France Minimum Salary : What Changed on January 1st and Why It Matters

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The France minimum salary—officially known as the SMIC (Salaire Minimum Interprofessionnel de Croissance)—was increased by 1.13%. This annual revaluation ensures that low-income workers maintain their purchasing power amid inflation.

The new rates are as follows:

  • €11.65 gross per hour
  • €1,766.92 gross per month based on a legal 35-hour workweek

This increase impacts not only minimum wage workers in France but also international professionals and companies hiring foreign talent.

👉 For the official announcement, visit the Welcome to France government portal.

Why the France Minimum Salary Affects More Than Just Low-Income Workers

Many foreign nationals working or planning to work in France are subject to income requirements tied to the SMIC, especially when applying for residence permits and work authorizations. The updated France minimum salary plays a direct role in:

  • Talent Passport visa applications
  • Multi-year residence permits for employees
  • Salary eligibility thresholds for company directors and startup founders.

Updated Salary Thresholds for Talent Passport Holders

Certain “Passeport Talent” categories require minimum earnings indexed to the SMIC, such as:

  • Highly skilled professionals
  • Founders or legal representatives of French businesses
  • Employees on a French employment contract

Following the SMIC revaluation:

  • Salaries must now reflect the new minimum multiples (e.g. 1.5x or 2x the SMIC)
  • For example, if a permit requires 1.5x SMIC, the minimum monthly gross salary is now €2,650.38
  • At 2x SMIC, the threshold is €3,533.84 gross per month

💡 Contracts or job offers falling below these new thresholds risk being rejected by French immigration authorities.

For more on work authorization rules, see our complete guide:
👉 France Working Permit Application Guide (2025 Edition)

Multi-Year Residence Permits Also Affected

In addition to the Talent Passport, several multi-annual residence permits tied to employment require salaries above the France minimum salary. These permits are reviewed at both the initial application and renewal stages.

Employers must now:

  • Adjust contracts to reflect the new SMIC
  • Ensure compliance before submitting visa or residence applications
  • Stay updated on future annual SMIC revaluations

What Employers Hiring Foreign Talent Must Know

If your company is hiring international employees or applying for a change of status for an existing foreign worker:

  • ✅ Verify that salary offers meet updated SMIC-linked requirements
  • ✅ Include the correct gross salary in the employment contract
  • ✅ Be aware of your obligations, including the employer tax (taxe employeur) tied to work permits and residence approvals

For a detailed explanation of this tax obligation, check out our related article:
👉 Taxe Employeur for Passeport Talent Explained

Frequently Asked Questions About the France Minimum Salary

❓ Is the France minimum salary net or gross?

The SMIC is calculated in gross amounts. The net minimum salary in France after social charges typically ranges around €1,398–€1,400 per month, though this can vary slightly depending on deductions.

❓ Does SMIC apply to part-time workers?

Yes. The SMIC applies proportionally to part-time workers, based on hours worked relative to a 35-hour week.

❓ Will there be another increase in 2025?

SMIC is reviewed every January. A new adjustment is expected on January 1, 2025, based on inflation and average wage indicators.

Summary: France Minimum Salary in 2024 and Its Impact

  • The France minimum salary increased to €11.65/hour or €1,766.92/month on January 1, 2024.
  • This update affects work contracts, residence permits, and Talent Passport eligibility.
  • Employers and foreign nationals must ensure all contracts meet the new thresholds to remain compliant.
  • Immigration applications based on outdated salary criteria may face delays or rejections.