There are different types of visas and work permits issued which are also dependent on your exact purpose of entry and length of stay in the country, among other things.

In France, there are 4 main immigration approaches with regards to professional transfers. They are as follows:

Intra-Corporate Transfers - “Salarié ICT” (Seconded Employee)

The purpose of the assignment:

  • The assignee cannot occupy a post permanently
  • The assignee’s presence in France is temporary, for the duration of the assignment

Duration:

  • 3 years maximum, non-renewable

Advantage:

  • The employment situation is not opposable

Disadvantage:

  • The assignee is destined to return to his/her country of origin

Family:

  • The family has the right to stay and work in France
  • The children under the age of 18 of the couple, and not only the children of the ICT card holder, can benefit from a family ICT visa

Talent Passport - “Salarié Qualifié” (Qualified Employee)

The Skills and Talents Permit (“Talent Passport”) is aimed at individuals with the skills and expertise to make a significant contribution to France’s economy; especially those with intellectual, artistic, scientific, and sporting talent. The “Talent Passport” permit is intended for non-EU nationals to live and work in France. It includes the following categories:

  • Skilled recent graduates
  • Employees of an innovative company
  • Highly skilled workers (EU Blue Card holders)
  • Employees on a “mission” with a French work contract
  • Researchers/scientists
  • Champions of an innovative economic project
  • Company representatives
  • Economic or financial investors
  • Artist/performers
  • Internationally/nationally renowned person in sports, science, arts, education, literature, etc.

Duration:

  • The work permit is valid for a maximum of 4 years, renewable (after 5 years, the assignee is eligible for the permanent resident’s card)

Advantages:

  • During the validity of this card, the assignee will be able to work without limitation to a single job or to a single employer, however, the position must be in line with the diploma prepared and respect the salary conditions
  • When applying for a change of status, there will be no opposability to the employment situation if both criteria are respected

Disadvantage:

  • The assignee is destined to return to his/her country of origin

Family:

  • The family has the right to stay and work in France

Talent Passport - “Carte Bleue Européenne” (European Blue Card)

Duration:

  • The work permit is valid for a maximum of 4 years, renewable (after 5 years, the assignee is eligible for the resident’s card)

Advantages:

  • The employment situation is not opposable
  • The assignee’s spouse is granted a work permit
  • Issuance of a Temporary Residence Permit with a maximum duration of 6 months pending the issuance of the residence permit in France for all holders of a “Talent Passport” visa. This document allows the holder to travel outside France and return there between the expiry of his visa and obtaining his residence permit.
  • Pre-selection in France for alternative candidates meeting the position requirements is not required

Family:

  • The family has the right to stay and work in France

“Salarié” or assignment less than 12 months (Local contract only)

Duration:

  • Long-stay visa of one year then residence permit valid 4 years maximum, renewable (after 5 years, eligible for the permanent residence card)

Advantage:

  • The employee can stay permanently in France

Disadvantage:

  • The employment situation in France is opposable and requires obtaining a work permit

Family:

  • The family does not have the right to stay and work in France

Other types of work visas in France:

  • Training visas
  • Scientific visas
  • Business permits
  • Visas for seasonal workers
  • Visas for independent workers
  • French Tech Visa

Enquire Now