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The French Salaried Employee Visa is the ideal solution for non-EU professionals with a confirmed employment contract (CDI or CDD) in France. Whether you're starting a new career chapter or advancing your international experience, Jobbatical offers comprehensive support—from eligibility verification and document preparation to appointment scheduling and final visa approval.
What Is a French Salaried Employee Visa?
The French Salaried Employee Visa (Visa de Long Séjour - Travailleur Salarié) is a long-stay visa for non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens who have secured employment with a French employer through either a permanent contract (CDI - Contrat à Durée Indéterminée) or fixed-term contract (CDD - Contrat à Durée Déterminée). Valid for up to 12 months initially, it can be renewed and leads to a residence permit (titre de séjour). This visa requires employer sponsorship and labor market testing through DIRECCTE. For official information, visit the French Ministry of Interior or Campus France.
Benefits of a French Salaried Employee Visa
For Individuals
- Legal Work and Residency: Work legally in France with access to healthcare, social security, and housing through the French employment system
- EU Access: Travel freely within the Schengen Area for tourism (work restricted to France)
- Family Reunification: Bring spouse and unmarried children under 19, with spouses eligible for work authorization
- Career Growth: Gain experience in France's diverse economy including luxury goods, aerospace, technology, and finance sectors
- Path to Residency: Renewable visa leading to long-term residence and potential French citizenship eligibility
- Social Benefits: Access to French social security, unemployment benefits, and professional development programs
For Employers
- International Talent Access: Recruit skilled professionals from global markets with DIRECCTE approval
- Compliance Assurance: Meet French labor laws and immigration requirements through official channels
- Long-term Planning: Secure dedicated employees for projects ranging from 12 months to permanent positions
- Competitive Advantage: Access diverse skill sets to enhance business operations in the French market
Eligibility for a French Salaried Employee Visa
Eligibility requirements for a French salaried employee visa include:
Nationality: Non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens (e.g., U.S., Canada, Australia, India, Brazil)
Employment Status:
- Valid job offer from French employer
- Signed employment contract (CDI or CDD)
- DIRECCTE work authorization approval
Role Requirements:
- Professional Position: Skilled or specialized role requiring specific qualifications
- Salary Threshold: Minimum salary meeting French standards (typically €1,700-€2,200 gross monthly depending on region and qualifications)
- Qualifications: Relevant education, experience, or professional certifications for the position
Additional Criteria:
- Health Insurance: Proof of medical coverage during initial period
- Clean Criminal Record: Background check from country of residence and any country lived in for 1+ years
- Financial Resources: Evidence of sufficient funds for initial settlement
- Housing: Proof of accommodation arrangements in France
- Language Skills: French proficiency may be required depending on position (typically A2-B1 level)
Verify eligibility through the French Ministry of Interior or local French consulate.
Requirements for a French Salaried Employee Visa
Essential documents for your French work visa application:
Application Documents:
Employment Documentation:
Supporting Documents:
Confirm specific requirements via Campus France or your local French consulate.
Application Process for a French Salaried Employee Visa
Step-by-Step Process:
- Secure Employment: Obtain job offer and signed contract (CDI/CDD) from French employer
- DIRECCTE Approval: Employer submits work authorization request to regional labor authority
- Document Preparation: Gather all required documents, ensure translations and legalizations
- Visa Appointment: Schedule appointment at French consulate/embassy 4-8 weeks in advance
- Submit Application: Attend appointment with complete documentation and biometric data
- Application Processing: Wait 2-6 weeks for visa decision (longer during peak periods)
- Collect Visa: Retrieve passport with approved long-stay visa
- Enter France: Arrive within visa validity period (usually 3 months)
- OFII Validation: Complete medical examination and visa validation with OFII within 3 months
- Prefecture Registration: Apply for residence permit (titre de séjour) at local prefecture
- Integration: Complete administrative formalities including social security, tax registration, and bank account opening
Where to Apply for a French Salaried Employee Visa
- French Consulate/Embassy: Submit applications in your country of residence through French diplomatic missions
- VFS Global Centers: Many countries use VFS Global for French visa processing - check availability
- Online Applications: Some consulates offer online pre-application systems for document submission
- In-France Applications: If legally present in France on another visa status, apply at local prefecture
- DIRECCTE Offices: Employers must obtain work authorization from regional labor authorities before employee visa application
Appointment Details for French Salaried Employee Visa
Booking Process:
- Schedule appointments online through French consulate websites or VFS Global
- Book 4-8 weeks in advance, especially during peak seasons (summer/autumn)
- Premium services available for expedited appointments in some locations
Appointment Requirements:
- Arrive punctually with all original documents and copies
- Bring appointment confirmation and payment receipts
- Biometric data collection (fingerprints and photo) required
- Interview may be conducted in French or English depending on consulate
Processing Time and Costs for a French Salaried Employee Visa
Processing Timeline:
- Standard Processing: 2-6 weeks from application submission
- Peak Season: Up to 8-10 weeks (June-September, December-January)
- DIRECCTE Authorization: Additional 2-4 weeks for employer's work permit approval
- Recommended Timeline: Apply 3-4 months before intended start date
Visa Costs:
- Long-stay Visa Fee: €99 (subject to change, confirm current rates)
- VFS Service Fee: €20-30 where applicable
- OFII Fee: €225 for residence permit validation in France
- Additional Costs: Document translations, apostilles, medical examinations, travel expenses
Payment Methods: Cash, credit card, or bank transfer depending on consulate location
How Jobbatical Streamlines Your French Salaried Employee Visa Application
Jobbatical provides comprehensive support for your French work visa journey:
- Eligibility Verification: Our immigration experts assess your profile against French requirements and DIRECCTE criteria
- Document Management: Complete checklist provision and coordination of translations, apostilles, and legalizations for employment contracts and supporting documentation
- Application Excellence: Expert guidance through French consulate procedures and OFII validation requirements, minimizing rejection risks
- Timeline Optimization: Strategic appointment scheduling and process coordination to meet your employment start date
- Family Visa Support: Assistance with dependent visas for spouses and children, including work authorization guidance
- Compliance Monitoring: Stay updated on 2025 French immigration changes, salary thresholds, and regional requirements
- Post-Arrival Services: Support with prefecture appointments, residence permit applications, and integration assistance
Why Choose Jobbatical for Your French Salaried Employee Visa?
Transform your French work visa experience with Jobbatical's specialized services:
- Immigration Expertise: Deep knowledge of French labor law, DIRECCTE processes, and consulate requirements
- Technology Platform: Real-time application tracking, deadline management, and document status updates
- End-to-End Support: From initial eligibility assessment to residence permit acquisition and professional integration
- Global Network: Established relationships with French consulates worldwide ensuring smooth processing
- Personalized Service: Dedicated immigration consultants providing tailored guidance for your specific situation
- Success Record: Proven track record of successful French work visa approvals across diverse industries and nationalities
Focus on your new career in France- let Jobbatical handle the complexity of French immigration requirements.
Conclusion
The French Salaried Employee Visa opens opportunities to work in one of Europe's most dynamic economies, offering excellent career prospects, social benefits, and quality of life. With Jobbatical's expert visa services and resources from the French Ministry of Interior, Campus France, and DIRECCTE, secure your French work authorization with confidence.
Ready to start your French career journey? Explore Jobbatical's comprehensive French visa services or visit the French Ministry of Interior and Campus France for official information. Contact your local French consulate to begin your salaried employee visa application today.
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The France Salaried Employee Visa refers to a long-stay visa (VLS-TS "Salarié") for non-EU citizens employed by a French company or posted to France for work. It includes categories like temporary workers, seasonal employees, intra-corporate transferees (ICT), and qualified professionals under the Passeport Talent scheme. It allows stays over 90 days and serves as a residence permit upon validation.
Eligibility includes non-EU/EEA citizens with a job offer from a French employer, such as fixed-term or permanent contracts, postings for services (e.g., audits), or ICT for managers/experts. For Passeport Talent, you need a salary of at least 1.5 times the average gross reference salary (€35,891 annually as of 2025). Seasonal workers must have jobs tied to seasonal needs like tourism.
Key requirements: A valid work permit (obtained by your employer), employment contract, proof of accommodation, health insurance, and financial means. For ICT, at least 3 months prior employment with the sending company. Exemptions apply for short missions under 90 days.
Your employer applies for a work permit via the French Ministry of Labor. Then, submit your visa application online via France-Visas.gouv.fr, attend a VFS Global appointment with documents, and pay fees. Upon arrival, validate the VLS-TS online within 3 months.
Passport, photos, work permit, employment contract, proof of salary/residence, medical certificate (if required), and application form. Specific forms like CERFA 15619*01 for ICT.
Short-stay: Up to 90 days in 180. Long-stay: 12 months for most (renewable); up to 3 years for ICT or Passeport Talent. Seasonal: Multi-year permit for up to 6 months/year.
Work permit: 1-2 months. Visa: 15-30 days, but up to 60 days in peak seasons. 2025 updates reduced EU Blue Card times to 15 days.
€99 for the visa fee (payable in local currency). Additional costs: €200-300 for validation/residence tax, plus agency fees if using a service.
Yes, for ICT or Passeport Talent holders, spouses and children can apply for accompanying visas with work rights. They must apply separately with proof of relationship.
Yes, unless exempt (e.g., short missions for audits/teaching). Employer obtains it from DIRECCTE or online portal.
For standard salaried: No fixed minimum, but must meet labor standards (€1,766.92 gross/month SMIC 2025). For Passeport Talent: At least €35,891 annually.
Yes, apply for renewal 2-3 months before expiry via prefecture. Provide updated contract and proof of integration (e.g., French language).
Salaried Visa is for general employees; Passeport Talent is for highly qualified with higher salary thresholds, offering 4-year validity and easier family reunification.
Spanish citizens (EU) don't need a visa but may need registration for long stays. Non-EU in Spain apply as usual; EU mobility simplifies postings.
Common reasons: Incomplete documents or ineligible job. Appeal within 2 months or reapply with corrections. Consult an immigration expert for guidance.
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