Work permits for France

Getting a work permit in France means meeting certain requirements that vary based on your country of origin. If you’re a citizen of the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, you don’t need work permits to find employment in France – you can simply move and start working.

For non-EEA nationals, you’ll face a more complicated application process for the right to work in France. The French government limits the number of job categories open to non-European international arrivals, with preference given to fields facing shortages, such as healthcare, engineering, manufacturing, and hospitality. This makes work permits in France tough to secure for those outside the EU.

Your eligibility for a French work permit links directly to your employment status, and you’ll typically need a job offer before relocating. Your prospective employer often handles the permit application process on your behalf, submitting your contract to the French Ministry of Labour for approval.

When job hunting in France as a non-EU citizen, you’ll need to demonstrate that your skills can’t be found among EEA nationals – a tricky hurdle to clear. Pack your patience for this process; you’ll get a first-hand taste of the country’s notorious bureaucracy. Most applications take two to three months to process, so plan accordingly.

Finding a Job in France 
Visas and Residence Permits for France

Types of work permits in France

Work permits in France come in several forms, each with specific validity periods, requirements and allowed entries. The type you need depends on your profession and intended length of stay. Common options include the Talent Passport (valid for up to four years), Employee Permit (for permanent contracts), and Temporary Worker Permit (for short-term assignments).

Talent Passport

The Talent Passport targets highly skilled professionals, startup founders, and investors. Valid for up to four years and renewable, this permit allows your family to join you in France. You’ll need to demonstrate exceptional skills or qualifications in your field to qualify. Processing typically takes around three months.

Employee Permit

Available to those with permanent employment contracts (CDI) in France, this permit requires your employer to prove they couldn’t find suitable candidates within the EU. The 2024 immigration law created a special one-year Employee Permit for shortage occupations, making it easier to work in high-demand fields. Note that from 2026, you’ll need to demonstrate A2-level French proficiency for multi-year permits.

Temporary Worker Permit

If you’re taking on short-term contracts (CDD) or seasonal work, this permit matches your employment duration. Your employer must justify hiring from outside the EU, although requirements are sometimes relaxed for shortage occupations.

Entrepreneur/Self-Employed Permit

For freelancers and business owners, this permit requires a solid business plan and proof of sufficient resources. You’ll need to demonstrate how your enterprise benefits the French economy and creates jobs.

Useful links

• Welcome to France: Work Permit Application
• France-Visas: Professional Purpose
• Service-Public: Work Authorisation for Foreign Employees
• Welcome to France: EU, EEA and Swiss Nationals

Applying for a work permit for France

When applying for a work permit for France for stays longer than three months, you’ll need a long-stay visa. This can only be requested after your prospective employer sends your work contract to the French Ministry of Labour for approval. Once reviewed and approved, you can book an appointment to apply for the visa. After arriving in France with your long-stay work visa, you must register with the Office Français de l’Immigration et de l’Intégration (French Office of Immigration and Integration) within three months.

Since 2023, most applications are submitted through the ANEF (Administration Numérique des Étrangers en France) online platform. This digital system handles everything from initial applications to renewals, streamlining what was once an entirely paper-based process. Submit your application two to three months before your planned travel date for best results. For renewals, apply three months before your current permit expires.

Long-Stay Visas in France

Useful links

• ANEF: Digital Administration for Foreigners in France
• French Office of Immigration and Integration (OFII)
• France-Visas: Application Guidelines

Visa and work permit regulations are subject to change at short notice, and you should contact your respective embassy or consulate for the latest details.