If you want to legally employ international talent to work in France or relocate global remote talent to the country, you must ensure that the employee has the legal right to work — and live — in France.
However, without French citizenship, compliantly working in the country requires a work visa or permit. Here, we’ll explain what employers need to know about French employment visas and work permits.
Who Can Legally Work in France?
French citizens are legally entitled to work in France. Likewise, citizens of the European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) member states, Switzerland, Monaco, and Andorra, enjoy the freedom to work in France without a visa or permit.
However, citizens of other non-EU or EEA countries must obtain a valid work permit to reside and work in France legally.
How to Apply for a Work Permit in France
In most cases, a job offer in hand is required to qualify for a French work permit. As the employer, it’s your responsibility to obtain the required documents that demonstrate you couldn’t find a French national to complete the work.
To apply for a work permit through the Ministry of the Interior’s online application portal and complete the application form on behalf of an employee, you will need:
- A detailed job description
- Proof the employee meets all the job requirements
- Annual salary
- Commercial register number or company tax number
To enter the country on a work permit, international talent must provide:
- A valid passport and two passport photos
- Approved work permit (if applicable)
- Proof of a valid job offer (e.g., employment contract/work contract)
- Financial documents and bank statements demonstrating sufficient funds for living expenses
- Proof of health insurance
- Details of accommodation in France
The entry visa may serve as a work permit in certain short-term situations. For stays exceeding three months, a separate residence permit application is also necessary.
The French government’s official guidance for work authorization of an international employee in France provides more detailed information.
What Types of French Work Visas Are There?
Several French work visas are available for international talent. The type of visa needed for a foreign employee depends on the duration of their stay.
- Short-stay “Schengen” visa: This non-renewable visa doesn’t require a separate work permit and is ideal for assignments under 90 days and for temporary workers.
- Temporary work visa: Suitable for fixed-term positions or assignments lasting between three months and a year, this “travailleur temporaire” visa includes a temporary residence permit.
- Long-stay work visa: This multi-year, renewable visa is intended for permanent hires.
Companies without a French entity but with employees working for French clients typically need a work permit and a long-stay visa. Likewise, relocating an employee to an existing French branch or subsidiary requires a work permit and a long-stay visa.
Another option is the EU Blue Card, which is a work permit valid for four years that allows skilled workers outside of the EU/EEA to work in countries such as France.
Family members of relocated employees usually require a family reunification visa, except in cases where the employee holds a talent passport (passeport talent).
How Long Does it Take to Obtain a French Work Visa?
The visa application process can be lengthy due to the involvement of several French offices in processing work visa requests, including the Regional Directorate of Economy, Employment, Labor, and Solidarity (DREETS), the Ministry of the Interior, and the French Office for Immigration and Integration (OFII).
Due to this multi-agency process, obtaining a work visa can take up to three months, and obtaining a residence permit takes an additional 15-45 days.
Employers should initiate the work permit application at least three months before the employee’s expected start date to ensure a smooth onboarding process.
How Much Does it Cost to Apply for a Work Permit in France?
When hiring international talent in France, employers are subject to taxes that vary based on the employee’s contract duration and salary:
- Less than 90 days: No tax applies.
- 3-12 months: Taxes range from €74 to €300, depending on salary.
- 12 months or longer: Employers are taxed at 55% of the employee’s gross annual income, up to a maximum of 2.5 times the minimum wage.
Employees must also pay application fees, with the short-stay visa costing €9-€60 and the long-stay visa €99. A €225 residence permit fee applies to all visas except the short-stay option.
What are the Penalties for Not Obtaining a Work Permit?
Employing international talent without a valid work permit in France can lead to severe consequences. Companies found in violation face fines upwards of €15,000 for each undocumented worker.
It’s even possible for company representatives to face imprisonment for up to five years.
Stay Compliant with French Work Permit & Visa Requirements with RemoFirst
Partnering with an Employer of Record (EOR) can help businesses seamlessly hire international talent in France and avoid fines. EORs minimize your risk by securing work permits and visas and managing payroll, taxes, and benefits.
Book a demo to learn how an EOR can help you navigate the intricacies of hiring international talent in France.
