An In-depth Guide to Securing a Long-Term Visa for France, catering specifically to those intending to reside in France for more than three months. For individuals aiming to visit France for professional reasons and extend their stay beyond the 90-day limit, obtaining a long-stay visa beforehand is mandatory. Within this comprehensive guide, I'll walk you through the intricate process of obtaining a Work Visa for France.
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| A Comprehensive Guide to Securing Your France Work Visa in 2024 |
In the year 2022, France granted approximately 320,000 initial work permits, marking a significant 30% surge compared to previous statistics.
As a member of the European Union and a part of the Schengen area, France imposes specific requirements on applicants from non-EU/EEA nations intending to work and travel legally within its borders.
Various visa types such as the Job Seeker Visa, Seasonal Visa, Salaried Employment Visa, Self-Employed Visa, or Business Visa are typically pursued. This article is tailored to provide insights into the application procedure for a French work visa after your employer secures a work permit on your behalf.
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Varieties of French Work Visas
Participating in professional activities within France hinges upon several factors, including visa type, duration, and whether one is self-employed, an employee, or a job seeker.
There exists a spectrum of French Work Visas, all of which qualify as long-stay visas permitting stays exceeding 90 days.
1) France Business Visa
This visa is essential for individuals who have received invitations from their associates in France or wish to attend trade fairs, seminars, or conferences relevant to their professional engagements.
Typically, this visa grants a short-stay allowance for visits not surpassing 90 days.
2) France Job Search/Job Seeking Visa
Designed for those actively seeking employment opportunities in France, this visa necessitates applicants to hold a degree or diploma from France. Eligible candidates seeking to return to France for job exploration or business establishment within four years of their graduation can obtain a long-stay visa functioning as a residence permit (VLS-TS), specifically labeled as "Job Search/Business Creation.
3) France Salaried Employment Visa
This visa stands as the most prevalent among French work permits, catering to qualified individuals recruited by French employers. To secure this visa, applicants must furnish a contract or a formal job offer letter.
Employers undergo a process to acquire an Authorization to Work permit sanctioned by French authorities.
The Salaried Employment Visa encompasses various categories:
- Employed staff and internal transfers
- Recruitment of employees and seasonal laborers
- Teaching assignments
- Airline crew
- Internships
- Modeling or assistant roles
- Medical profession
- Seasonal Workers (eligible for "travailleur saisonnier" designation, engaging in roles tied to seasonal demands like tourism or agriculture, allowing work in France for up to six months).
4) Self-Employed or Liberal Activity
Designed for individuals aspiring to establish or partake in commercial, industrial, artisanal, and agricultural activities, or pursue a liberal profession in France.
Recipients of this visa receive a long-stay permit, denoted as a (VLS/TS) residence permit, specifically marked "entrepreneur/profession libérale."
Visa Duration
France Long Stay visas are initially issued for one year, with the option for renewal.
Visa Cost
The application fee for the France Long Stay Visa amounts to 99 euros.
Also Check: UK Seasonal Visa Process | Temporary Work Visa 2024
France Work Visa Requirements
- Upon receipt of a job offer, applicants must prompt their employer to initiate the work permit application.
- Await the Authorization to Work document.
- Employers will proceed with the Authorization to Work application on behalf of the employee.
- Apply for the France Long Stay Visa at the French Embassy or VFS Global.
- Subsequently, apply for the French Residence Permit online.
- Following arrival in France, securing a residence permit within 2 months becomes mandatory.
- Guide to Applying for a France Work Visa
Step 1: Assess Your Situation
- Utilize the Visa Wizard tool to understand which visa category aligns with your circumstances.
Step 2: Complete the Online Application
- Fill in the visa application form available online.
Step 3: Schedule Your Appointment
- Arrange a visit to the visa application center by booking an appointment.
Step 4: Submit Your Application
- Visit the Visa appointment center to submit your application.
Step 5: Biometrics Procedure
- Note that all France-issued visas require biometric data.
Helpful Links for Reference
Online Visa Application and Process Information: From (Here)
Details on Residence Permits Post-Arrival in France: From (Here)
Choosing Work Visa Types under 'Professional Purpose': From (Here)
For Further Assistance
For more information and the application process based on your nationality for the France work visa, visit this website.