Key Takeaways

  1. France offers competitive salaries, robust employee benefits, and a high quality of life, making it an appealing destination for foreign workers.
  2. Non-EU workers must secure a work permit before obtaining a work visa to legally work in France, ensuring compliance with local labor laws.
  3. France provides various visa types, such as the Talent Passport, ICT Visa, Temporary Worker Visa, and Job Seeker Visa, tailored to different professional needs.
  4. Following proper application processes and consulting local experts or EOR services helps employers meet regulatory requirements and avoid legal issues.

France is appealing to foreign workers because of its advanced healthcare system, well-developed infrastructure, and a fairly high degree of job security across industries such as IT, healthcare, and education. Compared to Western European countries, the workforce is provided a higher monthly net salary of €1,443 and an annual minimum wage of €21,876. In addition to salaries, employee benefits in France consist of supplementary healthcare, pensions, and social security contributions.

The Importance of a Work Visa and Work Permit in France

To legally work in France, foreign employees must have a work permit. The work permit is issued by the Direction de la réglementation du travail (DRT) following French immigration and labor laws. A work permit is necessary to obtain a residence permit and work visa in France.

Non-EU/EAA members need a work permit before receiving a work visa, which must be requested before the candidate arrives in France. 

Work Visas in France

For companies doing business in France, it is important to ensure that hired migrants have the correct work visas and permits to avoid legal repercussions, such as fines. To help you comply with French Labor Law and immigration law, this guide investigates different work visas and permits, such as temporary visas for short working periods, talent passports for specific professions and entrepreneurs, and intra-company transfer (ICT) visas when foreign workers are transferred to France.

Discover how to remain compliant by following the correct work permit application process and take our bonus quiz to match employees to the right work visas in France. 

Who Needs a Work Visa to Work in France?

Every non-resident with an employment offer in France requires a work visa as per France’s Labor Law. However, there are exemptions for EU/EEA citizens and Swiss nationals because they can settle in France for more than three months without a residential permit. 

Short-term workers of less than three months require work visas in France because it provides proof of their job qualifications and complies with French labor laws. The bilateral agreements that France has with certain countries exempt those citizens from work visas, such as seasonal work permits. 

Non-EU nationals who stay in France for more than 90 days will need a work visa. Foreign employees who do not have a residence permit that authorizes them to work will also need a work visa. 

Types of Work Visas and Permits in France

Understanding the following types of work visas and permits in France helps employers and employees maintain compliance with immigration and local labor laws:

Talent Passport (Passeport Talent)

The Talent Passport is for highly skilled professionals, researchers, entrepreneurs, and executives. The benefit of this visa is that it does not require an additional work permit and lasts for four years. Holders can also get a Talent Passport and residence card for their family.

Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) Visa

When employees are transferred to a French branch of their current employer, they need an Intra-Company Transfer Visa. Most workers who receive an ICT visa are executives and specialists. This visa is valid for three years and is subject to renewal. 

The renewal process requires applying to the local préfecture two months before the expiration of the existing permit. Employees must present documentation proving they meet the visa conditions, which include proof of employment with the same company.

Temporary Worker Visa

In France, a temporary work visa is issued for both short and long stays. Workers who remain in the country for more than 90 days but less than 180 days are subject to a work visa without needing a permit. It is suited to professionals with fixed-term employment contracts. For contract-based work, employees must have proof of French employment, financial security, employer work authorization, and at least three years of professional experience.

A long-stay visa in France provides the benefit of a residence permit and is valid for 12 months. It is advised for employees staying in France for more than three months but less than one year.

Business Visitor Visa

The Business Visitor Visa is also called the France Type-C Visa and is issued for short-term professional engagements, such as meetings, training, seminars, and conducting internal audits. A business trip to France must not exceed 90 days, but workers can apply for a French residence permit on the Business Visitor Visa.

What Are the Requirements for a French Work Permit?

To obtain a French work permit, the following documents are required:

  • Job offer or employment contract: The employer must issue the candidate a valid job offer and proof of an employment contract to receive a work permit.
  • Valid passport and recent photos: Workers need an updated passport and at least two passport photos to submit to the relevant immigration authority. Obtaining a work visa in France is usually dependent on providing proof of visa insurance.
  • Visa application form: The visa application form must be correctly completed with the relevant documents to avoid delays. The application form can be obtained online from France-Visas. 
  • Employer work permit application: The employer work permit application must be submitted to ANEF, which is France’s digital immigration system.
  • Proof of qualifications and experience: Regulated professions, such as those in healthcare and teaching, must provide proof of qualifications and experience.

Fortunately, professional Employer of Record services in France simplifies obtaining work permits for international employees by requesting legal documents and overseeing the work visa application process.

In addition to handling work permits and work visas for foreign workers, employers can rely on France payroll outsourcing services. Payroll provided by the EOR in France ensures employee salaries are correctly calculated and paid on time, keeping employers compliant with France’s labor regulations.

How to Apply for a Work Permit in France

Applying for a German work visa may seem complex, but with the right steps, it can be a smooth process. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from securing a job offer to submitting your application and attending the visa interview.

1

Employer Application

For employers, an online application for a work permit must be submitted to the National Immigration Office (ANEF). The employer must submit an online work permit application to the Requirements for Job Offer Publication. 

Prior to the work permit application, the employer must post the job offer for three weeks on public employment agencies such as France Travail or APEC, where former employment and candidate backgrounds must be checked. The job posting must be non-discriminatory, include job details, and be drafted in French or French and English.

With the assistance of a recruitment agency in France, the relevant job publications are drafted as per the local labor law requirements, and background checks are performed with precision. 

2

Approval and Notification

Once submitted, the employer and employee will receive email confirmation of the work permit application status. 

3

Visa Application

The employee must submit their application for a work visa at the nearest French consulate or embassy. The documents included in the application consist of the work permit, employment contract, proof of financial means to support oneself, and travel insurance.

4

Registration in France

Once the employee arrives in France, they are required to register with the local immigration office. At this stage, they will obtain a residence permit or Talent Passport if applicable. 

Processing Time and Costs

The typical processing time for a work permit is two to three months, but depends on an individual’s case. If the application isn’t submitted on time, there is a problem with the job offer, or the application is incorrectly completed, it will delay processing time. 

Work permit fees are as follows: 

Visa Type Application Fee (€)
Talent Visa 250
Temporary Worker Visa 100
ICT Visa 250

Employer tax must be paid to the Direction Générale des Finances Publiques (DGFiP).

Tax Type Amount (€)
Residence Permit Tax 200
Resident Permit Stamp Duty 25

The good news is there is no additional cost for the work permit itself.

France Job Seeker Visa

The France Job Seeker visa is available for eligible foreign graduates with a Master’s degree or higher qualification from French institutions. Students with a tertiary-level degree listed in the National Directory of Professional Qualifications can apply for this visa. 

The visa allows graduates who have left France to return to the country for employment or to establish a business within four years of graduating. The benefit of a Job Seeker Visa is the opportunity to explore the labor market and establish themselves in a rewarding profession. 

The Job Seeker Visa is valid for 12 months and is not renewable. Graduates can legally work for the duration of their visa until they find full-time employment. Once the student receives approval for the visa, they have three months (upon returning to France) to register with the French Immigration and Citizenship Office (OFII).

Bonus: What Type of Work Visa Do You Need in France?

Are you wondering which work visa you require in France? Simply participate in our quiz to find out which option is best for your needs. Our quiz will recommend relevant visa options, whether a Talent Passport or Temporary Work Visa, and it only takes a few minutes to complete:

Question Options
What is your nationality? (EU/EEA/Swiss or non-EU)
How long do you plan to work in France? (Less than 3 months, 3 months to 1 year, Over 1 year)
Do you have a job offer from a French company? (Yes/No)
Are you highly skilled or an executive in your field? (Yes/No)

Secure Your France Work Visa and Start Your Dream Job Today!

Applying for a work permit and work visa in France requires a thorough understanding of the different visas in the country. For example, an ICT Visa is recommended for short business stays, whereas a Talent Passport is issued to professionals with specialized skills. Because each type of visa has its own costs and application requirements, it is important to determine what these requirements are to comply with French immigration laws. 

If you are unsure of the application process for a work permit and work visa in France, be sure to reach out to a local expert for assistance. Forward planning ensures that the correct documents are collected and fees paid. It also helps you meet regulatory requirements; for instance, employers who must perform employment checks on potential job candidates must post a job offer before hiring.

To protect the rights of employers and employees, consulting with experts can avoid delays and potential penalties. Professional agencies such as an EOR in France can manage worker visa applications while providing services such as payroll for efficiency and compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Getting a work visa in France takes up to 12 weeks, but the duration depends on individual cases, such as the type of visa. The work visa duration is affected by the total number of applicants, which could delay processing times.

Yes, you can, but the new employer must apply for another work permit on your behalf.

There is a high demand for specialists in the IT and technology sectors. Sought-after jobs further include nursing in healthcare, renewable energy management, software engineering, teaching, and expertise in AI. 

Family members may require a separate visa based on the type of visa held by the foreign employee. A Talent Passport allows dependents to apply for a “Talent Passport - family residence permit,” and the ICT Visa offers residence rights for eligible family members.