Published: 12.05.2026
According to an official parliamentary report, France issued 343,024 first residence permits in 2024, up 0.9% from 2023. Study remained the leading basis, with 110,633 permits, while humanitarian permits rose by 13.4% and the economic category remained broadly stable.
Official statistics show that study migration remains the main route to a first residence permit in France, while the humanitarian flow increased significantly. For prospective movers, this is a useful indicator when comparing routes: study remains central, whereas economic migration did not show comparable growth. The figures also provide context on the scale and composition of foreign arrivals. They are worth reading for people comparing relocation options, although the statistics themselves do not change document requirements.