A non-EU national who has found a job in France and does not qualify for a talent permit will generally need an “employee” (salarié) or “temporary worker” (travailleur temporaire) residence permit:
- with a permanent contract (CDI), the permit is marked “salarié”;
- with a fixed-term contract (CDD), it is marked “travailleur temporaire”.
Both permits are based on a work authorisation obtained by the employer. They only allow the salaried activity for which that authorisation was granted.
Conditions
- want to work in France as an employee;
- hold a work authorisation for the job;
- for a first admission, hold an “employee” long-stay visa equivalent to a residence permit (VLS-TS).
The prefecture may refuse the permit if you have not complied with an obligation to leave France (OQTF), or in the event of document fraud, serious offences or violence against public officials.
If you live abroad
1. Your employer applies online for a work authorisation before your arrival. See: Work authorisation in France: procedure, criteria and appeals.
2. Once it is granted, you apply for an “employee” VLS-TS at the French consulate.
3. You can start working as soon as you arrive.
4. Within three months of arrival, you validate your VLS-TS online and pay a tax of €300 (in addition to the visa fees).
5. No later than two months before your VLS-TS expires, you apply for your residence card.
If you are already in France
Your employer applies online for the work authorisation, and you file your application for the card before your current permit expires (for example, a change of status from student to employee).
Documents
Passport or equivalent identity document; expiring long-stay visa; proof of address; photos or e-photo code; the work authorisation for the job; proof that the employment contract is ongoing (employer’s nominative social declaration, certificate of professional activity for the last 12 months); signed commitment to respect the principles of the Republic. An OFII medical certificate is requested when the card is handed over.
If you have changed jobs, you also need the previous employer’s certificate for France Travail and the new employer’s work authorisation.
Validity and renewal
The first “employee” card is valid for one year and is renewable.
- If you are still employed, you can obtain a four-year multi-year card, provided you meet the republican integration conditions: attendance at the training of the republican integration contract (CIR), A2 level in French and success in the civic exam (unless you are over 65).
- If you are unemployed and receiving benefits from France Travail, you can obtain a new one-year card; if you still have no job at the end of that period, a new card is issued for the duration of your unemployment insurance rights.
A late application, except in cases of force majeure or presentation of a valid visa, triggers a €180 regularisation visa fee on top of the cost of the card.
Temporary workers: what changed on 30 October 2026
Under decree no. 2026-1001 of 26 October 2026, the “temporary worker” card can no longer be withdrawn solely because of an involuntary loss of employment totalling no more than three months over its validity. The holder may remain in France while a new work authorisation application is examined. Read also: Work permits and temporary employment contracts.
Refusal
An explicit refusal is notified by a reasoned letter and is usually accompanied by an OQTF. If the prefecture does not answer, its silence is deemed a refusal; since 30 October 2026, the general deadline is 90 days from a complete application (previously four months). You then have two months to file an administrative appeal and/or a court action.
Employee or talent permit?
If the salary reaches €39,582 gross per year and the employee holds a Master’s degree obtained in France, the talent – skilled employee card is often more favourable (no work authorisation, no employer tax, up to four years). See: Choose between Talent Passport – Skilled Employee and Employee Residence Permit.
Source: Service-public.fr – Carte de séjour salarié / travailleur temporaire (checked on 3 November 2026).
Need help with your application?
FATOU BABOU AVOCAT assists employees, entrepreneurs, investors and companies with every step of business immigration to France: eligibility analysis, preparation of the application, follow-up with the consulate or the prefecture, and appeals in the event of refusal.
- Bordeaux office: 11 rue Galin, 33100 Bordeaux, France – +33 9 85 40 18 64 – contact@legalfb-avocat.fr
- Dakar office: 14 rue Woro Fila, Fann Hock, Dakar, Senegal – +221 77 173 69 05 / +221 33 844 29 16 – contact@fbavocat-sn.com
This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Rules and amounts change regularly: always check your own situation with a lawyer.