Employee certificate of residence for Algerian nationals
Algerian nationals recruited by a business in France for more than three months must apply for an “employee” certificate of residence, in accordance with the Franco-Algerian agreement.
In summary
- The “employee” residence permit enables Algerian nationals to work legally in France as salaried employees.
- It is issued for a period of one year, and it is renewable, provided that the stipulated conditions are met.
- The application process relies in particular on obtaining prior authorization from the employer.
- The procedures vary depending on whether the applicant resides abroad or already in France.
- Specific rules apply in the event of renewal, a change of status or the arrival of family members.
What are the eligibility requirements?
The Franco-Algerian agreement provides for the issuance of a one-year “employee” residence permit to Algerian nationals looking to work in France.
To be eligible, the applicant must present:
- A long-stay “employee” visa.
- Proof of a medical examination conducted according to the established procedures.
- A work permit, obtained in advance by the employer from the relevant authorities.
What is the length of the authorized stay?
The “employee” residence permit is issued for a period of 12 months. It is renewable under certain conditions, including the continued validity of the work permit.
What is the application procedure?
- If the applicant resides abroad, the long-stay visa application must be submitted to the French consular authorities in their country of habitual residence. The process must be initiated online on the France-Visas website, no earlier than three months prior to arrival in France.
The issued visa is valid for three months and authorizes the holder to work in France immediately upon entry.
Once in France, the employee must apply for their “employee” residence permit from the Prefecture of their place of residence within two months of arrival.
- If the applicant already resides in France, an Algerian national holding another residence permit must apply for a change of status at the Prefecture of their place of residence.
The application must be submitted two months before the expiry of the current permit and include the work authorization obtained from the employer.
The precise list of required documents is provided by the relevant authority (website or in person).
You can also find the list of documents on our dedicated page.
- The first issuance of the residence permit is free.
- The long-stay visa is subject to an administrative fee of €99.
How to extend the stay?
Renewal of the residence permit is contingent upon obtaining a new work permit beforehand. The application must be submitted to the Prefecture no earlier than four months and no later than two months before the permit expires.
- Competent authority: Prefecture or Sub-Prefecture of your place of residence.
- Administrative fee: €225.
In the event of a change in professional circumstances, a change of status can be requested two months before the permit expires, provided you meet the requirements of the new status you are applying for.
How to bring the family to France?
Family members do not benefit from a simplified procedure linked to the status of the main applicant. However, they can apply for an independent residence permit (visitor, employee, depending on their situation).
Families can also come to France through family reunification, which is reserved for foreign nationals legally residing in France for at least 12 months who wish to bring their spouse and children. Detailed information is available on the Service-public website.