Visa permits

 Visa Permits

France requires different visas based on the purpose of your stay. Whether you are a student or a worker you need to make sure to be well informed on the visa requirements before your arrival. 

A France residence permit is a document that allows its holder to stay in France and is mandatory for every foreigner that comes to France with the purpose of staying more than three months. Without it, you will be considered an illegal resident in France and be unable to get access to many state services and aid.

Nationals of the European Union and Switzerland are exempt from the requirement of obtaining a French residence permit. Nevertheless, they will still need to register with the authorities if they intend to remain in France for more than six months. Of course, even in this case, they too are suggested to obtain a residence permit, upon their arrival in France, in order to have access to state services and aid, as mentioned above.

France short-stay visa holders, who are permitted to stay in France for a maximum of three months, do not need to obtain a residence permit in France.

Work permits and employment-based visas

The company should submit the work permit application at least three months before the employee would be able to start working. The recruitment of a foreign employee who is not in possession of a visa or residence permit requires a specific work permit.

What documents do you need?

There are documents you may need when moving to work in France. These are the following:

• Completed French Work Visa Application Form. 
• Proof of financial means. 
• Certificate of criminal record showing that you have had no open crime case involvement.
• Proof of paid French work visa fee.

Whether you need a France long-stay Work Visa or not, it all depends on your nationality and the part of France you wish to visit.

There are some categories of internationals who wish to enter France for work purposes and remain for more than three months that do not need to obtain a long-stay visa in order to be permitted to stay.

Requirements for a work permit in France

There are some professions, such as doctors, lawyers, architects, etc. who will need authorization from the relevant professional body. In case you need a visa for working in an international organization, then you need to take an official assignment in France.

France work permit application form

The company should submit the work permit application at least three months before the employee is due to take up their role.

Do you need a residence permit in France?

A French residence permit is a document that allows you to stay in the country and is mandatory for every foreigner that comes to France with the purpose of staying more than three months. If you are a citizen of any European Union country, European Economic Area national, or Switzerland then you do not need a visa, work permit, or residence permit to settle in France.

In case you are a citizen of another state and you hold a visa or a residence permit issued by an EU, EEA, or Swiss member state then you can travel within the Schengen Area for up to 3 months. To work in France, you will normally have to apply for a work permit.

Long-term visa application

• Work visas
• Study visas
• Family visas
• Extended private stay visas