February 20, 2024
Types of France Work Visas
For those seeking to work in France, understanding the different types of work visas is essential.
- Short-stay visa for trips lasting up to 90 days: This is for trips lasting up to 90 days. This visa allows individuals to engage in short-term work activities.
- Long-stay visa for stays between three months and one year: If you plan to stay in France for more than three months, but no longer than one year, you need to apply for a long-stay visa, which is also known as a Type D or “national” visa. Once you arrive in France, it’s important to register your long-stay work visa within three months. If your stay extends beyond one year, you’ll need to apply for a residence permit, called “titre de séjour,” to continue staying in France. This process ensures that your legal stay in the country is properly documented and in compliance with regulations.
- Specific Cases: In certain situations, the visa process varies for specific cases:
- Employees assigned to a French company: If your employer sends you to work for a company in France or you are part of a group of companies based abroad for a mission or training in France, you’ll need to apply for a visa based on the duration of your contract. Opting for a long-stay visa categorizes you as a “travailleur temporaire” (temporary worker).
- Trainees and executives with managerial missions: If you are a trainee, applying for a long-stay visa with the designation “Stagiaire ICT” is necessary. Remember to register this visa within three months of your arrival in France.
- Seasonal workers: Executives with managerial missions or senior expertise can apply for a three-year long-stay visa labeled “salarié détaché ICT.” Upon arriving in France, it’s essential to approach the prefecture within two months to request a pluriannual residence permit.
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Documents Required for France Work Visa Application
When applying for a work visa in France, it’s crucial to gather the necessary documents. Here’s an overview of the essential paperwork:
- Completed Application Form: Fill out the French Work Visa Application Form accurately.
- Recent Photos: Provide two photos taken within the last three months.
- Valid Passport: Check and ensure your passport is valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned stay, issued within the last 10 years, and has two blank pages for the visa.
- Financial Proof: Submit documents showing how you’ll finance your stay, such as recent bank statements, employment contracts (if working in France), income proofs, retirement plans, or a sponsor’s declaration with their financial documents.
- Certificate of Criminal Record: Include a certificate showing no open criminal cases, obtained within the last three months.
- Proof of Paid Visa Fee: Include confirmation of the paid French Work Visa Fee.
- OFII Form*: Complete the OFII form for a residence permit for stays longer than three months.
- Work Contract*: Submit the original work agreement and a copy approved by DIRECCTE, with the approval forwarded to the relevant French consulate by the OFII.
- Police Certificate*: Obtain a National Criminal History Record Check from your home country, not older than three months.
Work Authorization: What You Need to Know to work in France
Knowing about work authorization is important if you want to work in France. Think of work authorization as a special permission slip that lets someone from another country work in France. To get this permission, the company that wants to hire you has to ask for approval from DIRECCTE, which is like getting the green light to work legally. It’s all about following the rules. But sometimes, in certain situations, you don’t need this special permission slip. For example, if you’re doing things related to sports, culture, art, science, business visits, making movies or music, teaching, or some specific services, you just need to show that what you’re doing in France is connected to what you usually do in your home country. Understanding these things is important for a smooth and legal work experience in France. Globalogy’s Job support team can help you get a job in your dream country.
Step-by-Step Guide on Applying for a France Work Visa
When applying for a work visa in France, follow these simple steps to ensure a smooth process:
- Fill Out Online Form: Start by completing the online form on France-Visas, providing accurate details about yourself and your purpose for visiting. Globalogy’s Visa Expert team can help you with the process and make it easier for you.
- Receipt and Booking: Upon form submission, receive a receipt from France-Visas as proof. Print it and book an appointment for application submission.
- Submit Documents and Pay Fees: Attend the appointment either at the French consulate or an approved organization like VFS Global. Submit the necessary documents, and pay the required fees.
- Passport Collection Appointment: After processing, schedule an appointment to collect your passport, where you’ll learn the outcome of your visa application.
- Online Tracking: Stay informed about your application’s progress and status by tracking it online throughout the process.
Cost, Time, and Insurance
- Application Timing: Submit your visa application within a six-month window before your planned departure for a well-timed and efficient process.
- Visa Fee Details: The work visa for France incurs a €99 fee, payable in local currency during your application appointment. Note that the €99 visa fee is non-refundable, regardless of the outcome of your visa application.
- Insurance Requirements: For short-stay visas, secure medical insurance covering medical fees, hospitalization, and potential repatriation or death. AXA offers suitable insurance options for Schengen Area travelers. Consider insurance options like Low-Cost Schengen Insurance and Europe Travel Insurance for extended stays of up to six months
France seems like a great place to find work with an expected employment rate of 56.30% and a lot of people ready to work, reaching 32.13 million. The work productivity is also expected to be high at US$62.17. If you’re thinking about working in France, it’s important to know about these positive job trends. Globalogy’s Luxembourg & France Masterclass can get you even more insights on how to apply and grab the opportunity with expert mentors who are already working in France.
