
How to Apply for a France Work Visa?
- Completed French Work Visa Application Form. Make sure you complete the form correctly and honestly.
- Two Photos. You should submit two photos alongside with the other documents. They must be no older than three months.
- Your valid passport. Before you apply, check your passport for its validity and date of issuance. It must have been issued within the last 10 years ...
- Proof of financial means. The French authorities want to know how you will be financing yourself while in France. That is why you should submit the ...
Full Answer
Do you need passport and visa to work in France?
You do not need a visa or permit if you’re travelling to France for up to 90 days in a 180-day period for: running or attending job interviews going to court as a witness
How to apply for a working holiday visa in France?
Working Holiday Visa Application Process
- Collect the required documents for a French working holiday visa. The first thing you have to do in order to start your Working Holiday visa application process is to collect ...
- Book an appointment. ...
- Pay French Working Holiday Visa Fee. ...
- Attend the French working holiday visa interview. ...
How to get a work permit and visa for France?
- provide documentation, often including a bachelor’s degree or higher, a detailed CV, information about the work, and evidence of sufficient funding.
- meet other criteria as set out by the Commission Nationale des Competences et Talents,
- show a work contract, typically for at least three months, approved by the DIRECCTE.
How to find work in France without speaking French?
- Nanny. ...
- READ ALSO: How you can live happily in Paris without speaking French
- Estate Agent. ...
- Freelance Writing/Editing/Translating. ...
- Bartender. ...
- SEE ALSO: Why everyone should work in a bar in France
- English teacher. ...
- Tour guide. ...
- Ski instructor. ...
- Browse thousands of English-language jobs at our jobs page

How do I get a working visa for France?
You submit a work permit and visa application (form 15619-01, 'authorisation to work for a salaried employment'), signed by your employer, to the French consulate or visa centre. Your employer submits a secondment declaration on SIPSI. You validate your long-stay visa online if you're staying for 12 months or less.
How do you become eligible to work in France?
If you're from the EU/EEA or Switzerland, you are free to work in France without a work permit. If you're coming to France with a family member who has a permit for certain types of highly-skilled work, you also may be able to work without a work permit. Most other people need permission to work in France.
How hard is it to get a work visa in France?
A long-stay work permit in France can take some time. The average duration is about six weeks. According to the law, a long-stay visa application has to be processed within 2 months but in reality, processing times and costs vary according to conditions and the nationality of the employee.
How much does a French work visa cost?
120 USDLong-Term Work Visa for France Applying for this France work visa costs 99 EUR (120 USD). Workers who apply for this visa and have family members coming with them can have their employer start the “accompanying family member” procedure at the same time as the worker's application.
Can I move to France without a job?
Moving to France from the United States to enjoy the country long-term is an involved process. You'll need to secure a visa, inventory your belongings and find a place to live before you arrive. If you can't work remotely or don't already have a job, you'll need to find employment as well. That's just the beginning.
Is it easy to get job in France?
It's hard to get employed in France France has some of the tightest employment laws in the world. It can be expensive to take new staff, because of the cost the company has to pay towards pensions, healthcare, and other benefits.
What is the average salary in France?
Since then the average wage in France has been increasing, despite a slight period of stagnation between 2006 and 2008. While the average annual wages were of 33,974 euros in 2008, they reached 39,099 euros in 2019. In 2019, most of French citizens earned between 1,000 and 2,999 euros a month.
Can I work in France on a tourist visa?
The working holiday visa allows you to remain in France for one year as a tourist while letting you work. It is granted for a maximum of 12 months and is not renewable, except for Canada, which has a specific agreement.
How much money do you need to move to France?
Cost of Living in France: Sample Monthly BudgetExpensesU.S. $Rent$800 to $1,200Electricity$48Groceries (incl. wine)$600Landline rental fee (excluding call costs)$219 more rows
How long does France work visa take?
The work permit has to be obtained by the employer at the DIRECCTE (French Ministry of Labor). The processing of the work permit takes 10 to 15 days. Usually, the employer receives the forms stamped by mail, after this period.
How much bank balance is required for France visa?
The minimum balance required for France is Euro 65 / day (if you show hotel reservations for the entire stay) or Euro 120 / day (for the number of days you do not show proof of hotel reservation). You should provide the details of bank account which is your salary account.
Which Schengen visa is longest?
Short stay (type C) Schengen visas are valid for 90 days, but long stay (type D) visas range from 6 months to 5 years.
How can a foreigner work in France?
The foreign national may begin work immediately upon arriving in France, subject to obtaining the work permit and then the appropriate long-stay visa. A long-stay visa equivalent to a residence permit can be granted if the duration of the contract or of the planned mission is less than 12 months.
Can anyone work in France?
Whatever the length of your stay for business purposes, you must typically obtain a work permit before you can take up paid employment in France. Citizens of a European Union or European Economic Area Member State or Switzerland can work in France without a work permit.
Can UK citizens work in France?
UK citizens going to France to work for up to 90 days will not require a visa.
What level of French do you need to work in France?
In general, anyone who moves abroad to study in France will need at least a B2 level of the language, which is intermediate. While it may seem like another unfair article limiting foreigners from moving to France, not understanding the language can severely hinder those trying to attain a diploma.
What is a copy of a residence permit in France?
For employees already resident in France, a copy of the residence permit authorizing them to stay in France.
What is a work permit in France?
A work permit issued in an overseas department or region (Guadeloupe, French Guiana, Martinique, Mayotte and Reunion Island) is only valid in that department. Foreign talent holding such a permit and who would like to come to mainland France to work as an employee must obtain a new work permit.
What must an employer have attempted to find a candidate already in the French labor market?
Before submitting the application, the employer must have attempted to find a candidate already in the French labor market with the help of government agencies (e.g. Apec and Pôle Emploi) or private organizations.
What happens if your job application is rejected?
Within two months of being notified that the application has been rejected, the employer may lodge one or more administrative and legal appeals: A free informal appeal to the authority that made the decision. An appeal to a higher authority, namely the Minister of the Interior.
What is a letter of recruitment?
A letter explaining the employee’s role or the reasons for their recruitment and detailing the duties they will be performing.
What is compliance in employment?
The employee’s compliance, where applicable, with regulatory conditions governing the position in question.
What is a letter appointing a person established in France?
Where applicable, a letter appointing a person established in France to complete the required administrative formalities in its name and on its behalf.
Do you need a work visa in France?
If you’re from the EU/EEA or Switzerland, you are free to work in France without a work permit. If you’re coming to France with a family member who has a permit for certain types of highly-skilled work, you also may be able to work without a work permit.
Working for less than 90 days
If you’re working in France for less than 90 days, your employer must get you a temporary work permit.
Working for more than 90 days
If you’re working in France for more than 90 days, you must apply for a long-stay work visa. This is also your residence permit. Your employer draws up a work contract and sends it to the local division of the French Ministry of Labor. If any family members are joining you, then the employer must also start the accompanying family member procedure.
Different types of visas to work in France
There are many different types of residence permits to work in France, each one with its own requirements. Some permits provide exemptions from other general requirements for migrants coming to live in France; for example, the requirement for migrants to sign the Contrat d’Accueil et d’Intégration (CAI).
Finding work in France
To find a job in France, take a look at Pôle Emploi, the French national employment website, or the European Employment Services EURES.
How to apply for a long stay visa in France?
The employer has to begin the process of getting authorization for employees to work in France. Here are the steps of the process involved with obtaining a long-stay visa: 1 The employer must sign a contract with the French sponsoring company. 2 The French employer will file an application with the Labor Department, or “DIRECCTE.” 3 Once it has been approved, the National Agency for the Reception of Foreign Nationals and Migration, or “OFII,” will process the application. 4 The OFII will inform the employer of the application’s approval and hand the information over to the French Consulate in the country where the employee currently resides. 5 The employee will be contacted and asked to make an appointment online to apply for a work visa. The visa can then be picked up at the French Consulate. It will function as a permit for work and residence in France.
Why is it important to get a work visa in France?
Because the French work visa is closely tied to residency status, it’s important for employment to be established before employees begin the process of obtaining a permit to move to France.
What is the EU Blue Card?
EU Blue Card: This type of visa allows highly qualified individuals from third-world countries to enter, live in, and work in France.
How long can a French worker stay in France?
Short-term visa, or visa de court sejour: The short-term French work visa can authorize training assignments for up to 90 days. This visa does not allow for an extension of stay, so be sure to obtain an alternative visa if it’s possible that the employee will need to stay in France for a longer time period.
How long does a passport last?
An original passport or travel document (Note that for US citizens, the passport must have been issued no longer than 10 years ago, be valid for at least three months after their return to the US, and have at least two blank visas pages left)
What department do French employers file with?
The French employer will file an application with the Labor Department, or “DIRECCTE.”
Where does OFII go to?
The OFII will inform the employer of the application’s approval and hand the information over to the French Consulate in the country where the employee currently resides.
What documents do I need?
To get your visa at your home country’s French embassy, you'll need to take along your personal documents, including:
How do I get a French work visa as an entrepreneur?
To work in France at your own business or as a freelancer, you must apply directly to your local French embassy for a visa. They'll ask you to demonstrate your plans and the ability you have to set up a successful business. You'll have to prove that you have sufficient money to sustain your finances in France until your business is established.
How to get a work visa in France?
Before you can get a French work visa, you must find a job. Your employer then applies for a work visa on your behalf, at their local Ministry of Labour. The process is managed regionally, with variations in the processes applied, so the time this takes can vary.
How to get a French visa?
To get your visa at your home country’s French embassy, you'll need to take along your personal documents, including: 1 Valid passport (this must have been issued in the last ten years and last until past the point that your visa runs out) 2 Complete and signed application and residence forms 3 Passport signed photos 4 You might have to show evidence of your travel plans including pre booked return flights, depending on the visa type you're applying for 5 Application fee and in some cases a stamped and self addressed envelope
How long does it take to get a blue card?
However, it may still take up to three months. Although you start the application process online and through a single point of contact, the process may vary depending on your personal circumstances. The Blue Card network has a good website and offers support to applicants to help them understand the process.
How much does it cost to get a visa?
The cost of getting your visa will vary slightly by country and visa type. For a US citizen seeking a long term visa the current processing cost is around $100.
What do you need to apply for a skills and talents visa?
If you're applying for one of the more comprehensive visa types - such as the ‘skills and talents’ visa, which grants extensive rights to holders, you'll be asked for more information and documentation. In this case you have to prove your competence to carry out the highly skilled or entrepreneurial role you’re moving for and will have to provide evidence of your qualifications and skills.
When will France-Visas be available online?
As of April 7, 2021, France-Visas will provide students with the possibility of sending digital copies of their supporting documents when completing their visa application online. This optional procedure will allow an accelerated process by the external service provider (ESP). This feature will at first be accessible only to applicants for long-stay student visas residing in a country where the visa application is outsourced to an ESP and available online.
When will France-Visas digitize?
Digitization. As of April 7, 2021, France-Visas will provide students with the possibility of sending digital copies of their supporting documents when completing their visa application online. This optional procedure will allow an accelerated process by the external service provider (ESP).
Can you refuse a visa application if you don't have a receipt?
It must not have the word " DRAFT ". In case of absence of a document present on your receipt, your visa application can be refused.
When will the British citizenship be allowed to enter France?
On 1 January 2021, new conditions will apply for the entry and residence of British citizens and members of their families in France. All the applicable rules are available on the government websites.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Visa in France?
Just how long does the entire process take? That depends! It takes anywhere from three weeks to nearly three months to complete the process. Much of it is out of your hands entirely. For instance, your timing could depend on your local embassy, how busy they are, and how efficiently the staff work. However, you cannot start the application process any more than three months before you intend to travel. As such, even if you’re extremely organized, you can only do so much.
What Visa Is Right for You?
Thankfully, there’s a good resource to help you with the process. The France-Visas website is run by the French government. It helps you narrow down options based on your particular circumstances.
Do I Need Insurance with a French Visa?
The short answer is yes you will need insurance if you plan to travel to France. It is mandatory and must cover medical repatriation, and emergency and/or hospital treatment.
Is France an exception to the visa requirements?
If there’s one thing that visa applications have in common the world over, it’s paperwork. France is no exception. While exact requirements vary depending on the circumstances, in general, would-be expats should anticipate preparing the following:
How long is a short stay visa valid in France?
You will be issued with a short-stay visa valid for 90 days maximum. If you need to extend this, please visit your local police station (préfecture) in France.
How long can you work in France?
As a foreign employee, you are not permitted to work in France for more than six months in any twelve-month rolling year.
What is a training session?
This training session is designed so that you can develop as a professional or gain the methods and techniques required by companies.
How long do you have to be employed in a company outside the European Economic Area?
For at least three months you have been employed in a company located outside the European Economic Area that belongs to an international group of companies.
What is a salaried guest teacher?
A teaching activity (on an occasional basis) as a salaried guest teacher.
What does it mean to be a one off mission in France?
Your employer, operating outside the European Economic Area, asks you to fulfil your employment contract by completing a one-off mission in a French company (or organisation) in order to provide a service to a French client or on its behalf.
Do you need a visa to work in France?
For the following seasonal contracts, your employer must re-apply for a work permit. During the validity period of your multi-year residence permit, you will not need a visa to enter France and take up a new seasonal job but your new employer (s) must obtain a work permit for you which you will have to show at the border.
Types of Work Visas in France
Requirements to Obtain France Work Visas
- The required documents for obtaining a work visa vary depending on each employee’s country of residence. If any of your employees are American or Australian citizens, make sure they’re aware of this general list of requirements: 1. An application form 2. Identity photographs 3. Residence forms 4. Tickets or detailed flight booking information from a travel agency 5. An original passpor…
Application Process
- The employer has to begin the process of getting authorization for employees to work in France. Here are the steps of the process involved with obtaining a long-stay visa: 1. The employer must sign a contract with the French sponsoring company. 2. The French employer will file an application with the Labor Department, or “DIRECCTE.” 3. Once it has ...
Other Important Considerations
- Because the French work visa is closely tied to residency status, it’s important for employment to be established before employees begin the process of obtaining a permit to move to France.
Learn More About Globalization Partners
- Need to onboard international employees right now? We can help with your global hiring needs.Contact usand request a proposal. – For this particular location, Globalization Partners may offer support processing certain work visas and permits. Contact us todayto assess your specific needs.