Are you planning to work in France? You’re in the right place! Here, we have put together a simple and straightforward guide to help you understand how to get a work visa in France in 2023.
We will talk about the different kinds of work visas you can apply for, what you need to apply, and how to go about it.
Understanding the France Work Visa (2023)
Country: France
Visa Type: For Work
Who Can Apply: People from outside the European Union
France is famous for its history, tasty food, and a mix of old and new cultures.
If you are from outside the European Union and want to work in France, you need to know about the work visa process in 2023.
Who Doesn’t Need a Work Visa in France?
If you’re from the European Union, the European Economic Area, Switzerland, or a few other places, you don’t need a visa to stay and work in France for more than 90 days. Lucky you!
Different Kinds of Work Visas in France
Before you start, it’s good to know what types of work visas are available in France. Here are some common ones:
- Business Visa
This is for people who are visiting France for business events like trade shows or meetings. If you’re invited by a French company for such events, this is the visa you’d apply for.
- Job Seeker Visa
Recently graduated in France? This visa allows you to come back to France to look for a job or start a business, as long as it’s within four years of your graduation.
- Seasonal Work Visa
If you’re looking to work in tourism or agriculture for a short time, this visa is for you. It lets you work in France for up to six months in a year.
- Regular Work Visa
Got a job offer from a French company? Great! This visa is for people like you. Your French employer will help you get a work permit to apply for this visa.
Who can apply for this visa:
- People with a job offer from a French company
- People transferring within the same company
- Short-term and long-term employees
- Seasonal workers
- Models, airline crew, interns, teachers, etc.
How Long Can You Stay in France with a Work Visa?
- Short Stay: Between 90 and 180 days
- Long Stay: 1 year (but you can renew it)
Note: You can also try for permanent residency if you’ve lived in France for five years on this visa and have a valid work permit.
What Does it Cost and What Documents Do You Need?
Visa Application Fee
Applying for a long-stay work visa will cost you 99 euros.
What Documents are Needed?
The documents you’ll need depend on the kind of visa you’re applying for. Don’t worry, the French government has made it simple to find out with their Visa Wizard.
Steps to Apply for a France Work Visa
Requirements
- First, you need to get a job offer from a company in France.
- Then, the company will get a work permit for you.
- After arriving in France, remember to apply for a residence permit within two months.
- Lastly, you apply for the visa at the French embassy in your country.
How to Apply
Here is a step-by-step guide to help you:
- Research: Use the Visa Wizard to get the information that suits your case.
- Fill Out the Application: You can do this online here.
- Book an Appointment: Set up an appointment at the visa application center.
- Submit Your Application: Go to the appointment and submit your application.
- Biometrics: Remember, all visas given by France have your biometrics (like fingerprints).
How Long Does it Take and Where to Find Jobs?
- Processing Time: It usually takes 15 to 45 days to process the visa.
- Finding Jobs: Look for jobs at certified employers in France who can hire people from other countries. Here are a few examples:
For Regular Jobs:
- Airbus
- Axa
- BNP Paribas
- Crédit Agricole
- EDF
- L’Oréal
- Michelin
- Renault
- Safran
- Saint-Gobain
- TotalEnergies
For Seasonal Jobs:
- Agriculture
- Tourism
- Hospitality
- Construction
- Food processing
Now, you have a clearer idea of how to apply for a work visa in France in 2023. We hope this simple guide helps you in your journey. Good luck!