For upcoming applications, France revised its rules in January 2025 regarding temporary residency permits designated “Temporary Worker” and “Employee.” Those looking for temporary or permanent work will have more options starting in 2025. Imagine even more employer accountability, simpler procedures, and a clear route to permanent residency. Learn how these exciting improvements can be your key to starting over in France by reading on.
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Types of Work Permit in France
A multi-year “talent” residence permit may be available to a variety of employee categories who have a work contract with a French business.
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Temporary residency permits allow foreign workers who do not fit the requirements for one of the “talent” statuses to still enter the French labor market.
- The “temporary worker” residence visa permits employees with limited employment contracts to engage in salaried activities.
- The temporary residency permits for “employees” authorize the performance of a salaried activity for workers with a permanent employment contract.
The employer is required to secure the work permit beforehand in each case. Employment opposition might be feasible before the work permit application is examined.
What are the Conditions of the Temporary Workers Permit?
The “employee” or “temporary worker” residence permits allow foreign workers who are not eligible for the “talent” residence permit or any other residence visa that permits salaried activity to remain in France and work there.
Employees must provide proof of the following in order to be eligible:
- either a limited employment contract or a permanent one.
- a French work visa that the company has pre-obtained.
The competent authority takes the opposability of the job scenario principle into account when determining whether to grant a work permit. To find out more about the process, view our work permit fact sheet.
What is the authorized length of stay?
The validity period of this residence permit is 12 months, renewable subject to conditions.
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How to Apply for the Temporary Workers Permit in France
Residing abroad
Applications for “employee” or “temporary worker” long-stay visas, which are equal to residency permits (Visa de long séjour valant titre de séjour, VLS-TS), can be made by applicants who are not in France at the French diplomatic consular authority in their home country.
Depending on the length of the employment contract, the French consulate issues a VLS-TS that is valid for a maximum of 12 months. Upon arrival, the holder of this VLS-TS is authorized to do a salaried professional activity.
The application should be initiated online on the France-Visas website.
Once in France, employees must validate their VLS-TS online via the dedicated platform: administration-etrangers-en-france. No application for a residence permit with the Prefecture is required during the first year of stay.
The foreign national is then asked to attend a compulsory medical examination and/or welcome visit.
Residing already in France
Applicants must apply for a change of status at the Préfecture (office of the Prefect, the local representative of the national government) in their place of residence if they are currently in France on another kind of residency permit. The employee’s work permit must be included in the application.
The new employer must apply for fresh authorization on the specific platform if the applicant changes jobs or employers.
The relevant party will be granted a one-year, renewable “employee” or “temporary worker” residency permit, subject to eligibility.
At least two months before the preceding residence permit’s expiration, the request should be made.
Required Documents
The body in charge of processing the application can provide applicants with a list of the precise papers needed for a residence permit application, either in person or online.
The list of necessary documents that must be included with an application for a residence permit for an “employee” or “temporary worker” is provided below for your information.
How Much Does It Cost?
Upon online validation of the long-stay visa equal to a resident permit (VLS-TS), applicants are required to pay a tax of €200. Additionally, residency permits are subject to a €25 tax stamp obligation. It is possible to pay for the tax and stamp online.
The €99 cost of the long-stay visa that grants admission into France is not the same as this €225 administrative fee.
References: https://www.welcometofrance.com/en/fiche/temporary-residence-permits-marked-temporary-worker-and-employee
