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France – Work Permits and Working Legally

Working Legally in France

It is necessary for expats to obtain a work permit to work legally in France. The expat’s employer is typically responsible for obtaining the work permit, although the expat may also be able to apply for one in certain circumstances

Exemptions to the work permit requirement include:

  • European Union (EU) citizens and their family members
  • Citizens of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland
  • certain highly-skilled workers and executives.

Types of Work Permits for Expats in France

There are several types of work permits for expats in France:

  • Short-term work permit: for stays of up to three months
  • Long-term work permit: for stays of more than three months
  • Executive work permit: for executives and highly-skilled workers
  • Seasonal work permit: for seasonal workers
  • Inter-company transfer work permit: for employees transferred within a company.

Eligibility for each type of work permit varies and depends on factors such as nationality, employment status, and the type of work to be performed.


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Work Permit Application Process in France

The procedure to apply for a work permit in France depends on the type of work permit and the expat’s situation. In general, the following steps are involved:

  • The employer submits an offer of employment to the local French employment office (DIRECCTE).
  • The DIRECCTE verifies that there are no qualified French or EU citizens available for the position.
  • If there are no available French or EU citizens, the DIRECCTE issues an employment authorization.
  • The expat applies for the appropriate type of work permit at the local French embassy or consulate in their home country.
  • The expat provides the necessary documents, including a valid passport, proof of health insurance, and a police clearance certificate.
  • The expat pays the required fee.
  • The French embassy or consulate reviews the application and, if approved, issues the work permit.

The process can take several weeks or even months, depending on the workload of the local French embassy or consulate.

Work Permit Documents in France

If you are a non-European Union (EU) national and want to work in France, you need a work permit, which is also known as a “temporary residence permit for work.”

The documents required for a work permit application in France vary depending on your profession and the type of work permit you are applying for. However, there are some common documents that you will need to provide. These include:

  • A valid passport or travel ID
  • Proof of legal entry into France
  • Proof of accommodation in France
  • Proof of sufficient financial resources to support yourself during your stay in France
  • Proof of health insurance coverage in France
  • A valid work contract or job offer from a French employer
  • Educational degrees or diplomas

It is important to note that all documents must be in French, or if they are in another language, they must be translated into French by a certified translator.

What costs are involved in applying for a work permit in France?

The cost of a work permit application in France depends on the type of work permit you are applying for and your country of origin. As of February 2023, the application fee for a work permit in France ranges from €99 to €569.

Additionally, you may be required to pay a tax called the “taxe sur les titres de séjour” (residence permit tax), which varies depending on the length of your stay in France and the type of work permit you are applying for. As of February 2023, the tax for a one-year work permit in France is €250.

Where can expats go for reliable information on working legally in France?

The French government has a website dedicated to providing information for foreign workers, including details on how to obtain a work permit. The website, called “Welcome to France,” provides a step-by-step guide to the work permit application process, as well as information on the different types of work permits available.

The French Consulate in your home country can also provide information on how to apply for a work permit in France. Additionally, a French immigration lawyer or a qualified immigration consultant can provide guidance and support throughout the work permit application process.

Here are some useful links for expats seeking information on working legally in France:


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