Meltzer Hellrung’s global reach and expertise enable us to help individuals and companies with securing visas and work permits to legally work in France. Our detailed understanding of the country’s requirements, combined with a strategic, service-oriented approach to client needs, ensures that the chosen solutions are both appropriate and legally compliant.
All visitors to the country not from the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA) must apply for a long-term or short-term Schengen visa as a prerequisite to a work permit.
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Short-term: Visitors may stay in France for a period of 90 days. There are different types of visas depending on whether the visit is for tourism, business, employment, or study.
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Long-term: Anyone planning on staying in France for more than 90 days for any purpose needs a long-term Schengen visa. The application process is lengthier and may include an interview at the French diplomatic mission where the individual applies
Work Permits
Most EU citizens do not need a permit to work in France. For non-EU citizens, there are two main options:
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Payroll remains in the home country and the employee works in France under a contract between a French company and the company in the foreign country.
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Intra-Corporate Transfer (ICT), where employees of a foreign company are temporarily seconded to or employed by a company belonging to the same group in France.
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The “passport talent” program is available to employees and self-employed individuals with certain experience and qualifications. Applicants who qualify can also apply for the EU Blue Card, which carries a maximum validity of four years and is renewable.
In all cases, the employer should apply for the work permit with the local labor office that has jurisdiction over the site of employment.
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For short-term permits: The approved work permit will be sent to the employer in the home country to have the visa stamped at the French Consulate.
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For long term permits: The application is registered with the French immigration office and then transferred to the French Consulate for visa stamping.
Meltzer Hellrung’s services include:
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Full assessment of the applicant under existing visa laws and regulations
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Assistance at each step of the process: visa application, work authorization, residence permit, extensions, renewals, etc.
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24/7 access to our case management system to track real-time status of applications and monitor upcoming expiration dates or other requirements
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Document procurement for legalization, attestation, police clearance certification, proof of birth/marriage/citizenship, etc.
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Accompaniment and assistance upon arrival in France
Contact is to learn more about how we can help streamline the visa and immigration process.