An “employee” or “temporary worker” residence permit only allows the salaried activity for which a work authorisation was granted. Changing employer is therefore possible, but it is not a mere formality.
Principle: a new work authorisation for each new contract
A work authorisation is required for each new employment contract. Before the employee starts working for the new company, the new employer must apply online for a work authorisation. Starting the new job before it is granted exposes both the employee and the employer to serious risks (illegal employment, refusal of renewal).
The employee holding a “talent” card is in a different situation: the card allows the activity for which it was issued, and a change of employer must remain within the conditions of the category (for example, the €39,582 threshold for a skilled employee).
New in October 2026: the restriction period is reduced to six months
Under article R. 5221-36 of the French Labour Code, a termination of the employment contract during the first period of the work authorisation may justify a refusal to renew it. Decree no. 2026-1001 of 26 October 2026, in force since 30 October 2026, reduced this period from twelve to six months.
Exceptions apply in the event of involuntary loss of employment and, since the decree, in the event of a serious breach of working conditions by the employer.
This reduction does not exempt the new employer from applying for a work authorisation.
Renewing the residence permit after a change of job
When you renew your “employee” card after changing jobs, you must provide in particular:
- the previous employer’s certificate for France Travail justifying the termination of the contract;
- the work authorisation obtained by the new employer.
Loss of employment
- Employee (permanent contract): if you are unemployed and receiving benefits, you can obtain a new one-year card; then, if you still have no job, a card for the duration of your unemployment insurance rights.
- Temporary worker (fixed-term contract): since 30 October 2026, the card cannot be withdrawn solely because of an involuntary loss of employment totalling no more than three months over its validity, and you may remain in France while a new work authorisation application is examined.
Risks to avoid
- Resigning before the new work authorisation is obtained.
- Accepting a job that does not match the profile examined for the authorisation (job title, qualification, salary below the collective agreement).
- Forgetting that the renewal of the permit will be assessed on the basis of the whole career path since arrival.
Our advice
Before resigning, have the new contract and timetable checked: the order of the steps (work authorisation, notice period, start date) determines whether your right to stay is preserved.
Read also: Drafting and checking employment contracts for foreign employees.
Sources: Service-public.fr – Carte de séjour salarié / travailleur temporaire; decree no. 2026-1001 of 26 October 2026 (official pages are being updated).
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.