France Work Permits & Visas: Employer Guide to Types & Sponsorship

Who Needs a Work Permit in France?

In France, most non-EU/EEA nationals who intend to work require a work permit. This includes individuals who are being recruited from outside France as well as those looking to transfer from another office or branch. EU/EEA citizens generally do not need a work permit to work in France. However, for foreign nationals outside the EU/EEA, securing a work permit is a key step before they can be employed by French companies.

As an employer, you must ensure that your international employees have the necessary permits before they can begin working. This process can vary depending on the type of employment and the duration of stay, but it is essential for compliance with French immigration laws.

Types of Work Visas in France

France offers various types of work visas to accommodate different employment situations. Whether hiring skilled workers, transferring employees within a company, or bringing in temporary workers, it’s important to choose the right visa category to ensure smooth processing.

Short-Stay Work Visa (Visa de court séjour)

The Short-Stay Work Visa is designed for foreign nationals who are coming to France for temporary work or to perform a short-term project. This visa is typically valid for up to 90 days and is granted to individuals who have a specific job offer in France or who are involved in short-term assignments. This could include seasonal work, consulting projects, or other types of work that require a short stay.

Applicants for this visa must provide documentation supporting the nature of the short-term work, the duration of their stay, and their qualifications. Once in France, the individual is allowed to live and work during the duration of the project or employment contract.

💡 Best work permit option if: This visa is ideal for foreign nationals coming to France for short-term assignments, projects, or temporary work. It is particularly suited for contractors, consultants, or specialists who only need to stay in the country for a limited period.

French Work Visa (Travailleur Salarié)

The French Work Visa (Travailleur Salarié) is a long-term visa for foreign nationals who have secured full-time employment with a French employer. This visa is commonly referred to as a salaried employee visa and is available to individuals who meet certain salary and skill requirements. The employer must demonstrate that they were unable to find a suitable candidate from the EU or EEA for the position, and they must provide the necessary documentation to the French immigration authorities.

The work visa is generally valid for the duration of the employment contract, and it can be renewed if the worker remains employed by the same company. After holding the visa for several years, the worker may become eligible for permanent residency.

💡 Best work permit option if: This visa is ideal for foreign nationals who have a job offer from a French employer and plan to live and work in France long-term. It is well-suited for skilled workers, professionals, and employees in industries such as finance, IT, education, and hospitality.

EU Blue Card

The EU Blue Card is a work and residence permit designed for highly skilled non-EU nationals who wish to live and work in France (and other EU countries). To qualify for the EU Blue Card, applicants must have a job offer in a high-skill occupation and meet certain salary thresholds, which are generally set at 1.5 times the average gross salary in France. The applicant must also hold a higher education qualification or have at least five years of professional experience in their field.

The EU Blue Card is initially issued for one year, with the possibility of extension. After a certain period of stay, typically 18 months, the holder can move to another EU country under the Blue Card scheme. The EU Blue Card also allows the holder’s family to join them in France and provides a pathway to long-term residency after five years of employment.

💡 Best work permit option if: This visa is ideal for highly skilled professionals who want to live and work in France and potentially move to other EU countries. It’s best for individuals in specialized sectors like IT, engineering, healthcare, and research who meet the salary and qualification requirements.

Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) Visa

The Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) Visa is designed for employees who are being transferred to a French branch or subsidiary of their employer. This visa allows foreign workers who are already employed by a multinational company to temporarily relocate to France to work in a similar role or higher-level position.

The ICT Visa is issued for a duration of up to three years and can be renewed for additional periods. The employee must meet certain criteria, including having been employed by the company for at least six months and having the required skills for the French position. The company must also demonstrate that the transfer is necessary for the business operations in France.

💡 Best work permit option if: This visa is ideal for multinational companies that need to transfer key personnel to France. It is suitable for professionals in senior management, technical, or specialized roles who are required to relocate to France for business operations or to oversee specific projects.

Skills and Talent Visa (Visa de Compétences et Talents)

The Skills and Talent Visa is designed for individuals who have unique skills or talents in fields such as science, arts, or culture. This visa is typically issued to people with exceptional abilities or achievements in their field, such as artists, athletes, or scientists, who can contribute to France’s cultural, scientific, or economic development.

Applicants for the Skills and Talent Visa must demonstrate that their skills are of high value to the French economy and culture. This visa is initially valid for up to four years and can be extended. The Skills and Talent Visa is also beneficial for foreign nationals wishing to work in the arts, education, and research sectors in France.

💡 Best work permit option if: This visa is ideal for individuals with exceptional skills or talent who wish to contribute to France’s economy or culture. It’s perfect for artists, musicians, athletes, scientists, or any individual with unique expertise in a highly valued field.

Requirements For a Work Permit in France

To obtain a work permit in France, foreign employees must meet several specific criteria. The requirements depend on the type of employment and the visa being applied for but generally include proof of qualifications, employment contracts, and in some cases, labor market tests.

• Valid Employment Contract: A signed work contract outlining the job position and salary
• Proof of Qualifications: Educational certificates or work experience documents that meet the job's requirements.
• Work Authorization from French Authorities: Approval from the French Ministry of Labor or other relevant agencies may be required, especially for certain visa categories.
• Labor Market Test (if applicable): In some cases, employers may need to demonstrate that no qualified candidates are available from within the EU or EEA before hiring a non-EU worker.

France Work Permit Application Process

Here’s an outline of the typical process to apply for a work permit in France:

1. Submit a work permit application: Submit the application to the French authorities (e.g., Ministry of Labor), typically online or through the French consulate in the applicant’s home country.
2. Provide required documents: Include a valid job offer, proof of qualifications, and other relevant documentation.
3. Wait for approval: The processing time can range from a few weeks to several months, depending on the complexity of the application.
4. Apply for a long-term visa (if required): Once the work permit is approved, the employee can apply for a long-term visa at their local French consulate.
5. Register with local authorities: Upon arrival in France, the employee may need to complete registration with local authorities to finalize the process.

Process for Visa Sponsorship In France

Sponsoring a work visa in France involves providing the necessary documentation to demonstrate that the applicant meets all eligibility requirements. Employers must submit a formal sponsorship request, ensuring that all labor laws are followed, including ensuring that the foreign national’s qualifications match the requirements for the job. As a sponsor, you will also be responsible for covering the administrative costs of processing the visa and work permit applications.

What Are the Fees for a Work Permit or Visa in France

The application fees for work permits and visas in France vary depending on the type of visa being applied for and the applicant’s nationality.

Note: The above fees reflect government fees for work permits and visas in France, and is not associated with Playroll's fees for visa support services. Please contact our team for detailed information on our visa support services.

Processing Time for a Work Permit Or Visa in France

The processing time for work permits and visas in France can vary depending on the type of visa, the applicant's nationality, and the specific circumstances of the application. Here’s a breakdown of the typical processing times for employers looking to hire foreign talent in France:

1. Work Permit (For Non-EU Nationals)

• Processing Time: Typically 4 to 8 weeks.
• What to Expect: For non-EU nationals, a work permit is required before applying for a visa. The employer must submit a request to the French Ministry of Labour, which will evaluate whether the role can be filled by a non-EU worker or whether it should be open to EU nationals. Once approved, the employee can apply for a long-stay visa. This process generally takes a few weeks, but it can take longer if there are issues with documentation or if the position requires additional reviews.

2. Talent Passport (Passeport Talent)

• Processing Time: 1 to 3 months.
• What to Expect: The Talent Passport is designed for highly skilled workers, researchers, and professionals in specific sectors like tech, arts, and sciences. This visa is often faster to obtain once the required documents are submitted, but it may take a few months for approval due to the specialized nature of the visa.

3. ICT (Intra-Company Transfer) Visa

• Processing Time: Typically 4 to 6 weeks.
• What to Expect: If you are transferring an employee from a foreign branch of your company to the French branch, this visa applies. The application involves submitting proof of the employee's current position and contract, as well as proof that the employee meets the skills and salary requirements.

4. EU Blue Card

• Processing Time: Typically 2 to 3 months.
• What to Expect: The EU Blue Card is for highly skilled workers who have a job offer in France that meets specific criteria, including a minimum salary threshold. It is typically issued for up to 4 years and is aimed at attracting talent to specific sectors. The process can take a bit longer due to the need for additional documentation related to skills, qualifications, and salary.

Work Permit Renewal Periods in France

Work permits in France are typically valid for one to three years, depending on the visa type. For temporary workers, the permits are usually shorter, while for skilled workers (such as those with the Talent Passport Visa), the permits can be extended for up to four years. Employees can apply for renewal before their current permit expires, but it’s recommended to submit renewal applications at least two months prior to the expiration date.

Visa Requirements For Digital Nomads in France

France does not currently offer a specific "digital nomad visa" like some other countries, but it is possible for digital nomads to work remotely from France using other types of long-term visitor or work visas. The most relevant visa for digital nomads is the Talent Passport Visa, which allows entrepreneurs and highly skilled workers to live and work in France for up to four years.

• Requirement 1: Proof of sufficient financial means to support oneself while residing in France.
• Requirement 2: Documentation showing that the applicant is employed or running a business that can be carried out remotely.

Common Challenges and Tips for Employers Hiring in France

Employers may face several challenges when hiring international employees in France. Understanding the visa requirements, labor laws, and processing times can help streamline the hiring process. Some of the key challenges include navigating the bureaucracy and ensuring compliance with complex immigration laws.

• Challenge 1: Bureaucratic delays can often slow down the visa and work permit application process. It's essential to apply as early as possible.
• Challenge 2: Labor market tests may be required for certain roles, which can delay the process if no suitable candidates are found within the EU/EEA.

Hire Global employees without hassle with an EOR solution

Expanding your workforce across international borders is an exciting step, but it can be a logistical nightmare to hire and pay employees in different countries. That’s the advantage of using a trusted Employer of Record like Playroll. They can:

• Handle your international payroll: An EOR will act as your payroll provider, paying your employees on your behalf in the local currency. The company will also have in-depth knowledge of local tax codes, regulatory practices, and everything else that goes into managing global payroll.
• Alleviate compliance concerns: Different countries each have their own federal and local laws governing employee payments. An EOR helps ensure that you are compliant with the unique set of laws for any country in which your company operates. This is extremely important since a compliance slip-up can result in heavy fines or even a lawsuit.
• Hire and pay international contractors: Sometimes a particular project or role doesn’t require hiring a full-time employee. An EOR gives employers the flexibility to also hire contractors as needed, and avoid the potential for misclassification under local labor law.