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3 ways to enter

France visas

France work visa

European free movement allows eligible citizens to work in France without a visa. France also permits work during some visa-free stays. Other work arrangements have separate conditions.

Ways to get a France work visa

  1. Work under European free movement

    No visa needed

    Citizens of European Union countries, Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Switzerland can work in France under free movement rules.

    Stay
    Free movement rules allow residence and work.

  2. Work during a qualifying visa-free stay

    No visa needed

    France permits work during a visa-free stay for the listed visa-free nationalities, excluding Australia, Brazil, Japan, Mexico, Singapore, South Korea, the United States and Venezuela.

    Stay
    Within the visa-free limit of 90 days in any 180-day period.

  3. Van Der Elst temporary work arrangement

    Other permit

    People from outside the European single market who are employed within it may work temporarily in another single market country for the same employer, under certain conditions.

    Stay
    Temporary work; no specific duration is given.

Who needs it

Travellers who do not have a right to work through free movement or another qualifying arrangement need appropriate work permission. Detailed French work visa requirements are not specified.

Who doesn't

European single market citizens can work without a visa. France permits work during visa-free stays for listed visa-free nationalities except Australia, Brazil, Japan, Mexico, Singapore, South Korea, the United States and Venezuela.

Good to know

  • Do not assume every visa-free visitor has permission to work.
  • Stays exceeding 90 days generally require a long-stay visa or residence permit for people outside the European single market.
  • Working holidays are covered separately.
  • Detailed conditions for French work permits are not specified.

Questions

Do I need a work visa for France?

Travellers who do not have a right to work through free movement or another qualifying arrangement need appropriate work permission. Detailed French work visa requirements are not specified. European single market citizens can work without a visa. France permits work during visa-free stays for listed visa-free nationalities except Australia, Brazil, Japan, Mexico, Singapore, South Korea, the United States and Venezuela.

What are the ways to get a work visa for France?

There are 3 options: Work under European free movement (no visa at all); Work during a qualifying visa-free stay (no visa at all); Van Der Elst temporary work arrangement (a special permit).

Who can go to France without a work visa?

Citizens of European Union countries, Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Switzerland can work in France under free movement rules. France permits work during a visa-free stay for the listed visa-free nationalities, excluding Australia, Brazil, Japan, Mexico, Singapore, South Korea, the United States and Venezuela.

What rules do I have to follow on a France work visa?

Do not assume every visa-free visitor has permission to work. Stays exceeding 90 days generally require a long-stay visa or residence permit for people outside the European single market.

Does my passport change whether I need a work visa for France?

Yes. Rules depend on the country that issued your passport. Open the France visa page and choose your passport for a plain answer.

Can a work visa for France be refused?

Yes. Officials can refuse a visa or entry, even after you apply. Give true answers, bring the documents asked for, and keep proof of your onward trip and money.

Where do I check the latest France work visa rules?

On France's official immigration or foreign ministry website, or at its embassy. Rules change, so check close to your trip.

Can I change my work visa once I am in France?

Often you cannot switch visa type inside the country. Ask the immigration office before you travel if you might need to.

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