France guide · ObjectiFrance

Working in France: the complete guide for foreign workers

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Job offers, one at a time. No account needed.

To work legally in France when you come from a non-EU country, you need a job in an occupation open to foreign hiring, a work authorisation requested by the employer, then a work visa. ObjectiFrance gathers the whole process here — free of charge for the candidate.

In short: the 3 conditions to work in France

Working in France as a non-EU foreigner rests on three cumulative conditions: (1) a job offer or contract from an employer based in France, (2) a work authorisation that this employer requests from the administration (DREETS), and (3) a long-stay visa acting as a “salaried worker” or “temporary worker” residence permit issued by the consulate in your country.

The process is far easier when the job is among the shortage occupations of the 21 May 2025 decree: the employment situation is then not held against you. The work visa procedure details every step, from the employer filing to validating the VLS-TS on arrival.

The main routes to work in France

Four routes cover most situations. Choose the one that fits your project, then follow the dedicated guide.

RouteFor whomTypical durationEntry point
Work visa (permanent/fixed-term)Lasting employment in France1 year, renewableWork visa procedure
Seasonal workerFarming, grape harvest6 months/year max (3-year card)Seasonal farm work
Shortage occupationSectors that are hiringSimplified procedureOfficial 2025 list
Apply for free, or with an adviserAll candidatesBefore / during / afterWhat is free, what is paid

Special cases: Algerians fall under the 1968 Franco-Algerian agreement (residence certificate); Tunisians under the young professionals agreement.

The whole “Working in France” guide at a glance

Pick your entry point: the procedure and our support, the sector that is hiring, or the guide for your country of origin.

Frequently asked questions

Questions fréquentes

Do I have to pay to be supported by ObjectiFrance?
Applying is free, with no limit, for every candidate. An adviser can also prepare everything with you — file review, phone appointment, applications submitted for you — from €89 (6-month Accompaniment) or €490 (12 months, including arrival in France), with a 30-day money-back guarantee: see what is free and what is paid.
Which jobs hire the most foreigners in France?
Construction (masons, roofers, machine operators), seasonal farming, road transport (HGV drivers), hospitality and healthcare top the 2025 shortage occupations. For these roles, the work authorisation is facilitated.
Who requests the work authorisation, me or the employer?
The French employer files the work-authorisation request with the DREETS, before your visa application at the consulate. Details are in our work visa guide.

Sources & transparence

Page mise à jour le 8 juin 2026 — relue par Maître Crudo, Avocat au barreau d'Aix-en-Provence. Pour toute évolution réglementaire postérieure, vérifiez les sources primaires officielles.