FRANCE: 2020 Minimum Salary Increases

January 7, 2020


Effective 1 January 2020, the French government has increased the minimum legal monthly salary requirement (SMIC) to EUR 1539.42 per month (up 1.2% from EUR 1521.22 per month in 2019).

The SMIC is the minimum legal salary for all workers in France. A change to the SMIC affects minimum salary thresholds for some types of work permit:

  • Passeport Talent – Salarié En Mission: EUR 33,251.40;
  • Passeport Talent – Salarié Qualifié: EUR 36,946;
  • Change of status from Recherche d’emploi/Création d’entreprise or APS-Student to Salarié or Travailleur Temporaire: EUR 2309.13.

There is no change to the salary threshold for the “EU Blue Card” version of the Passeport Talent, as this is not calculated according to the SMIC.

Background

The SMIC increases every year in France. It is fixed as an hourly rate, with the monthly rate calculated assuming a 35-hour week (which is the general working week in France, although this may vary).

Note that salary specifications of the French company's bargaining agreement also have to be taken into consideration.

Our Advice

Employers who may be affected are encouraged to contact a Newland Chase immigration specialist for case-specific advice.

For general advice and information on immigration and business travel to France, please contact us.