Migrate to France -Largest country in the EU

One of the largest nations in Western Europe, France is renowned for its history. It is also the world’s top tourist destination as it welcomed 89.4 million visitors from overseas in 2018.

The seventh-largest economy globally, French Republic is also rated highly across the globe for its quality of living, education, human development indices, and quality of health care, among others. Moreover, it is the fifth-largest trading nation in the world. Two-thirds of the workforce in France is employed in the services sector even though it is the third-largest manufacturing country in the world.

France immigration

Those who want to visit France and stay there for more than three months will require a residence permit. Mostly for securing a residence permit, one needs to get a job in France. It is due to the fact residence permits are linked to work permits.

France offers numerous options for work visas that involve lengthy stays. As the eligibility criteria for work visas vary, it is important to note that those planning to work in France need to fulfill the visa requirements for the specific visa they apply for.

Here is a brief about France’s various work permits to foreign.

France Work Permits

Nationals of the European Union (EU) and the European Economic Area (EEA) don’t need a work permit to work in France. Even people from non-EU/EEA countries would not require a work permit to enter France if they stay in the country for less than three months and are involved in cultural sporting, scientific, and artistic affairs or attending seminars, conferences, and trade shows, or are invited to teach in France by its academia.

For all other activities, citizens from any part of the world need a work permit to enter France, even for a short stay.

Work Permits Types for France

France issues work permits depending on the job offers individuals get, the duration of their contract, and their occupation.

Those who hold a Talent Passport do not need a work contract to be eligible for a work permit.

Talent Passport

A ‘Talent Passport’ permit is issued to non-EU/EEA nationals who want to work and reside in France.

Those eligible for it include recently graduated skilled workers, talented workers (holder of EU Blue Cards), workers with a work contract with a France-based employer, scientists/researchers, investors, artists/performers, persons renowned globally or within France in the fields of arts, sports, science, literature, education, etc.

This residence permit is valid for four years and is renewable. It costs €269. The holders of this permit can also bring their family members on resident permits to allow them to work and stay in France.

Salaried and Temporary Worker Permit

The Salaried & Temporary Worker permit are two subcategories of visas. The Salaried work permit is issued to workers who have valid contracts for more than a year. On the other hand, the Temporary Worker work permit is granted to those who have contracts that last for less than a year.

Requirements for France Work Permit 

Most French work permits need employers to submit applications for the work permits on behalf of their employees. They need to submit them a minimum of two months before employees start work in France.

Documents Needed 

• A letter detailing the roles or details of the employees for recruiting them.
• Work permit application form of France
• Copy of their passports or other identity documents.
• The résumés or other proofs of their abilities and work experience.
• Evidence of trying to search for a candidate within France.

Work Visas of France 

Here is a list of certain work-based visas in France with their costs and requirements

Short-Stay Work Visa

Foreign nationals who will work for fewer than 90 days in France are eligible for these. It costs €60. Nationals of the EU or EEA, or Switzerland don’t need these visas.

French Long-Term Work Visa 

All nationals not belonging to the EU, EEA, or Switzerland intending to stay for more than 90 need to apply for long-term work visas. These visas cost €99, and employers must apply for the people they intend to bring to France.

France Business Visa 

To apply for a French business visa, you will need the following:

• A letter of invitation from a French company with the dates of your visit
• A letter from your employer in your country of origin allowing you to travel for business travel

Self-Employment Visas

Self-employed persons will be issued long-stay visas equivalent to (VLS/TS) residence permits.

These visas must be authorized within 15 days of their entry into France. After that, it would be valid for one year and is also renewable.

Requirements for Self-Employment Visas of France

• Self-employed persons will need to produce the following documents.
• Valid Passport
• Filled-in application form
• Copies of their business license
• Their companies bank statements for the last six months
• Income Tax Returns
• Evidence of having made accommodation arrangements
• Medical insurance proof
• A letter detailing the self-employment activities of applicants and what they want to do in France
• Proof of having no criminal history

All these documents may have to be officially translated into French.

Establishing Businesses

If individuals plan to establish businesses, they must prove that they have adequate financial resources to carry through with their plans. They would need to invest at least €30,000. They also need to meet the minimum educational qualifications required for that business along with five years of professional work experience in that field.

Requirements to Apply for France Permanent Residence (PR)
If you want to apply for French permanent residence, you must have stayed in the country for a minimum of five years. If you want to live with your family member who holds a French PR, you need to have stayed in the country for at least three years.

To apply for PR in France, you need to have the following.

• Residential proof
• Contract of employment and income proof
• Bank statements
• Certificates of birth or marriage
• Certificate proving that you are in good health
• Health insurance
• Proficiency in the French language and proof of having integrated into its society

If you are looking to migrate to France, reach out to Y-Axis, the World’s No. 1 Overseas Consultant.

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