Employees and temporary workers
Foreign nationals hired by an employer established in France can work under certain conditions. Depending on the length of their contract, they can obtain either an “Employee” or “Temporary Worker” residence permit.
In a nutshell
- This residence permit is for foreign nationals from outside the European Union, the European Economic Area and Switzerland who want to work in France.
- Algerian nationals are not eligible for this residence permit.
- The “Employee” residence permit is issued to individuals with a permanent employment contract, while the “Temporary Worker” permit is for those with fixed-term contracts.
- Issuance of the permit is contingent upon prior authorization from the employer established in France.
- The residence permit is granted for a maximum of 12 months and may be renewed under certain conditions.
Who does it apply to?
The “Employee” or “Temporary Worker” temporary residence permit applies to foreign nationals looking to work in France under an employment contract with an employer established in France.
Citizens of the European Union, the European Economic Area and Switzerland are not subject to this requirement.
Algerian nationals are subject to specific rules stipulated in the Franco-Algerian agreement.
Talent status
For certain profiles meeting specific criteria, a residence permit under the “Talent” status may also be considered.
What are the eligibility criteria?
To legally reside and work in France as an employee, the applicant must meet two essential conditions.
They must:
- Have a permanent or fixed-term employment contract.
- Have a work permit issued prior to applying for a residence permit. This permit is always requested by the employer. The employment situation may be considered during its review. For further information, view our dedicated page.
How long is it valid for?
The “Employee” or “Temporary Worker” temporary residence permit is issued for a maximum period of 12 months.
What is the application procedure?
When the employee resides outside of France and authorization has been granted, the application is submitted to the relevant French consular authorities.
- The employee must apply for a long-stay visa equivalent to a residence permit (VLS-TS) bearing the reference “Employee” or “Temporary Worker.” The application must be started online via the France-Visas platform.
- The issued visa permits entry into France and employment for up to 12 months.
- Upon arrival in France, the employee must validate their long-stay visa (VLS-TS) online. No action is required at the Prefecture during the first year of stay.
They will then be summoned for a mandatory medical examination and, if applicable, an initial welcome visit.
When an employee is already residing in France under another permit, they must apply for a change of status at the Prefecture of their place of residence.
The application must include the work permit requested by the employer.
In the event of a change of job or employer, a new work permit must be requested before commencing any duties.
If the conditions are met, an “Employee” or “Temporary Worker” temporary residence permit is issued for a period of one year.
The exact list of required documents is provided to the applicant by the authority responsible for processing the application and is available on the France-Visas website.
You can find the list of required documents on our dedicated page.
The administrative cost includes:
- An administrative fee of €300.
- Stamp duty of €50 upon collection of the residence permit at the Prefecture.
In addition to these fees, there is the cost of the long-stay visa, which is €99.
Specific contract
Every foreign national applying for a residence permit must sign a contract committing them to respect the principles of the French Republic.
This condition must be fulfilled for all residence permits to be issued, deemed valid and renewed.
How to extend the stay in France?
The renewal application must be submitted to the relevant Prefecture no earlier than four months and no later than two months before the expiry of the residence permit.
The employee must demonstrate that they continue to meet the eligibility requirements:
- Continuation of the same job: proof of employment and salary.
- Change of employer: a new work permit is required.
The permit may be issued for a specific professional activity or geographic area. An “Employee” temporary residence permit may not be renewed more than three times consecutively.
In the event of a change in professional circumstances, a change of status can be considered at the Prefecture between two and four months before the expiry of the residence permit. You will need to meet the eligibility requirements of the new residence permit requested.
After the first year of legal residence, employees can apply for a multi-year “Employee” residence permit, valid for a maximum of four years. This permit is subject to additional requirements: passing a civic exam administered by an approved organization (except in certain cases for holders of existing residence permits) and demonstrating A2-level French language proficiency.
For further information, please visit the dedicated page.
After five years of continuous and legal residence in France, employees can apply for a permanent residence permit.
This permit, which is issued for 10 years and is renewable, authorizes the holder to undertake any professional activity, subject to the conditions applicable to regulated professions. Signatories of the “Republican Integration Contract” applying for their first residence permit, are required to pass a civic exam administered by an approved organization. They must also demonstrate B1-level French language proficiency.
For further information, please visit the dedicated page.
What about accompanying family members?
Family members of someone holding an “Employee” or “Temporary Worker” permit do not benefit from a simplified procedure.
However, they can apply for an independent residence permit, particularly as a visitor or employee if they are employed in France.
They can also arrive on French soil through the family reunification procedure, provided that the principal applicant has been legally residing in France for at least 18 months.
At a glance
This page explains the “Employee” and “Temporary Worker” residence permits for recruiting foreign employees in France on permanent or fixed-term contracts, subject to a work permit. It is based on institutional sources such as the French Ministry of the Interior, the MEAE, France-Visas and Business France. It presents information covering eligibility conditions, administrative procedures and the conditions for carrying out salaried employment. It uses the example of a foreign national recruited by an employer in France and completing the formalities required to work and live in France.