How to get work visas in France

People who don't need work visas to work in France

The following group of people do not need visas to live or work in France

1. Citizens of the EU.
2. Citizens of the EFTA (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland).
3. Individuals in possession of a long-stay visa or a valid residence permit issued by a Schengen member state.
4. Individuals in possession of a long-stay visa or a valid residence permit issued by Bulgaria or Romania.
5. Foreign students also don't need a separate work visa, as their right to work is included in their residence permit. They are allowed to work up to 964 hours a year, which is about 60% of standard working hours in France. However, if they are Algerian, they are permitted to work only up to 50% of normal French working hours.
6. Holders of a residence permit for Andorra and Monaco.

Types of work visas in France

The French Office for Immigration and Integration (L’office Francais de l’immigration et de l’intégration – OFII) is the government body in charge of immigration regulated in France. They offer 3 major categories of work visas, each tailored to different employment needs:

• Short-stay work visas (Visa de court séjour): For temporary work assignments, lasting up to 90 days. 
   
• Temporary work visas: These visas are valid for 3 months to 1 year. These visas are not renewable, to continue your stay, you need to apply for a long-stay work visa. A short-stay French work visa costs between €9 and €80, depending on your nationality.
   
• Long-stay work visas (Visa de long séjour): They are usually valid for 5-10 for long-term employment. These types of visas can be renewed.

The types of French visas above can further be broken down into smaller visa categories like the following:

• Salaried or Temporary Worker Permits: These permits are for individuals with a specific job offer for a fixed term. This includes both short-term assignments and longer temporary positions. You need a valid work contract from a French employer, and the job must comply with French labour laws.
   
• Talent Passports: Talent Passports are designed for highly skilled professionals. This category includes several subtypes:
  - Researchers: For those coming to France to conduct research or teach at a university level.
  - Artists and Performers: For artists, performers, and those in the creative industries.
  - Economic Investors: For individuals investing a substantial amount in the French economy.
  - Innovative Project Bearers: For those leading innovative business projects.
  - Highly Qualified Employees: For employees with high-level skills and qualifications, often in managerial or specialised positions.
   
• ICT (Intra-Company Transfer) Worker Permits: These permits are for employees of multinational companies transferred to a branch, subsidiary, or affiliate in France. You need proof of employment with the company for at least three months before the transfer and a work contract from the French entity.
   
• Self-Employed, Entrepreneurial, or ‘Liberal’ Job Permits: These permits are for individuals who plan to work as self-employed or run their own business in France.
   
• Seasonal Worker Permits: Seasonal worker permits are for temporary jobs tied to specific seasons, such as agriculture, tourism, or festivals. You need a seasonal work contract and proof that you will return to your home country after the employment period ends.
   
• Special Cases: There are also special permits for unique situations, such as:
  - Youth Mobility
  - Au Pairs 
  - Interns

Employment Contracts

One of the key requirements for a France work visa is a valid employment contract. This contract must be from a French employer, outlining the terms and conditions of your employment. The job offer must comply with French labour laws, and it should specify your role, salary, and duration of employment. Without a valid employment contract, your visa application will not be processed.

Qualifications

Your qualifications play a crucial role in your French work visa eligibility. Depending on the type of visa you are applying for, you may need to provide proof of your educational background, professional experience, and specific skills. For instance, highly skilled worker visas require evidence of your high-level qualifications and specialised expertise. This proof can include diplomas, certificates, and letters of recommendation from previous employers.

Sponsorship

In most cases, your French employer will act as your sponsor. This means they will support your work visa application process by providing the necessary documents and ensuring that all requirements are met. Sponsorship involves submitting proof that the employer has conducted a labour market test to confirm that no suitable candidates are available within the EU or EFTA. This step is crucial to demonstrate the need for hiring a non-EU worker.

Certified Translations

Providing translated documents is essential to meet visa requirements. All documents not originally in French must be translated by a certified translator. This includes your employment contract, qualifications, and any other supporting documents. Certified translations in France ensure that the information is accurate and understandable to the French authorities, helping to prevent any delays or issues with your application.

General visa requirements

The process of working in France as a foreigner is split into 3 stages; land a job with an employer in France, after which your prospective employer will apply for a French work permit for you, and then you can apply for your work visa. The following are the general requirements you will need to meet to apply for a French work visa    

• A valid passport issued less than 10 years ago from the time of your application, containing at least two blank pages, with a validity of at least 3 months longer than the date on which you intend to leave the Schengen Area (France).
• The completed visa application form. Depending on which visa you’re applying for.
• Recent passport-sized photographs.
• Your work contract (at least 3 months), and your employer’s commitment form to pay social security contributions.
• Proof of accommodation in France.
• Proof of sufficient finances to support yourself.
• Travel insurance covering the entire stay.
• Proof of return travel (e.g., return flight ticket).
• Certified translations of any non-French documents.

Talent passport visa requirements

Researchers Visa 

• Proof of a research project or teaching assignment at a university.
• An employment contract or hosting agreement with a recognised research institution or university.
• High level of qualifications in the research field.

Artists and Performers

• Evidence of professional activity in the arts (e.g., contracts, proof of performances or exhibitions).
• Proof of recognition in your artistic field (awards, press articles).
• Demonstrated ability to support yourself financially through your artistic work.

France's business visa requirements

• Invitation Letter:
  - From the French company you'll be visiting, including their address and your visit dates.
  - Must state the French company will cover your expenses during your stay.
   
• Employer Permission: A certificate from your employer allowing your business trip to France.
   
• Proof of Business Ties (if applicable): Documents showing previous trade relations between your company and the French company you're visiting.
   
• Company Documents:
  - For registered companies: Memorandum and Articles of Association (original certified copy).
  - For businesses with a trade license: A copy of both the first issued and most recent renewal of your trade license.
   
• For proprietorships/partnerships: The relevant legal documents proving your business ownership/partnership.

France's self-employed visa requirements

• A copy of your valid business license.
• Bank statements from your business for the past six months.
• A copy of your most recent income tax return.
• A letter explaining your self-employment activities. Be specific about what you will be doing and the value you bring.
• A police certificate from your home country (may also be called a good conduct certificate or criminal background check).

Work Permits in France

A work permit is mandatory step before a work visa for non-European Union (EU) and non-European Free Trade Association (EFTA) nationals who wish to work in France. The type of work permit required depends on the nature of the job and the length of the employment contract. Getting a work permit does not exempt foreign nationals from the requirement to apply for a visa to enter France and a residence permit for stays longer than three months.

Employers must apply for a work permit on behalf of the prospective employee, and this process involves several steps and documentation requirements. The type of work permit you will need depends on the nature of work or employment you will be holding in France.

Before applying, employers must first try to find a suitable candidate within the French labour market using government agencies like Apec and Pôle Emploi, or private organisations for three weeks. After this step is completed, the employer can submit the work permit application on the Ministry of Interior’s website.

Documents the employer must provide

1. A letter explaining the reasons for the employee’s recruitment and the duties they will be performing.
2. Proof that specific regulatory conditions for the position are met, if applicable.
3. Proof of efforts made to find a candidate already in the French labour market if employment levels may constitute grounds for rejection.
4. An up-to-date excerpt of the commercial register for legal entities or sole proprietors, or a craft license; for private individuals, a tax notice
5. A clear copy of the employee’s passport or national identity document.
6. Proof of the relationship between the company in France and the company abroad for intra-company transfers.
7. For employees already residing in France, a copy of the residence permit authorising them to stay.
8. The employee’s CV or résumé, or other evidence of their skills and experience.
9. Copies of any qualifications or certificates required for the position.

The application process for work permits in France

1. In some cases, the employer must prove that no suitable candidate was available from the local labour market.
2. The employer must submit a request for a work permit to the Regional Directorate of Economy, Employment, Labor, and Solidarity (Directions régionales de l’économie, de l’emploi, du travail, et des solidarités – DREETS).
3. Employers need to provide the employment contract, proof of compliance with labour laws, and justification for hiring a non-EU/EFTA worker.
4. Once the application is approved, DREETS issues a work permit. The approval is sent to the employer and the employee.
5. With the work permit approval, the employee can apply for the work visa at the French consulate or embassy in their home country.

Common challenges applicants face

• Figuring out the certified translation process for non-French documents might be confusing. To solve this, reach out to professional translation companies online for guidance.
• French immigration laws and administrative procedures might seem complicated. To combat this, start the application process well in advance.
• The application process can be long, so familiarise yourself with the entire application process through the resources like this available online.

Work visa renewal in France

Renewing or extending your work visa in France is crucial to continue your employment and stay legally in the country.

You should apply to renew your work visa at least two months before it expires. This window ensures enough time for processing and prevents any gap in your legal status.

The renewal application is typically submitted to the local Prefecture (office of the Prefect) in your place of residence. If you are outside France, applications should be submitted to the French consulate or embassy in your country of residence. Renewal for the Talent Passport visa can be submitted 3 months before, online. You may need to pay a renewal fee, which typically includes a tax and a stamp duty. The exact amount can vary but generally ranges around €75.

Required documents

• A completed renewal application form (e.g., Form Cerfa no. 15186*02 in four copies).
• Your current work permit and valid passport.
• Recent pay slips to prove ongoing employment.
• An excerpt of the annual social security return (DADS) or employer’s electronic report (DSN).
• Proof of domicile in France.
• Certified translations of any non-French documents.
• A new employment contract or an amendment to the existing contract (If applicable).

Failing to renew your work visa on time can lead to serious consequences, such as:

• Loss of legal status
• Fines and penalties
• Employment disruption

To avoid these issues, it's vital to keep track of your visa's expiration date and start the renewal process well in advance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work in France as a US citizen?

Yes, you can work in France as a US citizen, but you need to obtain a work visa. The type of visa required depends on the nature and duration of your employment. Typically, you would need a long-stay visa, which serves as a residence permit, for employment exceeding 90 days. Your French employer must first obtain authorisation from the French authorities before you apply for the visa. 

What visa do I need to live and work in France?

You need a long-stay work visa for employment lasting more than 90 days.

How do you qualify for a skilled worker visa in France?

You need to provide proof of high-level qualifications, a job offer for a high-skill position, and sometimes a salary above a certain threshold.

Can I apply for a work visa without a job offer?

No, you need a job offer from a French employer to apply for a work visa.

Is it possible to switch employers while on a work visa?

Yes, but you must notify the French immigration authorities and may need to apply for a new visa.

Can family members accompany me on my work visa?

Yes, family members can apply for dependent visas to accompany you.

Are there any restrictions on the type of work I can do on a work visa?

Yes, your work visa is typically tied to the specific job and employer mentioned in your application.

Can I apply for permanent residency after holding a work visa?

Yes, after meeting certain residency and employment conditions, you can apply for permanent residency.