A work permit in France is required for most non-EU foreigners intending to work there. With this document, one may also 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. 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.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Who needs a work permit in France? | Only non-EU citizens, but exceptions might apply |
|
How is a work permit known in France? |
Work authorization |
|
Can be included in |
A visa or a residence permit in France |
| Types of work permits in France |
– intra-company transfer, – talent status, etc. |
| Application for a French work permit |
At the consulate/embassy in the country of residence |
| Types of contracts for which a work permit is needed in France |
– fixed-term contracts, – temporary work contracts |
| Validity |
12 months with the possibility of renewing it |
| Work permits issued in Guadeloupe, Martinique, French Guiana, Mayotte, and Reunion |
Valid only in these territories. A new work permit is needed for a job in mainland France. |
| Documents |
– valid passport, – health insurance, – employment contract, – proof of income, – degrees/qualifications depending on the type of job accepted in France |
| A long-stay visa in France can be equivalent with | A residence permit in France |
| Opposability |
Employers must first verify possible French candidates with the unemployment agency France Travail before hiring foreign workers. |
| Special cases |
Requesting a work permit as a foreign student having a diploma is verified without opposability of the employment situation, in the cases the employment contract presented is related to the training and salary is at least EUR 2,702.07/month. |
| Is there a cost for a work permit in France? (YES/NO) |
NO |
| Taxes paid by employers in France |
A tax is paid by the company to the Direction Générale des Finances Publiques (DGFiP) |
| How can our French immigration lawyers help you? |
We can collaborate with employing companies when preparing the documents for getting a work permit in France. Affordable legal services are at the disposal of non-EU citizens interested in relocation to France for work purposes. |
Table of Contents
French work visa requirements
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. To obtain a French work visa, you must meet certain requirements. These include:
- a valid job offer/contract 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 2025, the gross monthly minimum wage is around EUR 1,801.80),
- 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. You can also explore this infographic made by our experts:
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 2025, the Blue Card’s minimum annual salary criterion is set at around 53,836 EUR;
- have 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).
Updates on the French EU Blue Card
EU Blue Card reform (Directive 2021/1883) via Law No. 2025-391 has been recently implemented in France. The new changes to the legislation intend to simplify and reinforce the migration framework for foreign skilled workers. Here are some of the updates to the law:
- The minimum employment contract duration is now 6 months, reduced from 12.
- Relocation to France is now possible without a visa after a minimum stay of 12 months (previously 18) with a Blue Card in another EU member country. Nevertheless, applying for a Blue Card within 30 days of entry is compulsory.
- In terms of qualifications, a new option has been introduced for a certain category of skilled workers. This refers to individuals with 3 years of experience within the last 7 years in the field of their profession/activity. Before the law changes, applicants had to present at least 5 years of professional experience. This category can include scientific researchers, highly skilled workers, or people who have previously benefited from international protection.
These are some of the changes to Immigration Law in France that you should take into account when applying for a work permit. You can find out more about these updates and the requirements for obtaining a French Blue Card from our immigration specialists. Plus, you may discover this video presentation made by our experts:
French work permit processing time
The processing period for a work permit in France can range from a few weeks to several months. In 2025, 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.
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.
Cost of a French work permit
There is no specific cost for obtaining a work permit in France. Nevertheless, French companies hiring foreign staff must pay a certain tax to the “Direction Generale des Finances Publiques” at the time the work and residence permit is issued. Please feel free to explore our services and solicit the assistance of our French immigration lawyers for obtaining the work and residence permit. We assist foreigners in moving to France by handling all the immigration matters.
Renewal of a work permit in France
According to the rules of the French Immigration Law, the work permit must be renewed 3 months before the expiration date. Also, according to the French Labor Law, if the length of the initial assignment is extended, a contract amendment should be provided. With the help of our attorneys in France, you can renew your work permit issued there. We can take care of all the formalities imposed, and we can represent you in all the legal proceedings related to immigration to France.
Besides assistance in work permits issuance, we also provide support for those interested in citizenship in France. If you require information about other types of visas or residence permits in France, do not hesitate and contact our law firm in France. We are here to help you move to France by handling all the legal procedures involved.
