How To Get A Work Visa In France

For many, the French Riviera vacation brings to mind an image of sunbathing on sandy beaches, sipping mint-infused waters and tasting gourmet dishes at seaside restaurants. But if you’re looking for work opportunities in France, you’re in luck. On this page, you’ll find advice on how to obtain a legal work visa in France.

Getting a visa in France can be intimidating, but it’s easier when you’re educated on the process ahead of time. This article will break down the process-from A to Z-so you know exactly what to expect and when. Before we dive into how to get a work visa in France, let’s first answer the question of why.

 Work holiday visa, live in France and work 6 months, back to home country for 3 months then go back again. You get the full taste of french lifestyle, enjoy your time off and make some money at the same time. But there are some things you need to consider before applying for this visa.

Worried about how to get a visa when moving to France? The French Government has provided a wonderful service to help people live and work in France. This infographic provides an overview of the steps you’ll need to take.

How To Get A Work Visa In France

France long-stay Work Visas have been established for people who wish to enter France and remain there for more than three months, up to a year, under work purposes. There are special requirements and eligibility criteria for each of these, and tasks one has to correctly fulfill, in order to be able to successfully obtain a long-stay Work Visa.

What are the Categories of the French Work Visa?

These are visas for people who intend to come to France and remain for a period longer than 90 days, with the single purpose of engaging in a paid activity.

French Salaried Employees Visa

For people who wish to work in France for up to one year. When applying for this type of visa, one must present a work contract duly endorsed by the DIRECCTE.

French Work Visa for Creating and running a business or company

If you wish to create and run a business or company in France, then you will have to apply for this type of visa, whether this will be your personal initiative or in collaboration with another company. Do not forget that you will be asked for extra documents than usually required, as showing proof you have the financial means to create the planned business.

French Work Visa for Professionals and independent workers

There are some professions, which are not authorized to the non-EU nationals as bailiffs, notaries, judicial administrators and insurance general agents, etc. Others as doctors, lawyers, architects, etc. will need authorization from the relevant professional body. Therefore make sure to check what you will need to do to engage in your profession in France, before applying for this type of visa.

French long stay Sports visa

Every sportsman or sportswoman that wish to enter and remain in France for up to one year have to follow some procedures in order to be permitted to engage in sports activities. If the applicant is employed and will receive a salary for the activity they are engaged in, they will have to apply as a “salaried employee”.

On the other hand, when the applicant will not be receiving a salary, he or she must apply as a ‘visitor’/ however, in this case, the sports club or institution must sponsor applicant’s stay in France, including their accommodation, insurance, transport, etc.

French long stay visa for Volunteer work

This is a visa for people who wish to engage in humanitarian work in France, for up to one year and more than three months. If you are planning to obtain such a visa, keep in mind that you will have to start the visa application process through a French Foundation or Association recognized by the French authorities as registered charity / public utility.

French International Organization work visa

Applicants who will be taking an official assignment in France with an international organization will have to apply for this type of visa.

How to Apply for a France Work Visa?

Every applicant will have to go through some certain steps in order to fully and successfully complete the application process for a France long-stay Work Visa.

Find out whether you need to apply for a French work visa

Whether you need a France long-stay Work Visa or not, it all depends on your nationality and the part of France you wish to visit.

There are some categories of internationals who wish to enter France under work purposes and remain for more than three months that do not need to obtain a long stay visa in order to be permitted to stay.

Every other national, no matter which part of France is planning to visit, will have to obtain a long-stay visa in order to be permitted to enter and remain in the country.

However, in order for one to be able to work, a residence permit and a work permit must be obtained in almost every case.

Decide under which category of the French Long Stay Work Visa you fall

Check out all the categories of the Work Visa and find out under which category you fall. Then get ready to start the application process.

Complete the file of documents

The requirements might change from country to country, though the changes cannot be many; therefore take care to collect the documents according to the requirements in your home country. The documents you need to submit to apply for a French work visa are the following:

• Completed French Work Visa Application Form. Make sure you complete the form correctly and honestly.
• Two Photos. You should submit two photos alongside with the other documents. They must be no older than three months.
• Your valid passport. Before you apply, check your passport for its validity and date of issuance. It must have been issued within the last 10 years and valid for a minimum of 3 months after the end of your planned stay in France. The passport must have at least two blank pages in order to be able to put the visa sticker on it.
• Proof of financial means. The French authorities want to know how you will be financing yourself while in France. That is why you should submit the following documents that apply to your situation, as a part of this requirement:
  • Recent bank statements.