How to Get a French Work Visa (6 Steps)

From the Eiffel Tower in Paris to the Gothic architecture of Reims and the refreshing coast of the French Riviera, France remains one of the world’s most visited destinations. Beyond its beauty, people from around the world come to France to live and work.

France has a diverse economy with strengths in areas such as manufacturing, renewable energy, artificial intelligence, health care, aerospace, and agri-food. There are plenty of attractive opportunities whether you are starting a career or looking for growth. France’s legal working time for a full-time employee is generally 35 hours per week, although some jobs and collective agreements may differ.

Here’s what you need to know about how to apply for a French work visa.

Steps to Apply for a French Work Visa

Besides a few differences in documentary requirements, individuals applying for French work visas generally follow the same steps. Always use the official France-Visas wizard because required documents and fees can vary depending on your nationality, country of application, and work category.

Step 1. Gather the Documents Necessary for Your Situation

Identify which visa category is appropriate for your qualifications and the type of work you are looking for. Check the work visa type and the official France-Visas wizard to see the supporting documents and submission fees specific to your situation.

At a minimum, prepare the following core documents before starting your application:

• Completed French visa application form, plus the printed application form and receipt after submitting online
• Passport or travel document in good condition, issued less than 10 years ago, with at least two blank pages, and valid for at least three months after the requested long-stay visa expires
• Two recent ID photos in the required format
• Originals and copies of supporting documents based on your personal situation and the purpose of your stay
• Proof of payment for visa application fees
• Proof of accommodation, financial means, health insurance, or other supporting documents when requested by the visa wizard or your local visa center
• Translations into French if documents are not in French or English and the visa center requests translation

For salaried employment, the exact visa depends on the nature and length of your contract. A permanent contract may lead to a long-stay visa bearing the statement salarié, while a fixed-term contract may lead to a long-stay visa bearing the statement travailleur temporaire. France-Visas also lists separate rules for seasonal workers, language assistants, models, medical professionals, airline crew, paid internships, and other professional activities.

Additional requirements for a salaried employee work visa may include:

• A work permit granted to your employer by the French authorities, unless your activity is exempt
• If you are employed by a private individual, the appropriate hiring form completed and signed by your employer
• Proof of recruitment or employment, such as an employment contract, appointment order, training agreement, or other proof required for your profession
• Other supporting documents stated in France’s visa wizard

For international talents, the Talent Passport pathway is intended for foreign employees and self-employed professionals whose work supports France’s economic attractiveness. This may include qualified or highly qualified employees, researchers, artists, performers, business creators, investors, self-employed professionals, and people with a national or international reputation. Conditions differ by category.

Additional requirements for an international talent work visa may include:

• Proof of your employment or professional situation
• Proof of professional qualifications, such as degrees, certificates, employment history, portfolio, or evidence of professional recognition
• For highly qualified employees, proof of higher education or comparable professional experience, a qualifying employment contract, and proof that the salary threshold is met
• For researchers, a hosting agreement with an approved public or private research or higher education institution
• For artists and performers, evidence of engagements, employment contracts, or artistic activity, plus proof of financial resources from the activity
• For business creators, proof of a real and serious business creation project and the required investment
• For people with a national or international reputation, proof of recognition in the relevant field and details of the planned activity in France
• Other supporting documents stated in France’s visa wizard

Lastly, France supports international exchanges between young professionals through bilateral agreements. You must come from a participating country, already be working, meet the age conditions in the agreement, and submit the required file through the French Office for Immigration and Integration (OFII) or its delegation in your country.

Step 2. Submit Your Visa Application Online

Once your documents are complete, you can submit a French work visa application online. Fill out the online application form and follow the on-screen instructions. You will receive a list of documents to bring to your appointment, so double-check whether there are additional documents you still need to prepare. Documents in languages other than French or English may be required to be translated into French.

After you complete this process, print the application form and the receipt of the request. You must bring these to your appointment.

Step 3. Arrange Your Appointment with French Consular Services

Make sure you allow enough time before your departure date to schedule an appointment and submit your application. France-Visas advises applicants to check local appointment waiting times and, for long-stay visas, to submit the application within the permitted filing window before departure. Country-specific pages may give additional local instructions.

Locate a French consular service or visa application center in your country from this list. If your country is not eligible for the online application process, check the procedure on the country-specific France-Visas page.

Step 4. Attend Your Appointment in Person and Submit Your Files

Be present and on time on the day of your appointment for your French work visa. Bring your printed application form, receipt, and all required documents. The visa center or consulate will receive your documents, collect the visa fee, collect biometric data when required, and keep your passport and copies of your supporting documents for processing.

The standard full-rate long-stay visa fee is 99 EUR, although reduced rates, exemptions, and service fees may apply depending on your situation and country of application. Biometric data include a photograph and ten fingerprints. If you have had fingerprints collected for a biometric Schengen visa within the previous 59 months, those fingerprints may be reused in some cases.

Step 5. Track the Progress of Your Application

Visa applications are generally processed within 15 days, but the period can be extended up to 45 days in particular cases if further examination is needed. Some country-specific France-Visas pages may provide different indicative timelines for local processing. You can track your application on France’s official visa tracking page. You will be notified when your passport is ready for collection or, where available, postal return.

While waiting, it is also helpful to review the procedures for your arrival in France.

Step 6. Validate your Work-Residence Visa

Some long-stay work visas are issued as a long-stay visa equivalent to a residence permit (VLS-TS). If you receive a VLS-TS, you must validate your VLS-TS online within three months of arriving in France. If your visa states that a residence permit must be applied for after arrival, you must complete that process within the deadline indicated, usually within two months of arrival.

FAQs: Work Visa Applications for France

We hope that this article on how to apply for a work visa in France was helpful! If you are interested in studying in Europe, make sure to check out Study in France and Available Programs in Europe for more study opportunities!