Immigration control and 20 – or 30 – year population predictions require statistical data to support policy decisions. With respect to these needs, the French statistical system appears to be still rudimentary. Statistics on deliverance of residence permits make it possible to estimate the entry of non-EU foreigners. For other data that would be useful for public debate – such as departures of foreign residents and migration by French nationals –, demographers and statisticians have to rely on surveys and one-off estimates in the absence of any regular output from the statistical system. The new census, which will collect data every year from more than 8 million people, will enhance statistical knowledge of migration, including estimates of entry, including EU nationals, and of overall net migration.