Obtaining a work visa for France as an EU and EEA citizen
EU citizens must register with the Mairie of their commune of residence within 3 months of arriving in France. They also have the option to apply for a residence permit at their local sous-préfecture or préfecture if desired. While a work visa is not mandatory, having one can facilitate access to social benefits, housing applications, and registration with French employment agencies.
There are several types of residence permits in France, depending on the individual's situation:
To work as an employee
To work as an employee in France, you can apply for a residence permit that aligns with the end date of your employment contract for up to a maximum of 5 years. Renewal is possible and is free of charge.
You will need to present the following documents when you apply at the prefecture:
- a valid identity card or passport;
- proof of address;
- three recent passport-size photos;
- proof of health and/or maternity insurance;
- employer's certificate of employment.
For self-employed professional activities (e.g., self-employed, craftsman, shopkeeper)
Again, you can obtain a residence permit that expires up to 6 months after the end of your professional activity, and it can be renewed at no cost.
The following documents are required for your work visa application:
- valid ID or passport;
- proof of address;
- three recent passport photos;
- proof of health and/or maternity insurance;
- proof of activity and documents relating to the exercise of the activity, such as registration in the legal registers (Trade and Companies Register or Trade Register), membership of professional and social security organizations, insurance policies, minutes, professional lease, invoices for the purchase of equipment, sales and/or service contracts, declaration of turnover, or receipts and purchases.
For comprehensive details on residence permits in France for European nationals and to determine the appropriate permit for your situation, visit the French public services website. There, you can fill out a questionnaire tailored to your circumstances and quickly learn about required procedures, supporting documents, and more.
Important:
The new immigration law (promulgated on January 26, 2024) may modify some of the information provided above. Therefore, you should refer to the official French government website.
Obtaining a work visa for France for non-EU nationals
In France, priority in the labor market is given to French nationals, followed by EU nationals. However, due to shortages in certain critical sectors of the economy, non-European workers are also welcomed and can obtain a work visa.
To obtain a work permit in France, foreign workers must be in possession of an official job offer from a French company and a fixed-term employment contract signed by both parties.
There are several stages to the procedure.
Firstly, the prospective employer must contact France Travail (formerly Pôle Emploi) to post the job offer in all centers and make it accessible to French nationals. Subsequently, the job offer must be advertised through the EURES network, the employment portal for European nationals.
Previously, if no French or European candidate responded to the job offer after two attempts, employers could file a work visa application with the DREETS (Regional Directorate for Economic Affairs, Employment, Labor and Solidarity). However, as of April 6, 2021, DREETS is no longer authorized to process work permit applications for foreign employees. Employers must now apply online through the website of the Direction générale des étrangers en France.
Here are the different types of work permits available in France:
- Salaried Work Visa;
- Temporary Work Visa;
- Talent Visa;
- Intra-Company Transfer Visa (professional mobility visa);
- Start-up Visa (French Tech Visa).
Good to know:
All of this might seem lengthy and challenging but don't lose heart. If a company has initiated the recruitment process for you, chances are high that the outcome will be positive, and you'll soon be able to work in France!
What is the "talent passport" residence permit?
The "talent passport" residence permit is designed for foreign nationals who possess exceptional and rare skills that have the potential to contribute significantly to France's economic, intellectual, scientific, or cultural development.
There are four main categories in which a foreign national may qualify for a talent passport visa:
- a company recognized as a "young innovative company";
- a company belonging to the same international group of companies as your employer;
- a public or private research or higher education organization;
- a highly qualified employee with rare skills and expertise.
Each of these categories has specific requirements, although they share similarities such as the type of visa (long-stay), the situation of the employee or prospective employee (such as salary and duration of the employment contract), and the necessary supporting documents.
Applicants can apply for this special residence permit and obtain the corresponding work visa either from the French embassy or consulate in their home country or directly in France if they already possess a residence visa. The visa's issuance depends on a specific career plan, and the final decision rests with the French Ministry of the Interior.
The talent passport is valid for 4 years and can be renewed as needed. It offers the advantage of permitting employment in any economic sector. Additionally, the beneficiary's family members can accompany them on the same visa and obtain a multi-year residence permit, allowing them to work in France as well (if they are over 18 years old).
Please note:
The new immigration law may change some of the information presented above. Please refer to the official French Administration website for further information.
