Trades
• Refrigeration Technicians, Surveyors, Automotive Repairers
• Elevator Installers, Cement Plant Operators, Glass Workers
• A Step Towards Legalisation of Foreign Workers
• Beyond filling vacancies, the revised list allows certain undocumented foreign workers already employed in these occupations to apply for legal residency. This “regularisation” process is expected to benefit thousands of workers, especially in hospitality, agriculture, and domestic support roles.
• Hospitality Sector Welcomes the Change
• The hospitality sector, one of France’s top employers, has been especially vocal in support of the reforms. Franck Trouet, General Delegate of the Hotel and Restaurant Association (GHR), welcomed the update:
• “This is progress. We’ve been waiting months. Though it’s surprising that in Paris, only chefs are included—excluding assistant cooks, dishwashers, and waiters.”
• According to France Travail, the hospitality industry is expected to face a shortfall of 336,000 jobs this year, with 50% of these roles proving particularly difficult to fill.
France’s Labour Market Needs Foreign Talent
A recent study by the French think tank Terra Nova suggests that France will need between 250,000 and 310,000 foreign workers in 2025 alone to maintain economic stability. With a rapidly ageing population, immigration is no longer a choice, it’s a necessity.
In 2022, France welcomed over 331,000 immigrants, yet labour shortages persist. The updated shortage occupation list is part of a broader policy shift aimed at attracting and retaining skilled foreign professionals.
Work in France Made Easier
If you’re a foreign national with experience in any of the listed occupations, 2025 could be your chance to:
• Apply for a France Work Permit through a simplified process
• Transition from undocumented to legal worker status
• Take advantage of faster residence permit approvals
• Secure long-term job prospects in a high-demand sector
Tip: Make sure your professional qualifications align with French labour market standards and consult a legal expert or immigration advisor before applying.
Final Thoughts
France’s 2025 shortage occupation list is more than just a labour update—it’s a lifeline for industries under pressure and a golden opportunity for foreign professionals seeking stability and legal employment in one of Europe’s largest economies.
With over 80 occupations covered, foreign workers now have a clearer and more streamlined pathway to work and live in France.

France’s 2025 Shortage Occupation List: 80+ Jobs Open to Foreign Workers
France has officially released its 2025 shortage occupation list, unveiling over 80 job roles now open to foreign professionals under simplified immigration procedures. This move marks a significant step in addressing chronic labour shortages across key sectors, while also offering a legal pathway for undocumented workers already residing in the country.
Why This Matters: A Shift in France’s Labour Policy
The newly updated list, published in the Journal Officiel, is part of France’s broader workforce strategy to:
• Fill urgent vacancies in essential industries
• Legalize certain undocumented workers already employed in in-demand roles
• Attract skilled foreign professionals with streamlined work permit processes
With an ageing population and a growing demand for skilled labour, France is increasingly reliant on immigration to sustain economic growth and stability.
Top Sectors with In-Demand Roles for 2025
Here’s a breakdown of the sectors and some of the most sought-after professions now open to foreign talent:
1. Construction & Building Trades
• Construction Engineers
• Carpenters, Roofers, Masons
• Plumbers, Electricians
• Heavy Equipment Operators
• Welders, Boilermakers
• Site Managers
2. Hospitality & Food Services
• Chefs, Bakers, Pastry Makers
• Kitchen Assistants, Restaurant Servers
• Hotel Staff, Butchers, Fishmongers
Note: Only chefs are listed under Paris, sparking concerns about the exclusion of support roles like assistant cooks and waiters.
3. Healthcare & Home Care
• Registered Nurses, Doctors, Physiotherapists
• Caregivers, Healthcare Assistants
• Early Childhood Educators
• Veterinarians
4. Agriculture & Forestry
• Agricultural Workers, Horticulturists
• Livestock Farmers, Arboriculturists
• Viticulturists, Forestry Workers
5. Manufacturing & Industrial Roles
• Machine Operators, Assemblers
• Maintenance Technicians, Sheet Metal Workers
• Welders, Metal Processing Technicians
• Quality Control Experts
6. Transportation & Logistics
• Truck Drivers, Bus Drivers, Tram Operators
• Logistics Handlers, Warehouse Packers
7. Information Technology (IT) & Digital Professions
• Software Developers, Network Engineers
• IT Security Experts, AI Specialists
• Data Analysts, IT Project Managers
8. Skilled Trades & Miscellaneous
• Refrigeration Technicians
• Automotive Repairers, Elevator Installers
• Cement Plant Operators, Glass Workers
• Surveyors
A Step Towards Legalization for Undocumented Workers
One of the most impactful aspects of the 2025 update is its provision for the regularisation of undocumented workers. Foreign nationals already working in listed occupations may now apply for legal residency under simplified criteria. This is particularly significant in sectors like:
• Hospitality
• Domestic Services
• Agriculture
Industry Reaction: Hospitality Sector Welcomes Reform
The hospitality industry, which faces a critical labour shortage, has welcomed the change. According to Franck Trouet, General Delegate of the Hotel and Restaurant Association (GHR):
“This is progress. We’ve been waiting months. Though it’s surprising that in Paris, only chefs are included—excluding assistant cooks, dishwashers, and waiters.”
A report from France Travail anticipates a shortfall of 336,000 hospitality jobs in 2025, with half of these considered “difficult to fill”.
France’s Labour Market: Foreign Talent Needed
A recent study by the French think tank Terra Nova estimates that France will require 250,000 to 310,000 foreign workers in 2025 to support its economy. Despite welcoming over 331,000 immigrants in 2022, major sectors still face ongoing staff shortages.
Benefits for Foreign Workers: What’s New in 2025
If you have experience in one of the listed professions, France’s 2025 update could offer you a life-changing opportunity:
• Simplified work permit applications
• Faster processing for residency permits
• Potential for legalising undocumented status
• Access to long-term employment in high-demand fields
Tips for a Successful Application
Before applying, consider the following:
• Ensure your qualifications meet French labour standards
• Prepare necessary documentation in advance
• Consult a certified immigration advisor or legal expert
Final Thoughts
France’s 2025 shortage occupation list isn’t just an administrative update—it’s a strategic reform that supports economic resilience and social inclusion. For foreign professionals, it’s a gateway to legal employment, residency, and long-term security in one of Europe’s most dynamic job markets.
With over 80 occupations now eligible under this new framework, 2025 could be your year to build a new future in France.

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