Guidance

Travel to France for work

Check if you need a visa or permit to work in France and how to get one if you do.

From:
Department for Business and Trade
Published
30 April 2021
Last updated
15 April 2024 — See all updates

This guide is for British citizens travelling for business or other work purposes. It explains what employers, employees, or the self-employed need to do if they need a visa or permit.

This information is provided as a guide only. You must always check the exact application process and document requirements with the French embassy or immigration authorities.

Entry requirements

If you’re going to France to work (or any other EU country, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein) you must make sure you meet passport and other travel requirements.

France is in the Schengen area. If you’re travelling for business for up to 90 days in a 180-day period, you may be able to do some business-related activities without needing a visa or permit, such as attend business meetings. It does not matter how many countries you visit in the Schengen area. Your total stay must be no more than 90 days in every 180 days. The 180-day period keeps ‘rolling’.

If you’re staying for longer, or for other types of work, you may need a visa or permit.

The French authorities are responsible for setting and enforcing entry rules. They decide which activities need a visa or permit, or which may be exempt.

You must always check with the French embassy or immigration authorities before you travel, to make sure you meet their legal requirements.

If you’re working in more than one country, you need to check the entry rules of each country.

If you need a passport, visa or permit, you should apply well in advance of travel.

Visa and permit documents

This guide explains the general application process for some of the visa or permit types available in France. It includes a checklist of documents that you’ll usually need to include when applying.

It may not cover all scenarios so you must always check the exact application process and document requirements with the French embassy or or immigration authorities.

You must also check what format the documents should be presented in, including if they must be:

  • translated
  • ‘legalised’ (with an apostille) or notarised
  • originals, or if copies are acceptable
  • signed in ink (a wet signature), or if they can be signed electronically (an e-signature)
  • dated within a certain period of time, such as 30 days before you submit your application

Countries often use the terms visa, work permit and residence permit differently. For example, some may refer to a work permit as a visa.

This guide uses the same terms used in France, so you know which ones to use when speaking to the French authorities.

Check if you need a visa or permit

You do not need a visa or permit if you’re travelling to France for up to 90 days in a 180-day period for specific business-related activities. These activities can include:

  • running or attending job interviews
  • going to court as a witness
  • attending trade fairs
  • board meetings
  • meeting clients or customers (including entertainment such as eating at a restaurant)
  • meeting colleagues, contractors or sellers
  • carrying out fact-finding visits
  • negotiating, signing and executing deals or contracts
  • attending, speaking or presenting at a conference if you’re not being paid
  • team building activities
  • leisure travel, such as holidays or visiting friends or family

Or for the following types of training, so long as it’s for the same company or group:

  • classroom-based training
  • on-the-job training
  • shadowing someone’s job

These activities are usually allowed while travelling under the Schengen visa waiver.

Border checks

At the border, you may be asked to show:

  • proof of return travel, such as plane or train tickets
  • health insurance that covers your stay
  • proof of accommodation for your entire stay
  • enough money for the duration of your trip
  • an invitation letter from your employer explaining your trip

Check France’s exemptions

Certain types of work and activities do not require a visa or permit because they’re exempt.

All countries have their own exemptions. What may be exempt in one country may not be in another. You should always check with the country’s authorities.

These do not require a visa or permit in France if they’re for no more than 90 days:

  • artists and their technical production team for film, audio-visual content and shows
  • fashion and art models
  • personal and domestic service workers for an employer who is a private individual permanently based in the UK but staying in France
  • auditors and other experts in architecture, engineering, finance, insurance, IT and management working on assignment
  • guest professors carrying out occasional teaching
  • taking part in sporting, cultural, artistic and scientific events
  • taking part in conferences, seminars, and trade exhibitions
  • those with an EU intra-company transfer (EU ICT) from another country – your employer has to notify the prefecture of where you’ll be working

You would travel under the Schengen visa waiver.

Your employer has to submit a secondment declaration using the SIPSI online service confirming the posting at least 1 day before you start work.

After-sales or after lease services

You may not need a visa or permit for up to 90 days if you’re providing a service under the terms of a contract or warranty for commercial or industrial equipment. This could be:

  • installing equipment
  • carrying out repairs or maintenance work
  • training workers

You would travel under the Schengen visa waiver.

Your employer has to submit a secondment declaration using the SIPSI online service confirming the posting at least 1 day before you start work.

Show proof of exemption

You need to be able to show proof that you’re exempt to the authorities on request. This could be:

  • an assignment letter
  • an employment confirmation letter
  • a contract
  • proof of required qualifications, such as a diploma or professional certificate
  • CV

Further checks

If you’re not sure if you need a visa or permit to travel you can get advice from the French embassy.

Applying for a visa or permit

This guide outlines the steps required for each visa or permit to help you prepare, but you’ll need to check the exact rules and processes with the French embassy or immigration authorities.

Taking your family

For the short-term permits listed in this guide your family will not be able to get dependant visas. They can join you for up to 90 days on visitor visas or under the Schengen visa waiver rules.

There may be different rules for taking families if you have a long-stay permit. Find out about the simplified procedure for accompanying family.

Short-term and long-stay permits

You need a short-term work permit if you’re in France for up to 90 days because you’re:

You need to apply for a long-stay work permit if you’re working in France for more than 90 days because you’re:

Transferring short term to a French branch of a UK-based company

You need a short-term intra-group transfer permit if your UK-based employer is transferring you to a branch in France for up to 90 days.

To qualify you must:

  • have relevant professional experience or a university degree
  • keep your UK employment contract
  • stay on UK payroll

This permit can take 6 to 8 weeks to get.

You need to apply for a long-stay ICT if you’re being transferred for more than 90 days.

How it works

Your employer:

Application documents

French authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

  • passport
  • CV
  • diploma or qualification certificate
  • signed employment contract with your UK employer
  • assignment letter from your UK employer
  • organisational charts or documents showing the relationship between your UK employer and the host company in France
  • corporate registration certificates (‘Extrait Kbis’) for the French company
  • social security certificate
  • proof that the French company is paying social security (Urssaf)

Working for a French company on a short fixed-term contract

You need a short-term work permit if you want to work on a fixed-term French contract for up to 90 days.

To qualify you must:

  • have a signed fixed-term employment contract with a company in France be on French payroll
  • complete a labour market test if your role is not on the skills shortage list

The labour market test shows that the French company has not been able to hire workers from France, or the rest of the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland.

This permit can take 8 to 16 weeks to get.

How it works

Your employer applies for your work permit online.

Application documents

French authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

  • passport
  • CV
  • diploma or qualification certificate (if you have one)
  • signed fixed-term employment contract with a French company
  • confirmation from the French employment authority that the job has been advertised for at least 4 weeks
  • an explanation and proof of why your employer cannot fill the role from the French labour market
  • corporate registration certificates (Extrait Kbis) for the French company
  • proof that the French company is paying social security (Urssaf)

Providing short-term services to a client in France

You need a short-term work permit if your UK employer has a contract or work order with a French company.

To qualify for a short-term work permit you must:

  • have relevant professional experience
  • keep your UK employment contract
  • stay on UK payroll

A short-term work permit can take 6 to 8 weeks to get.

How it works

Your employer:

Application documents

French authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

  • passport
  • CV
  • diploma or qualification certificate
  • signed employment contract with your UK employer
  • contract or work order between your UK employer and the French company
  • assignment letter from your UK employer
  • corporate registration certificates (‘Extrait Kbis’) for the French company
  • social security certificate
  • proof that the French company is paying social security (Urssaf)

Transferring long term to a French branch of a UK-based company

There are 2 types of permit for long-term transfer to a French branch:

Intra-company transfer permit (ICT)

You need a long-term intra-company transfer permit (ICT) if your UK-based employer transfers you to a branch in France for:

  • up to 3 years
  • 1 year if you’re a trainee

To qualify you must:

  • be a manager, specialist or trainee
  • have a bachelor’s degree, or at least 3 years’ relevant work experience
  • have specialist knowledge in the field
  • have worked for the company abroad for at least 6 months
  • keep your UK employment contract
  • be on UK payroll

It can take 4 to 6 weeks to get. You cannot extend it.

If you have a family they can join you with this permit type. Find out about the simplified procedure for accompanying family.

How it works

You need to check with the French embassy or consulate on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

  1. You submit an ICT work and visa application  signed by your employer, to the French consulate or visa centre.

  2. Your employer has to submit a secondment declaration using the SIPSI online service confirming the posting at least 1 day before you start work.

  3. You validate your long-stay visa online if you’re staying for 12 months or less.

  4. You submit a residence permit application in person at your local prefecture if you’re staying longer than 12 months.

Application documents

French authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

  • completed application form
  • passport for you and any dependants
  • birth certificates for you and any dependants
  • marriage certificate, if married
  • proof of address in France, such as a lease agreement or utility bill (if applying for a residence permit)
  • CV
  • diploma or qualification certificate
  • signed employment contract with the UK employer
  • signed assignment agreement with your UK employer
  • organisational charts or documents showing the relationship between your UK employer and the host company in France
  • social security cover certificate
  • corporate registration certificates (‘Extrait Kbis’) for the French company
  • proof that the French company is paying social security (Urssaf)

Work permit for temporary workers

If you do not qualify for the long-stay ICT you can apply for a work permit for temporary workers. This permit allows UK-based employers to move employees who are not from the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland to a branch in France.

To qualify you must:

  • have relevant professional experience
  • keep your UK employment contract
  • be on UK payroll

It can take 8 to 12 weeks to get. It’s valid for 1 year and you can extend it.

If you have a family they cannot join you with this permit but they can apply for long-stay visitor visas.

How it works

You need to check with the French embassy or consulate on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

  1. Your employer signs and submits your work permit application online.

  2. You apply for a long-stay visa at the French consulate or visa centre.

  3. Your employer has to submit a secondment declaration using the SIPSI online service confirming the posting at least 1 day before you start work.

  4. You validate your long-stay visa online if you’re staying for 12 months or less.

  5. You submit a residence permit application in person at your local prefecture if you’re staying longer than 12 months.

Application documents

French authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

  • completed permit application form signed by your employer
  • passport
  • CV
  • diploma or qualification certificate (if you have one)
  • signed employment contract with your UK employer
  • assignment letter from your UK employer
  • organisational charts or documents showing the relationship between your UK employer and the host company in France
  • birth certificate
  • marriage certificate, if married
  • proof of address in France, such as a lease agreement or utility bill (if applying for a residence permit)
  • social security cover certificate
  • corporate registration certificates (‘Extrait Kbis’) for the French company
  • proof that the French company is paying social security (Urssaf)

Working for a French company on a long-term French contract

You need one of these Talent Passports (passeport talent) if you’re in France because you’re:

EU Blue Card Talent Passport

To qualify for an EU Blue Card you must:

  • have an offer of employment from a French company for at least 1 year
  • be on French payroll
  • meet salary requirements
  • have at least 3 years’ education at bachelor’s degree level or 5 years of relevant professional experience

It takes 4 to 8 weeks to get. It’s valid for up to 4 years and can be extended. Talent Passport permits can lead to permanent residence if you meet the criteria.

If you have a family they can join you with this permit type. Find out about the simplified procedure for accompanying family.

How it works

You need to check with the French embassy or consulate on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

You:

Application documents

French authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

  • completed application form signed by your employer
  • passport for you and any dependants
  • birth certificates for you and any dependants
  • marriage certificate, if married
  • proof of address in France, such as a lease agreement or utility bill (if applying for a residence permit)
  • CV
  • university transcripts
  • employment contract with your French employer
  • detailed job description
  • employment confirmation letters from previous employers
  • corporate registration certificates (Extrait Kbis) for the French company
  • proof that the French company is paying social security (Urssaf)

Employees on assignment Talent Passport

To qualify for an employee on assignment permit (salarié en mission) your UK employer must be in the same corporate group as the French company you’re going to work for. You must:

  • have relevant professional experience and a bachelor’s level degree
  • have a signed employment contract with the French company
  • have worked with your UK employer for at least 3 months
  • meet minimum salary requirements

It takes 4 to 8 weeks to get. It’s valid for up to 4 years and you can extend it.

If you have a family they can join you with this permit type. Find out about the simplified procedure for accompanying family.

How it works

You need to check with the French embassy or consulate on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

You:

Application documents

French authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

  • completed permit application form signed by your employer
  • passport
  • birth certificate
  • marriage certificate, if married
  • proof of address in France, such as a lease agreement or utility bill (if applying for a residence permit)
  • CV
  • diploma or qualification certificate (if needed)
  • signed employment contract with a French company
  • employment confirmation letters from previous employers
  • organisational charts or documents showing the relationship between your UK employer and the host company in France corporate registration certificates (‘Extrait Kbis’) for the French company
  • proof that the French company is paying social security (Urssaf)

Employees of a young innovative company Talent Passport

You need this Talent Passport to work at an innovative French company. The company you’re applying to is considered to be innovative if one of these applies:

Companies may have certificates showing they meet the criteria.

To qualify you must:

  • have an offer of employment with a French innovative company
  • meet minimum salary requirements
  • work on research and development projects, or in the economic, social, international and environmental development of those projects

It takes 4 to 8 weeks to get. It’s valid for up to 4 years and you can extend it. Talent Passports can lead to permanent residence if you meet the criteria.

If you have a family they can join you with this permit type. Find out about the simplified procedure for accompanying family.

How it works

You need to check with the French embassy or consulate on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

You:

Application documents

French authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

  • completed permit application form signed by your employer
  • passport for you and any dependants
  • birth certificate for you any dependants
  • marriage certificate, if married
  • proof of address in France, such as a lease agreement or utility bill (if applying for a residence permit)
  • CV
  • diploma or qualification certificate (if needed) university transcripts
  • employment contract with a French innovative company
  • proof that the French company is innovative
  • detailed job description
  • employment confirmation letters from previous employers
  • corporate registration certificates (Extrait Kbis) for the French company
  • proof that the French company is paying social security (Urssaf)

Qualified employee Talent Passport

To qualify for a qualified employee Talent Passport (salarié qualifié) you must:

It takes 4 to 8 weeks to get. It can be valid for up to 4 years and you can extend it. This permit can lead to permanent residence if you meet the criteria.

If you have a family they can join you on a Talent Passport. Find out about the simplified procedure for accompanying family.

How it works

You need to check with the French embassy or consulate on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

You:

Application documents

French authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

  • completed application form signed by your employer
  • passport for you and any dependants
  • birth certificates for you and any dependants
  • marriage certificate, if married
  • proof of address in France, such as a lease agreement or utility bill (if applying for a residence permit)
  • CV
  • university transcripts
  • employment contract with your French employer
  • detailed job description
  • corporate registration certificates (Extrait Kbis) for the French company
  • proof that the French company is paying social security (Urssaf)

Employed artists Talent Passport

You qualify for an artistic and cultural profession Talent Passport (profession artistique et culturelle) if both of these apply:

  • you’re an artist, performer or author
  • you have 1 or more employment contracts with French companies

It takes 4 to 8 weeks to get. It can be valid for up to 4 years and you can extend it. This permit can lead to permanent residence if you meet the criteria.

If you have a family they can join you on a Talent Passport. Find out about the simplified procedure for accompanying family.

How it works

You need to check with the French embassy or consulate on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

You:

Application documents

French authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

  • application form signed by your employer
  • passport for you and any dependants
  • proof you can support yourself financially – you must be able to show you’ll earn 70% of France’s legal minimum wage
  • professional qualifications or certificates (if you have any)
  • employment contracts with a French company or studio – you may have several
  • letter from the French company or studio showing that specific regulatory conditions have been met, such as licence requirements
  • birth certificates for you and any dependants
  • marriage certificate, if married
  • proof of address in France, such as a lease agreement or utility bill (if applying for a residence permit)

Providing long-term services to a client in France

You need a service provider permit if your UK employer has a long-term contract or work order with a French company.

To qualify for this permit you must:

  • show relevant work experience
  • stay employed in the UK
  • stay on UK payroll

It takes 8 to 12 weeks to get. It’s valid for 1 year and you can extend it.

If you have a family they cannot join you with this permit type immediately, but they can apply for long-stay visitor visas.

How it works

You need to check with the French embassy or consulate on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare. Your employer applies for your work permit application online.

  1. You submit a visa application at the French consulate or visa centre.

  2. Your employer has to submit a secondment declaration using the SIPSI online service confirming the posting at least 1 day before you start work.

  3. You validate your long stay visa online if you’re staying for 12 months or less

  4. You submit a residence permit application in person at your local prefecture if you’re staying longer than 12 months.

Application documents

French authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

  • passport
  • birth certificate
  • marriage certificate, if married
  • proof of address in France, such as a lease agreement or utility bill (if applying for a residence permit)
  • CV
  • diploma or qualification certificate
  • signed employment contract with your UK employer
  • contract or work order between your UK employer and the French company
  • assignment letter from your UK employer
  • social security cover certificate
  • corporate registration certificates (‘Extrait Kbis’) for the French company
  • proof that the French company is paying social security (Urssaf)

Self-employed work

You need one of these permits if you want to carry out long-term self-employed work in France:

Self-employed residence permit

A self-employed residence permit is for freelance or other self-employed work, including setting up a business in France.

To qualify for a self-employed residence permit you must:

  • provide proof of your qualifications if you work in a regulated profession
  • prove that the project is economically viable
  • be able to show that you can support yourself financially

It takes 12 to 16 weeks to get. It’s valid for 1 year and you can extend it. The self-employed residence permit can lead to permanent residence if you meet the criteria.

If you have a family they cannot join you with this permit type immediately, but they can join you after you’ve been in France for 18 months. Find out about the family reunion procedure. Otherwise, they can apply for long-stay visitor visas.

How it works

You need to check with the French embassy or consulate on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

You:

Application documents

French authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

  • completed application form
  • passport
  • professional qualification certificates if you work in a regulated profession
  • proof your work is of economic interest to France, such as a business plan
  • proof you can support yourself financially with the equivalent of France’s minimum wage
  • birth certificate
  • marriage certificate, if married
  • proof of address in France, such as a lease agreement or utility bill (if applying for a residence permit)

Self-employed artists Talent Passport

You qualify for an artistic and cultural profession Talent Passport (profession artistique et culturelle) if you’re a self-employed artist, performer or author.

It takes 4 to 8 weeks to get. It can be valid for up to 4 years and you can extend it. This permit can lead to permanent residence if you meet the criteria.

If you have a family they can join you with this permit type. Find out about the simplified procedure for accompanying family.

How it works

You need to check with the French embassy or consulate on the exact process and the forms you need. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

You:

  • submit a work permit and visa application at the French consulate or visa centre
  • validate your long-stay visa online if you’re staying for 12 months or less
  • submit a residence permit application in person at your local prefecture if you’re staying longer than 12 months

Application documents

French authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

  • proof that you’re an artist, performer or author, like a dossier
  • proof you can support yourself financially – you must be able to show you will earn 70% of France’s minimum wage
  • professional qualifications or certificates (if you have any)
  • passport for you and any dependants
  • birth certificates for you and any dependants
  • marriage certificate, if married
  • proof of address in France, such as a lease agreement or utility bill (if applying for a residence permit)

Founders of innovative start-up companies Talent Passport

You qualify for a visa for founders of international tech companies (permit) if you have:

  • an innovative business project for the French market
  • official recognition of the relevant French public sector body
  • proof you can support yourself financially
  • a business plan that’s formally recognised by a French visa partner

It takes 4 to 8 weeks to get. It’s valid for up to 4 years and you can extend it. This permit type can lead to permanent residence if you meet the criteria.

If you have a family they can join you with this permit type. Find out about the simplified procedure for accompanying family.

How it works

You need to check with the French embassy or consulate on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

You:

Application documents

French authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

  • passport for you and any dependants
  • letter from the French visa partner acknowledging that they recognise your business plan
  • proof you can support yourself financially with the equivalent of France’s minimum wage
  • birth certificate for you and any dependants
  • marriage certificate, if married
  • proof of address in France, such as a lease agreement or utility bill (if applying for a residence permit)

Investors in start-up companies Talent Passport

You qualify for an investor visa (permit) if you want to invest in a French start-up company and you:

  • invest personally via a company you control or via a company in which you own at least 30% of the shares
  • can show that you’re creating or protecting jobs within the first 4 years of the investment
  • meet minimum investment requirements

It takes 4 to 8 weeks to get. It can be valid for up to 4 years and you can extend it. The investor visa can lead to permanent residence if you meet the criteria.

If you have a family they can join you with this permit type. Find out about the simplified procedure for accompanying family.

How it works

You need to check with the French embassy or consulate on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

You:

Application documents

French authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need proof that you:

  • qualify as an investor
  • own a company or hold sufficient shares in a company
  • can support yourself financially
  • will invest the minimum amount
  • will be creating or protecting jobs within the first 4 years

You should also expect to show:

  • passport for you and any dependants
  • birth certificate (for you and any dependants)
  • marriage certificate (even if travelling without your spouse)
  • proof of address in France, such as a lease agreement or utility bill (if applying for a residence permit)

Research work

You can apply for a residence permit for research if you work for a recognised research institution.

To qualify you must have:

  • an agreement with the institution for no longer than 4 years
  • at least a master’s degree

It takes 3 to 8 weeks to get. The researcher permit can be valid for up to 3 years and you can extend it. It can lead to permanent residence if you meet the criteria.

If you have a family they can join you with this permit type. Find out about the simplified procedure for accompanying family.

How it works

You need to check with the French embassy or consulate on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

You:

Application documents

French authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

  • passport for you and any dependants
  • birth certificates for you and any dependants
  • marriage certificate (even if travelling without your spouse)
  • proof of address in France, such as a lease agreement or utility bill (if applying for a residence permit)
  • diploma or degree certificate to at least master’s level
  • hosting agreement with a private or public research institution

French government guidance

Read official French government information on:

Check for travel changes

European governments may update or change their rules without notice.

You should always check general travel advice for France, for updates on issues, such as safety and security, entry requirements and travel warnings before travelling, or planning to travel.

Updates to this page

Published 30 April 2021
Last updated 15 April 2024 + show all updates

  1. Hyperlink updated and changes made to the name of the work permit forms.

  2. Content reviewed. No changes made. (The information provided is up-to-date as of 11 September 2023.)

  3. Work permit and visa application form for applying for an employed artists Talent Passport changed from form number 15187-02 to 15617-01. For employment contracts, employer has to submit a declaration using online service SIPSI confirming employee's posting at least 1 day before they start work. (The information provided is up-to-date as of 21 July 2023).

  4. Content reviewed. No changes made. (The information provided is up-to-date as of 22 March 2023).

  5. Content reviewed. No changes made. (The information provided is up-to-date as of 9 January 2023).

  6. Content reviewed. No changes made. The information provided is up-to-date as of 23 September 2022.

  7. Added details of the new qualified employee talent passport. The information provided is up-to-date as of 30 November 2021.

  8. Added information on after-sales and after lease services.

  9. First published.

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