What are the conditions of access to work in France ?
In France, one job out of ten is occupied by a foreigner. However, in order to work, the conditions may vary according to their situation:
- EU nationals, of Iceland, of Liechtenstein, of Norway and Switzerland, don’t need work authorization.
- A non-European foreign worker must have a work authorization in order to work. This authorization can be a visa, a residence card or another certificate depending on different situations.
The work authorization is mandatory in order to be employed. To work without it as a stranger is illegal. An employer can risk 15 000 euros fine and 5 years of imprisonment.
You can receive a multi-year residence card talent passport if you are highly qualified, willing to start a company or to invest in France, or if you are an artist. It is available for 4 years max and renewable.
If you come as an executive or an expert for a mission in a company, you can ask for a residence card ICT seconded employee. The card is available for 3 years max.
Foreign students can work during their course with their student residence card . They don’t need a working visa as long as they do not work more than 60 % of the legal annual working time (50 % for Algerians). Beyond that, their work visa can be withdrawn.
Also exists, as agreed with some certain countries, a working holiday visa for 18 to 30 years old available for 12 months. It allowed them to visit France for 1 year and offer them the possibility to work in order to supplement their resources.
To go further
Work authorization for a foreigner, see summary sheet. Here the access to work for asylum seeker
Official website for visas in France
Video
Work or internship during our studies? Here is the advice of Eike to the foreign students who wish to work in France. Find all of our videos about working in France in our playlist.