A work permit in France is required for most non-EU foreigners intending to work there. With this document, one may enter and stay in France to conduct business. For those looking to relocate to France for work, securing a work permit is an important first step in obtaining residency in France.
Applying for a work permit in France and establishing residency in France usually involves submitting the required paperwork to the French consulate in your country of residence. There are various types of visas, such as the short-stay visa (for temporary assignments) and the long-stay visa (for long-term job contracts), depending on the nature of the work and the length of stay. You may also need a French work visa for certain categories of employment.
Those who wish to move to France for work purposes and who are interested in obtaining a work permit in France can reach out to our team as needed to receive personalized information about their situation.
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French work visa requirements
To obtain a French work visa, you must meet certain requirements. These include:
- a valid job opportunity from a French company,
- documentation, such as job diplomas and university degrees, attesting to your credentials and professional experience,
- evidence that you have sufficient resources to support yourself in France (in 2023, the gross monthly minimum wage was about 1,747 EUR),
- insurance that is valid for the whole time you are there, either from private coverage or via your employment.
Our French immigration lawyers are here to guide you through the process and ensure your documents meet all legal requirements.
Blue Card in France
The French Blue Card is a visa for highly qualified workers outside the European Union. It provides extra benefits, such as the right to work in other EU countries after a stay in France. In 2023, France issued around 5,000 Blue Cards.
To qualify for the Blue Card in France, you must fulfill the following requirements:
- Have a university degree or equivalent,
- Hold an employment contract with a certain minimum income. In 2023, the Blue Card’s minimum annual salary criteria was set at 53,836 EUR,
- Have a professional experience that is relevant to your field of employment.
The Blue Card in France offers various benefits, including the ability to relocate to another EU nation for work after 18 months of legal residency in France. It also facilitates family reunification, allowing family members to join you in France and access the labor market. Furthermore, Blue Card holders qualify for social security benefits in France.
To apply for a French Blue Card, you will need to prepare and submit several important documents. These include your work contract, proof of your credentials (such as diplomas and professional experience), and a valid passport.
You can submit your Blue Card application in one of the following ways:
- from your home country: Send your application and supporting documents to the French consulate or embassy in your country of residence.
- if you are already in France: Submit your application directly to the French Office for Immigration and Integration (OFII).
The application process for a Blue Card in France can take up to 90 days and costs €269. If applying for a French work visa, ensure all required documentation is included.
In France, the Blue Card is valid for one to four years, depending on the length of your employment contract, and it may be renewed on the same terms.
French work permit processing time
In 2023, France granted over 200,000 work permits to non-EU nationals, marking a 15% increase from the previous year. The processing period for a work permit in France can range from a few weeks to several months. In 2023, the average processing time was approximately 8 weeks. To avoid delays, it is recommended to apply at least three months before your start date and ensure that all paperwork is accurate.
Here are the main types of work permits in France, each having its specific requirements:
- talent passport,
- intra-company transfer permit.
A valid passport, an employment contract, evidence of qualifications, medical insurance, and proof of accommodation are all required. Delays may occur due to incomplete documentation or large application volumes.
The processing time for the French talent passport is usually two weeks; however, this time can vary if the submitted documentation is incomplete or incorrect. This is why we recommend reaching out to our immigration lawyers if you want to relocate to France based on this type of permit.
Our staff also assists foreign nationals who are already in France and want to make their stay permanent by applying for citizenship in France.
If you require information about other types of visas or residence permits in France, do not hesitate and contact our immigration lawyers in France.
