France is known for its beauty, cultural richness and developed economy, making it an attractive destination for foreigners looking for work opportunities and new life experiences. However, to find work in a new country, foreigners need to obtain official permission. Learn more about the process of obtaining a work visa to France, the types of these visas and the documents required for successful processing

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Migrants from many countries around the world, including Moldova, Mauritius and Nepal, dream of moving to France for work. And this is not surprising, because this country is a real economic giant in the heart of Europe. Contact with French employers opens the door to obtaining a work visa for foreigners. However, it is important to remember that compliance with the law is a key aspect of a successful process. It is necessary to familiarize yourself with the requirements of French legislation for labor migrants and submit all necessary documents on time.

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The procedure for obtaining a work visa to France for foreigners

The procedure for obtaining a work visa in France can be complicated and lengthy, but with proper preparation and a complete package of documents, it is quite possible. Here are some basic steps that you need to take to obtain a work visa:

1. Choosing a visa type

First, you need to determine what type of visa you need according to the purpose of your stay in France.

2. Preparing documents

You need to collect all the documents: passport, photos, letters of confirmation from the employer or university, medical certificates, work permit, etc.

3. Submitting the application

The application is submitted at the French consulate or through the visa service center. Since 2025, the application must be submitted online via the France-Visas or Démarches Simplifiée platforms.

4. Payment of consular fees

Payment of the consular fee for processing the application.

5. Interview and examination

Some types of visas require an interview or medical examination.

6. Waiting

The application process can take from 10 to 60 days.

7. Obtaining the visa

After approval, you can obtain the visa at the consulate.

Types of work visas to France for expats

Visas are divided by length of stay and type of work. Here are the main ones:

- Short-stay visa (Visa de court séjour): for a period of up to 90 days. For participation in conferences, carrying out projects or seasonal work.

- Work visa (Visa de long séjour): for those who plan to stay in France for more than 90 days. Can be issued for 1, 2 or 3 years.

- Seasonal worker visa (Visa travailleur saisonnier): for work in agriculture, hotels, restaurants.

- Investor and entrepreneur visa (Visa entrepreneur): for those who start a business in France.

- Teacher and scientist visa (Visa scientifique et enseignant): for work in universities or research institutes.

- IT specialist visa (Visa travailleur en informatique): a separate category for specialists in the field of information technology.

- “Talent – Qualified Employee” visa (Salarié qualifié): introduced in 2025 for qualified specialists with a reduced annual salary requirement of €35,891 per year.

- “Talent – Medical & Pharmacy Professions” visa: specifically for foreign doctors, pharmacists and medical staff. Minimum salary – €41,386 per year.

Short-term work visa to France

A short-term work visa allows you to work in France for up to 90 days. After the expiration of the period, you must leave the country and apply for a new permit.

One of the key documents is a work permit (autorisation de travail), which is obtained through the DIRECCTE agency. It is issued by the French employer.

Package of documents:

- Two 35x45 mm photos;

- Completed application form (French/English);

- Original employment contract;

- Work permit (autorisation de travail);

- Passport and copies of all pages;

- Income certificate;

- Marriage certificate (if required);

- Round-trip tickets;

- Insurance policy for the Schengen zone;

- Certificate from the place of work indicating length of service, position and tax reports;

- For entrepreneurs - an extract from the Unified State Register and tax declaration.

Long-term visa to France

This type of visa is issued to individuals who plan to work for more than 90 days.

The first step is for the employer to submit a request to OFII or DIRECCTE for a work permit. Only after receiving it can you apply for a visa.

Required documents:

- Three photos;

- Two questionnaires;

- Permit from OFII or DIRECCTE;

- Work book;

- Certificate from the last place of work, resume, contract with the employer;

- Passport;

- Medical certificate from the embassy.

The minimum contract period is now only 6 months, not 12 as it was before.

EU Blue Card for France (Carte Bleue Européenne)

The Blue Card allows highly qualified workers from third countries to live and work in France (and in the EU in general). Conditions for obtaining:

- Higher education (min. 3 years) or from 2025: confirmed work experience of 3 years in a relevant field within the last 7 years;

- Employment contract for at least 6 months;

- Salary – not less than €53,836.50 per year (1.5× the average salary in France);

- Documents: contract, diploma or proof of experience, tax certificates, resume, work permit, medical certificate, etc.

Changes in mobility: now it is enough to live for 12 months to move to another EU country (previously – 18), and for re-movement – only 6 months.

- The Blue Card is issued for 1-3 years with the possibility of extension up to 10 years.

Obtaining a work visa to France in 2025 remains a realistic option for qualified specialists. Despite the complexity of the procedure, France is confidently moving towards the liberalization of labor migration - this is evidenced by the simplification of Blue Card requirements, the introduction of new visas for doctors and skilled workers, the reduction of the contract period to 6 months, as well as the transition to an electronic document submission system.

Proper preparation is the key to a successful result.

Planning to move to France? Obtaining a work visa may seem like a complicated and sometimes lengthy process, but with the help of an experienced migration lawyer, you will make this journey much easier. Our specialists will help you at every stage - from choosing the type of visa to collecting the necessary documents and filling out applications.

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Reminder! France has updated its immigration policy to attract foreign talent, introducing a separate permit for medical professionals, combining several visa categories and reducing the processing time for EU Blue Cards. We have already talked about the new rules that came into force on June 16, 2025, which also provide for an update of the minimum wage and the establishment of clear legal deadlines for the consideration of immigration applications.

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