France Work Visas: Types, Requirements, and Application Process for France

A France work visa unlocks professional opportunities in one of Europe’s leading economies, from tech hubs in Paris to cultural roles in Provence. As part of the Long-Stay Visa (VLS-TS) category, these visas allow non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals to work in France for over 90 days. Whether you’re a corporate professional, researcher, or au pair, Jobbatical offers end-to-end support—from eligibility assessments to document preparation and OFII validation. Explore our comprehensive guide to Salaried Employee, Employee on Assignment, Talent Passport, Temporary Worker, Researcher/Scientist, and Au Pair visas below, with tailored services to streamline your relocation. Contact us for expert visa support.
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Overview of France Work Visas

France work visas, categorized under Long-Stay Visas (VLS-TS), enable non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals to work in France for periods exceeding 90 days, with validation as residence permits upon arrival. Governed by the French Office for Immigration and Integration (OFII) and the Ministry of Labor (DIRECCTE), these visas cater to diverse professional needs, from salaried roles to specialized assignments.
Each visa type—Salaried Employee, Employee on Assignment, Talent Passport, Temporary Worker, Researcher/Scientist, and Au Pair—has unique eligibility criteria, application processes, and benefits like family reunification, Schengen mobility, and access to French healthcare. Jobbatical ensures compliance with regulations from Service-Public.fr and France-Visas.gouv.fr.
Use the links below to explore each visa type in detail. Jump to France work visa types.

General Requirements for France Work Visas

Most France work visas share common requirements, tailored to specific roles: -

• Nationality: Non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens (e.g., US, India, Canada). 
• Passport: Valid for 6+ months with two blank pages. 
• Application Form: Completed via France-Visas.gouv.fr. 
• Photos: Two biometric-compliant photos (35x45 mm). 
• Health Insurance: Coverage for France (€30,000 minimum)
• Proof of Funds: Bank statements or contract showing financial stability.
• Criminal Record: Clean for the past 5 years, legalized/translated.‍
• Work Authorization: Job contract or transfer agreement approved by DIRECCTE.
  Specific visas may require additional documents, like degrees or hosting agreements.

Jobbatical provides checklists to ensure compliance. Learn more about France work visa requirements.

France Work Visa Types (with Comparison Table)

France offers six key work visa types under the Long-Stay Visa framework. The table below compares their purpose, duration, and key benefits. Click the links to explore each visa in detail. ‍ Compare all French work visa options including duration, benefits, and requirements for international professionals

Salaried Employee Visa

• The Salaried Employee Visa is designed for non-EU nationals with a permanent (CDI) or fixed-term (CDD) job contract in France. 
• Valid for up to 1 year (renewable), it requires a work contract approved by the French Labor Ministry (DIRECCTE) and a minimum salary of ~€27,000/year (2025 threshold).
• No degree is mandatory, but professional experience or skills relevant to the role are essential. Benefits include legal work rights, access to French healthcare and education, and family reunification (spouses/children under 18).
• The application involves submitting a contract, proof of funds, and biometric data at a French consulate, followed by OFII validation in France.

Jobbatical streamlines contract validation, document preparation, and appointment scheduling to ensure compliance with Service-Public.fr guidelines. Discover Salaried Employee Visa details.

 Employee on Assignment (Salarié Détaché)

• The Employee on Assignment Visa (Salarié Détaché) targets non-EU employees of multinational companies transferred to a French branch for temporary roles (up to 3 years).
• It requires at least 6 months’ prior employment with the company and a DIRECCTE-approved transfer agreement specifying role (manager, specialist, or trainee) and salary (~€38,000/year).
• Benefits include EU mobility after 6 months, spousal work rights, and Schengen travel (90 days in 180).
• No degree is required, but company-specific expertise is essential.

Jobbatical manages transfer agreements, document legalization, and applications via France-Visas.gouv.fr, ensuring compliance with OFII and DIRECCTE. Learn more about Employee on Assignment Visa.

Talent Passport (Passeport Talent)

• The Talent Passport (Passeport Talent) is a premium visa for highly skilled non-EU professionals, including researchers, artists, investors, or entrepreneurs.
• Valid for up to 4 years (renewable), it requires a master’s degree or equivalent expertise, a job offer or project plan, and a minimum salary of ~€38,000/year (2025).
• Benefits include family reunification, spousal work rights, and visa-free Schengen travel (90 days in 180).

• Jobbatical coordinates eligibility checks, document preparation (e.g., degrees, contracts), and OFII validation for a seamless process. Visit Service-Public.fr for regulations.

Learn more about Employee on Assignment Visa.

France Researcher/Scientist Visa

• The Researcher/Scientist Visa supports non-EU academics or researchers with a hosting agreement from a French institution (e.g., university or research center). 
• Valid for up to 4 years (renewable), it requires a master’s degree or PhD and a research contract or hosting agreement. 
• Benefits include EU mobility after 6 months, family reunification, and access to France’s academic network. 
• No language skills are mandatory, but B1 French aids integration.

Jobbatical coordinates hosting agreements, document legalization, and applications via France-Visas.gouv.fr. Find out more about Researcher/Scientist Visa.

France Temporary Worker Visa

• The Temporary Worker Visa is for non-EU nationals on short-term or seasonal contracts (up to 1 year), such as agricultural, tourism, or event-based work. 
• It requires a DIRECCTE-approved contract and proof of financial stability (~€1,500/month). 
• No degree is needed, but a clean criminal record and health insurance are mandatory. 
• Benefits include access to healthcare, potential family reunification, and flexible work arrangements. 
• The application involves submitting a contract and biometrics at a French consulate, followed by local registration in France.

Jobbatical simplifies document collection and appointment booking to meet France-Visas.gouv.fr standards. Talk to us about Temporary Worker Visa. 

General Application Process

• Applying for a France work visa involves: 
  
  1. Verify Eligibility: Confirm you meet visa-specific criteria via France-Visas.gouv.fr. 
  2. Gather Documents: Prepare passport, photos, contract, and proof of funds, legalized/translated as needed.
  3. Book Appointment: Schedule at a French consulate/embassy (2–3 months in advance).
  4. Submit Application: Provide biometrics and documents (online or in-person).
  5.  Await Processing: Takes 2–8 weeks, depending on consulate. 
  6. Enter France: Arrive within visa validity (90 days)
  7. Validate VLS-TS: Register with OFII within 3 months for residence permit.

Jobbatical manages each step for efficiency. Learn more about applications.

Processing Time and Costs

• Processing Time:
  
  • Visa Application: 2–8 weeks via French consulate.
  • VLS-TS Validation: 2–4 weeks with OFII. Peak Seasons: Up to 3 months; apply 6+ weeks in advance. 
• Costs: 
  
  • Visa Fee: €99 (national visa, confirm via France-Visas.gouv.fr).
  • OFII Validation: €200–€250. 
  • Additional: Translations, apostilles, or travel costs.

Jobbatical optimizes timelines and budgets. Contact us for support and expert help.

Why Choose Jobbatical?

Jobbatical transforms your France work visa experience with: - Immigration Expertise: Compliance with OFII and DIRECCTE regulations. - Tech-Enabled Platform: Track applications and deadlines seamlessly. - End-to-End Support: From eligibility checks to OFII validation and local registration. - Family Relocation: Assist spouses and dependents with visa applications. Focus on your career in France—let us handle the visa process. Request a consultation. Contact us for expert visa support.

Conclusion

France work visas offer access to a vibrant economy and rich culture, from corporate roles to cultural exchanges. Whether pursuing a Salaried Employee, Talent Passport, or Au Pair visa, Jobbatical provides expert guidance to navigate French immigration laws.

Visit Service-Public.fr or France-Visas.gouv.fr for official regulations, or talk to us for relocation tips.
Ready to work in France? Start your visa journey with Jobbatical. Contact us for expert immigration support in France.