France at a Glance
Expat Work Permits for France
France offers several types of work permits for qualified expat professionals.
The “Skills and Talents” Work Permit
The “Skills and Talents” Card ("Carte Compétences & Talents") is intended for people who would like to carry out a specific project. Their aim should be to further the economic development of France and/or their country of origin. It is valid for an initial period of 3 years, and accompanying family members automatically receive a “Private and Family Life” permit allowing them to reside and work in France.
The applicant needs to submit a visa application together with a briefing paper presenting the project to the French Consulate in his/her country, or to the nearest Préfecture if he/she is already in France at the time of application.
Temporary Work and Residence Permits
This category comprises two groups: The “Salaried” temporary residence permit is for foreign employees coming to France on an employment contract lasting one year or longer. The “Temporary Worker” residence permit is for those whose contract lasts less than a year.
In both cases, the prospective French employer is responsible for carrying out the formalities. They have to contact the Direction Départementale du Travail, de l’Émploi et de la Formation professionnelle and the Agence Nationale de l’Accueil des Étrangers et des Migrations.
Every administrative region in France has its own liste de 30 métiers, i.e. 30 professions which are open to foreign nationals, provided they have the relevant qualifications and experience to carry out the job in question. In order to cap immigration from the new EU member states Romania and Bulgaria, there is a list of 150 professions open to nationals of those two countries.
The “Employee on Assignment” Work Permit
The “Employee on Assignment” permit is the traditional work permit for expats and targets senior managers and high level executives. Your employer can apply on your behalf if you have been with them for at least three months and if you work in a higher position or your gross monthly salary is at least 5,000€. It allows you to work for one of the company’s branches in France or another company within the same group for an initial period of 3 years.
After 6 months in France, your family will be allowed to join you on a “Private and Family Life” permit. There is a separate “Employee on Assignment” card for senior managers or high-level executives.
The Permit for “Seasonal Workers” and Academics
The “Seasonal Worker” permit is valid for three years, but it only allows the holder to work for a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 6 months over a period of 12 consecutive months. The main residence must remain outside France at all times, and family members are not allowed to join. Again, the recruiting party is responsible for all the paper work.
The “Scientific” permit is for academics with a master´s degree wishing to participate in research or teaching activities in France. In order to apply, you need to have a convention d’accueil (hosting agreement) from an accredited French research institute or educational institution endorsed by the French Consulate in your country of origin. Once in France, you will receive the “Scientific” permit at your Prefecture upon presentation of the required documents.
Join the leading
Expat Community in France
- Have access to high-quality expat guides and information
- Get to know like-minded expatriates in France
- Meet fellow expats at InterNations events and activities in your area
Membership at InterNations is invitation-only. You need to request an invitation to become a member.
