France | Minimum wage to increase by 2.41%, effective June 1

The Ministry of Labor and Solidarity announced a midyear increase of 2.41% to the minimum wage (SMIC) in response to high inflation. The increase is effective June 1, 2026.

Key takeaways:

As of June 1, the hourly SMIC will increase from €12.02 (about US$13.96) to €12.31 (about US$14.30), increasing the gross monthly salary from €1,823.03 (about US$2,117.41) to €1,867.02 (about US$2,168.51).

This update automatically increases the salary thresholds applicable to certain immigration procedures:

• The salary must be at least equal to the SMIC for those on Intra-Corporate Transferee Employee and Seconded Trainee status and Employee or Temporary Worker status.
• The required annual gross salary threshold increases from €32,814.60 (about US$38,113.50) to €33,606.36 (about US$39,033.12) for those on Job Search/Business Creation status.
• The annual gross salary must now exceed €33,606.36 (about US$39,033.12) for those changing status from Student to Employee who hold a master’s degree obtained in France and want the exemption from the labor market test.
• The minimum annual gross remuneration is increased to €22,404.24 (about US$26,022.08) for those on Talent – Project Holder status and Talent – Internationally Renowned status.
• The annual gross salary threshold is increased to €67,212.72 (about US$78,066.23) for those on Talent – Legal Representative status.
• The minimum gross monthly remuneration is now set at €1,306.91 (about US$1,517.95) for those on Talent – Artistic and Cultural Profession status.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group.  

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