France · work · guide
France work permit: requirements and rules
This guide explains the work permit and residence rules for foreign employees and employers in France.
MIGRAGENT wrote this from 13 requirements on the official page, each checked against the government's own wording. Updated 2026-10-02. Source: https://www.service-public.gouv.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F2728
Hiring foreign workers
Employers must get a work authorization before hiring a non-European worker. You must apply for a new work authorization for every new employment contract.[1][2]
Employers must check the authenticity of the foreign worker's residence permit with the prefecture. This check must happen at least 2 business days before the hiring date.[3]
Rules for students and seasonal workers
Employers must make a nominative declaration to the prefecture 2 business days before hiring a foreign student. You must request a work authorization if the student works more than 60 percent of the annual working time.[4][5]
Seasonal workers must limit their work to a maximum of 6 months per year.[6]
Rules for EU residence permit holders and ICT employees
If you hold a residence permit from another EU country, you must apply for a long-stay visa at the French consulate. If you hold an EU long-term resident card from another EU country, you must apply for a French residence permit. You must do this within 3 months after entering France.[7][8]
If a mobile ICT seconded employee has a mission lasting more than 90 days, you must request a work authorization. The mobile ICT seconded employee must also request a residence permit in France if the mission lasts more than 90 days.[9][10]
Job search visa and asylum seekers
If you hold a job search or business creation residence permit, your job must match your training or research. Your salary must also be more than 2,800.53 euros.[11]
You can only request a work authorization for an asylum seeker if Ofpra has not responded to their application for 6 months.[12]
To work using a receipt of application, the receipt must state that it authorizes the holder to work.[13]
Checklist
- Verify the authenticity of a foreign worker's residence permit with the prefecture at least 2 business days before hiring.[3]
- Submit a nominative declaration to the prefecture 2 business days before hiring a foreign student.[4]
- Apply for a French residence permit within 3 months of entry if you hold an EU long-term resident card from another EU country.[8]
- Apply for a long-stay visa at the French consulate if you hold a residence permit from another EU country.[7]
- Ensure your receipt explicitly states that it authorizes you to work before starting employment.[13]
Questions people ask
Do I need a work permit to hire a non-European worker in France?
Yes. You must obtain a work authorization before you can hire a non-European foreign employee.[1]
How long can a seasonal worker work in France?
Seasonal work is limited to a maximum of 6 months per year.[6]
What are the rules for hiring a student for more than 60 percent of annual hours?
You must request a work authorization if the student you hire will work more than 60 percent of the annual working time.[5]
When can I apply for a work permit for an asylum seeker?
You can only request a work authorization for an asylum seeker after they have waited 6 months without a response from Ofpra.[12]
What salary is required for the job search residence permit?
You must earn a salary of more than 2,800.53 euros. Your job must also match your training or research.[11]
What if my mobile ICT assignment in France lasts over 90 days?
You must request a work authorization and a French residence permit if your mission lasts more than 90 days.[9][10]
This explains what one official page says. It is not legal advice, and the page itself is the authority. Rules change; the wire reports it when they do.