Wondering if you need a work visa for France?
This requirement mostly depends on your nationality.
For example, if you are a non-EU worker, you will likely need to apply for a visa.
Let’s have a closer look at the requirements for obtaining a work visa for France and the procedures to follow in order to comply with the country’s immigration law.
Types of Work Visas for France
Before we get into all the details, let’s explore the most common types of work visas available in France.
Employee VLS-TS Visa or “Visa Salarié”
This is a type of long-stay visa that is equivalent to a residence permit.
The VLS-TS visa is for workers who have signed a work contract for a period longer than one year.
Temporary VLS-TS Visa or “Carte de Séjour Temporaire Salarié”
This type of visa applies to employees under a fixed-term contract.
It is valid from three months to one year.
The temporary VLS-TS is also known as “travailleur temporaire”.
Applying for a Work Visa for France
Before applying for a work visa, you must find a job in France and sign a work contract.
Next, you need to apply for a work visa. To do so, you have to log in to France-Visas, France’s official visa website.
France-Visas serves as a unified platform that provides comprehensive information at each stage of the application process. It also allows you to track your application.
To get support and guidance every step of the way, you must create an account as an applicant.
Nevertheless, the application must be submitted in person.You cannot submit your application online.
This can be done at the French Embassy and Consulate located in your home country.
Alternatively, you may submit your application to the local VFS France Visa Application Center. This is because some French Embassies have outsourced the visa submission to VFS France Visa Application Centers of VFS Global.
VFS Global is the world’s largest company providing visa services on behalf of diplomatic missions.
However, some French Embassies have chosen to outsource the visa submission to TLS France Visa Application Centers of TLScontact.
TLScontact is another company providing consular services for diplomatic missions around the world.
If you’re unsure about where to submit your France visa application, France-Visas will provide all the necessary information.
They’ll also guide you on when and where to submit the required documents.
France Work Visa Requirements
To apply for a work visa for France, you must submit the following documents:
- A valid passport with a minimum validity of three months beyond the intended visa duration. The passport must contain at least two blank pages
- At least two recently taken photographs. The photographs must measure 35mm in width and 44 mm in height
- Work permit obtained by the employer on your behalf
- Professional curriculum vitae
- Completed and signed Cerfa form (long-stay visa application form for France)
- Employment contract signed by you and your employer
- Proof of a clean criminal record
- Proof of health insurance
- Any qualifications or certificates required for the role
- Proof of paid visa fee (269 EUR)
- Proof of accommodation
- Proof of financial means (e.g., latest three months of bank statements, a contract specifying the new salary, etc.)
Please be aware that this list is not exhaustive.
The France visa requirements may vary according to your citizenship and personal circumstances.
Usually, it takes about two months for a French work visa to be processed once you’ve submitted your application.