As you grow your global footprint, understanding France work permit and France work visa requirements is a must. The country’s visa system has strict immigration controls. Getting things right from the start avoids delays and ensures compliant, stress-free hiring. 

G-P Gia™ gives you instant global mobility guidance, including relocation checklists and comprehensive visa and immigration breakdowns, so you can hire with confidence.

Who needs a work permit in France?

Citizens of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA), and Switzerland don’t need a France work visa or France work permit. All other nationals must apply for or secure a work permit or residence visa before arrival. 

Work permit options in France

France offers several pathways for skilled professionals. These include:

The “Talent Passport” (Passeport Talent)

A Talent Passport is a multiyear residence permit. It’s typically valid for up to four years and is renewable.

Types of Talent Passport work permits include:

  • EU Blue Card: Applicants need either a three-year diploma or five years’ related professional experience. They must also have a French employment contract lasting at least six months and a gross annual salary of at least EUR 59,373.

  • Qualified employee (salarié qualifié): Applicants need a master's degree or equivalent and an employment contract with a gross annual salary of at least EUR 39,582.

  • Employee on assignment (salarié en mission): This permit is for intra-company transfers within a group. Applicants need a contract lasting more than three months and a salary of at least EUR 39,582. 

Standard permit (salarié)

When a role doesn’t meet Talent Passport criteria, the employer needs to apply for a standard permit and show that there weren’t any suitable local candidates available to fill the role. 

The initial permit is typically a long-stay visa that’s equivalent to a residence permit (visa de long séjour valant titre de séjour, or VLS-TS). This is valid for one year but can be renewed before it expires.

Short-stay work authorization

A Schengen short-stay visa can’t be used for work assignments that are less than 90 days. The employer must get a temporary work authorization (autorisation de travail provisoire) before work begins. This is needed for jobs such as once-off audits, temporary IT support, or short-term projects.

The application process for a long-stay visa (VLS-TS) in France

The employer must start the application process for most long-stay work permits. The general steps are:

  1. Employer applies for work authorization: The employer submits a work authorization (autorisation de travail) application through the dedicated administration numérique pour les étrangers en France (ANEF) online portal. The regional authority for labor and employment, Direction régionale de l’économie, de l’emploi, du travail et des solidarités (DREETS), then reviews the application

  2. Employee applies for visa: Once the work authorization is approved, the employee applies for a VLS-TS at the French consulate or embassy in their country of residence. They must include the approved work authorization in the application. Other documents needed include a copy of the employment contract, proof of qualifications, certified translations of non-French documents, and proof of medical insurance (minimum EUR 30,000 coverage)

  3. Employee validates visa after arrival: The employee must validate their visa online with the French Office for Immigration and Integration (OFII) within three months of arrival.

  4. Employee applies for multi-year residence card: Before the one-year VLS-TS expires, the employee must apply for a multi-year residence card (carte de séjour pluriannuelle) to continue living and working in France. This must be done at their local prefecture

Other important considerations for France work visas and permits

The Talent Passport lets the main France work permit holder’s spouse and minor children get a family residence permit (Passeport Talent - Famille) right away. The spouse can also legally work in France as soon as they arrive.

There’s a  stricter family reunification process (regroupement familial) for most other permit types. This usually happens after the main France work permit holder has lived in the country for at least 18 months. 

Manage your France teams with G-P

With G-P EOR, you can move key talent to important markets and boost performance around the world. Let us handle the contracts, visas, and compliance to make every relocation a success. Reduce the hassle of navigating immigration laws and leave the complexities to us. 

–

For this particular location, G-P may offer support in processing certain work visas and permits. Contact us today to assess your specific needs.