Agriculture, wine-growing, tourism and hospitality rely heavily on foreign seasonal workers. The “seasonal worker” multi-year residence permit (carte de séjour pluriannuelle « travailleur saisonnier ») allows a non-EU national to come and work in France for seasonal periods over several years.
Conditions
- be a non-EU national (special rules apply to Algerian nationals);
- come to France for seasonal work not exceeding a cumulative total of six months per year;
- undertake to maintain your usual residence abroad;
- hold a three-month “seasonal worker” visa and a seasonal employment contract of at least three months, approved by the administration.
You may only stay in France during the periods set by the card. This card does not allow family reunification.
Step 1: the employer’s work authorisation
The employer applies online for a work authorisation before the worker enters France, with in particular:
- a letter explaining the recruitment and the duties;
- a copy of the worker’s passport;
- proof of the efforts made to recruit a candidate already on the labour market;
- proof of the worker’s qualifications and experience;
- the company’s Kbis extract and articles (or K extract, craft card or tax notice for an individual), the latest social contributions slip and, where applicable, the paid-leave fund slip (unless provided in the last 12 months);
- proof that the worker will have decent housing for the duration of the stay.
Once granted, the authorisation is sent to the OFII and then to the French consulate, which issues a three-month “seasonal worker” visa.
Step 2: the residence card
The worker applies online on ANEF within the two months before the visa expires. Documents include: visa, passport, full birth certificate, e-photo, proof of address, sworn statement of non-polygamy where relevant, the employer’s work authorisation, a written commitment to maintain usual residence outside France, and the signed commitment to respect the principles of the Republic. An OFII medical certificate is requested when the card is handed over.
Validity and renewal
The card is valid for up to three years and is renewable. Renewal is requested online between four and two months before expiry, with in particular proof that you complied with the six months per year maximum (passport stamps, payslips). A late application triggers a €180 regularisation fee.
Employer tax
For seasonal contracts, the employer tax is €50 per month of activity, complete or incomplete, for each contract, and is due from the first day for seasonal agricultural workers. See: Employer tax for hiring a foreign national in France.
Refusal
The prefecture’s silence is deemed a refusal after three months. You then have two months to appeal. An explicit refusal with an obligation to leave France must be challenged within 48 hours, 15 days or 30 days depending on the type of OQTF.
Visa refusals are also frequent for seasonal workers. Our firm has obtained the annulment of many such refusals, including collective cases. Read: Foreign seasonal workers: understanding a work permit refusal and mistakes to avoid and Expiration of residence and work permits for seasonal workers: what to do?
Source: Service-public.fr – Carte de séjour pluriannuelle travailleur saisonnier (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.