France Work Visa
France Work Visa is available for those who have a job offer from a French employer. The long-term work visa in France is specifically designed for those who intend to stay in France for professional purposes for more than 3 months up to 1 year.
The types of working visas in France include the following:
- Artist visa for people active in the arts.
- Representative visa for reputable companies to manage or represent businesses.
- French salaried employee visa for people working on a contract basis in French companies.
- French work visa to create and run a business or company.
- French work visa for professionals and independent workers.
These visas depend on the specific conditions of each applicant, such as job type, financial ability, and work documents. If you need more specialized information regarding immigration to France and work in France, you can take advantage of free consultations from Malekpour Institute. You can also ask your questions in the comments section and receive a prompt response.
Conditions for the France Work Visa
The working visa in France is one of the types of long-term residence visas that allow foreign individuals to reside in France for employment purposes. Below are the conditions for obtaining a work visa for France:
- Job offer: To obtain a work visa, you must have a formal job offer from an employer in France.
- Employer confirmation: Your employer must receive confirmation from the French labor department (DIRECCTE) proving that the job you are targeting cannot be filled by someone from the European Union or the European Economic Area.
- Work contract: A formal work contract must be signed between you and the employer.
- Educational and professional documents: Relevant educational and professional documents for the job you will be doing must be provided.
- Financial capability: You must demonstrate that you have sufficient financial means to live in France until your salary starts being paid.
Eligible Individuals for Obtaining France Work Visa
Eligible individuals for obtaining a work visa for France include those who have a valid job offer from a French employer, possess the necessary skills and specialties required by the job market in France, and provide documents such as a work contract, financial capability, and health insurance. Additionally, graduates from French universities or holders of a Blue Card from the European Union are also considered eligible.
Types of Work Visas in France
To work in France, you need a long-term work visa in France. This type of visa is issued for stays longer than three months and is for work in France. Its validity is one year. You also need a residence permit and a work permit to work in France. Some of these visas include:
- France Long-Term Work Visa: For those seeking to work in France for more than three months
- France Salaried Worker Visa: For working in France for up to one year. The employment contract must be approved by DIRECCTE.
- France Business Start-Up Visa: You must present a business plan and prove that you have sufficient financial capacity to implement it.
- France Long-Term Athlete Visa: For athletes who intend to stay in France for up to one year and engage in sports careers.
Job Offer Visa in France
The French Job Offer Visa is granted to individuals who have received a valid job offer from a French employer. This visa requires the submission of documents such as an approved work contract, financial means, health insurance, and certification of relevant professional skills. The validity of this visa depends on the work contract, and after the contract ends, there is the possibility for extension or change of status. Individuals with special skills or professions needed in France have a greater chance of obtaining this visa.
Job Seeker Visa in France
As the job seeker visa is the visa for job searching, it is important to note that obtaining this visa is only possible for graduates who have completed their university education in France and intend to seek employment in France. The validity of this visa is 12 months and it cannot be extended. Graduates who successfully obtain this visa can search for legal employment in France during the validity of their residency permit.
Steps to Obtain France Work Visa
The steps to obtain a work visa for France are generally as follows. Please note that the details of the steps and requirements may vary depending on the type of visa and your job circumstances:
- Receive a job offer from a French employer or company
- Collect the required documents including a passport with at least 3 months validity, personal photo, job offer from the employer, educational and professional qualifications, insurance and other necessary documents
- Pay the visa fee
- Register in the French visa online system and pay the application fee
- Prepare to attend the embassy interview
- Deliver the documents to the embassy and attend the interview at the French embassy or consulate
- Follow up on the visa application status via the online system or by contacting the relevant authorities
- If approved, receive the visa from the French consulate or embassy
Required Documents for France Work Visa
To obtain a work visa in France, the employer must first prepare a work contract and send it to the local French Ministry of Labor or DIRECCTE. If the contract is approved by DIRECCTE, it will then be sent to the French Office for Immigration and Integration (OFII). After OFII’s approval, your application will be sent directly to the French Embassy. Then you and your dependents can apply in person at the French Embassy for a long-term visa.
Typically, when applying for a work visa for France, the following documents are required from you:
- Visa application form
- Valid passport
- Passport photos
- Employment contract
- Job offer letter
- Labor office confirmation
- Educational and employment documents
- Health insurance
- Residence documents
Cost of France Work Visa
The cost of France Work Visa for applicants is as follows:
| Visa Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Long-term visa (over 90 days) | 99 euros |
Additionally, the service fee for the visa application center (VFS) is 25 euros.
Validity of France Work Visa
The validity of the work visa in France typically depends on the length of the applicant’s work contract. This visa can be short-term (up to 12 months) or long-term (more than 12 months). For permanent positions, the validity of the visa is usually issued for up to 3 years with the possibility of extension. After 5 years of working and residing legally, you can apply for permanent residency in France.
Extension of the France Work Visa
The extension of the work visa for France depends on the type of visa and your work contract. To extend it, you must visit the French Office for Immigration and Integration (OFII) or the local prefecture at least 2 months before your visa’s expiration. Required documents include a new or renewed work contract, financial means, health insurance, and residency documents. After approval, your residency is extended. Also, after 5 years of lawful residency and consecutive extensions, you can apply for permanent residency in France.
Dependent Visa for France Work Visa
If you have a spouse or child, you will likely want them to accompany you for your work migration to France. By obtaining a work visa in France, you can also bring your family along. You can start the application for a Dependent Visa for France along with your work visa application. Your dependent is also allowed to work in France. Continuing to reside in France through work for the applicant and their family is possible after 5 years and meeting other necessary conditions.
Wages in France
Wages in France are governed by strict laws and regulations aimed at protecting the rights and interests of workers. These laws include work conditions, working hours, leave, insurance, and minimum wage. The legal minimum wage in France is determined by the government annually. As of January 2024, the minimum hourly wage has increased to approximately 11.52 euros. This minimum wage applies to both full-time and part-time employees.
Jobs in Demand in France
Currently, the jobs in demand in France vary based on labor market developments, economic needs, and demographic changes. Some of the professions that have had high demand in recent years include:
| Job Sector | Examples of Jobs |
|---|---|
| Medical and Healthcare Jobs | Doctors, laboratory technicians, physiotherapists, dentists |
| Engineering and IT Jobs | Software engineers, network engineers, data analysts, electrical and electronics engineers |
| Educational Jobs | Teachers, university professors, professional trainers |
| Construction Jobs | Civil engineers, construction workers, architects |
| Industrial and Manufacturing Jobs | Production technicians, industrial machine operators, mechanical engineers |
| Tourism and Hospitality Jobs | Hotel and restaurant staff, tour guides |
| Finance and Accounting Jobs | Accountants, financial analysts, financial advisors |
Job Agencies in France
The most important point in finding a suitable job to obtain a work visa for France is proficiency in the French language. If you have weaknesses in the French language, your chances of finding a suitable job will significantly decrease. Job positions that recruit in English are very limited, so learning the French language is almost mandatory.
To search for jobs, you can use agencies and job search websites. By submitting your resume to French job search sites, you can apply for available job positions. Some job employment agencies in France include:
- EURES: Employment Service in Europe
- The Local France: For jobs in English
- Indeed France
- Monster
- XpatJobs
Unemployment Rate in France
As previously mentioned, France is the second most powerful economy in the European Union. Nevertheless, the unemployment rate in this country is about 9 percent. The unemployment rate has been on a downward trend over the past decade. The high unemployment rate is not due to a lack of job opportunities but rather a shortage of skilled labor. Those interested in obtaining a work visa in France can see the unemployment rate in France in the chart below.
Obtaining Residency and Passport for France through a Work Visa
To obtain residency and French passport through a work visa, you must first live legally and continuously in France for 5 years to qualify for permanent residency in France. After obtaining permanent residency and spending 5 more years (a total of 10 years of legal residency), you can apply for a French passport and citizenship of this country. Compliance with residency laws, tax payment, and proficiency in the language and culture of France are prerequisites for this process.
Frequently Asked Questions about France Work Visa
- What are the working conditions in France?
Immigrants looking to immigrate to France through work must first receive a job offer from an employer in France.
- Can we obtain a job search visa in France?
No, France does not grant job search visas, and you must pursue job searching through other means.
- What is the average salary in France?
The average income in France is between 1,000 to 3,000 euros per month.
- Is it easy to find work in France?
Generally, finding work in France is easier than in some European countries, especially for skilled individuals. However, older individuals, women in high-level professions, and people with non-European appearances may face challenges, unless in some specific cases such as Asian individuals.
- Is obtaining a French visa difficult?
The conditions for obtaining a visa for France are clear and simple, but any small mistake in completing the application can lead to a visa denial. Therefore, paying attention to details while completing the form is very important.
- What is the cost of a work visa for France?
The cost of applying for a work visa for France is 99 euros (approximately 120 dollars). Employers can also initiate the process for family members to join at the same time they apply for a work visa for their employee.
Conclusion:
This article covered key aspects of the French work visa, focusing on the popular long-term work visa. For detailed guidance on obtaining a work visa and migrating to France, contact Malekpour Immigration Institute for a free consultation. You can also ask your questions about the French work visa in the comments for quick answers.
