France Work Permits & Visas: Processes for Employers

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.

Talent Passport (Passeport Talent)

The Talent Passport (Passeport Talent) is a long-term visa designed for highly skilled foreign professionals who wish to live and work in France. It is issued to individuals with exceptional skills, qualifications, or experience, such as artists, scientists, researchers, and highly skilled employees in fields such as technology, business, and culture. The Talent Passport visa is also available for entrepreneurs and investors who plan to establish or manage a business in France.

The Talent Passport is typically valid for up to four years and allows holders to bring their family members to France. It also provides a pathway to permanent residency after five years. To qualify, applicants must meet specific criteria related to their qualifications, job offer, or business plans. This visa aims to attract foreign talent to boost innovation and economic growth in France.

💡 Best work permit option if: This visa is ideal for highly skilled professionals, researchers, entrepreneurs, and artists who wish to contribute their expertise to France’s economy. It is perfect for individuals seeking long-term residency and looking to build a career or business in the country.

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.

Entrepreneur Visa (Visa Entrepreneur)

The Entrepreneur Visa is aimed at foreign nationals who wish to start their own business in France. This visa allows individuals to establish and operate a business in the country, with the condition that the business is expected to contribute to France’s economy and create jobs. The applicant must provide a solid business plan, demonstrate financial capacity, and prove that their business will be viable and beneficial to the local economy.

The Entrepreneur Visa is typically issued for one year, with the option to renew it if the business is successful. After several years of successful operation, the entrepreneur may become eligible for permanent residency in France.

💡 Best work permit option if: This visa is ideal for foreign nationals who wish to establish their own business in France. It’s perfect for entrepreneurs, startup founders, and individuals with a strong business idea and the financial backing to make it successful in France.

Working Holiday Visa

The Working Holiday Visa is available to young foreign nationals (usually between the ages of 18 and 30) from countries that have reciprocal agreements with France. This visa allows individuals to travel and work in France for up to one year while supporting themselves through temporary employment.

The Working Holiday Visa is designed to give young people the opportunity to experience life in France, gain work experience, and immerse themselves in the culture. The visa is typically issued for a period of up to one year and cannot be extended. The work must be temporary and not exceed a set number of hours per week.

💡 Best work permit option if: This visa is perfect for young adults (18-30 years old) who wish to travel and work in France for up to a year. It is ideal for those looking for short-term work opportunities in hospitality, retail, or other sectors while experiencing life in France.

French Student Visa with Work Permission

The French Student Visa with Work Permission allows international students enrolled at a French educational institution to work part-time while pursuing their studies. This visa is available to students who are enrolled in full-time study programs at universities, language schools, or other approved educational institutions in France.

With this visa, students can work up to 964 hours per year (approximately 20 hours per week) during the academic term, and full-time during school holidays. The work must not interfere with the student’s primary purpose of studying, and students are required to maintain academic progress. This visa allows students to support themselves financially while gaining work experience in France.

💡 Best work permit option if: This visa is ideal for international students who wish to work part-time while studying in France. It’s perfect for students seeking financial support, work experience, or opportunities to improve their French language skills while pursuing their degree.

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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.
• 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.
• Work Authorization from French Authorities: Approval from the French Ministry of Labor or other relevant agencies may be required, especially for certain visa categories.

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.

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Processing Time for a Work Permit Or Visa in France

The processing time for a work permit or visa in France depends on several factors, including the type of visa being applied for, the applicant's nationality, and the volume of applications. Typically, processing can take anywhere from 2 to 12 weeks. Employers should plan ahead and apply as early as possible to avoid delays.

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.