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  •  /  France
  • Country Overviews

France

At a Glance

Capital Paris
Language French
Population 62,814,233 (July 2015 est.)
GDP Total $2.647 trillion (2015 est.)
GDP Per Capita $41,200 (2015 est.)
Assessing Travel and Visa Obligations

 

When traveling to France, your nationality and the types of activities you will conduct during your trip will determine whether you may travel lawfully as a business visitor or if you require a work permit. Please seek advice from your immigration counsel if you are uncertain about the specific types of activities that constitute business or work.

 

Traveling for Business

 

What types of activities may I engage in as a business visitor?

As a business visitor to France, you may engage in the activities below. While this list is not exhaustive and other activities could qualify as business, you may:

  • » Attend business meetings
  • » Buy goods for sale outside the country
  • » Attend a trade show or seminar convention
  • » Explore business opportunities on behalf of an employer abroad

 

If I qualify as a business visitor, do I need a visa for France?

Nationals of the European Union, the United States, and many other select countries are eligible for a visa waiver and are not required to obtain a visa in order to enter and conduct business activities in France.

France is a member of the Schengen Area, a free-travel zone comprised of 26 European countries. If your nationality is not eligible for a visa waiver in the Schengen Area, you will be required to obtain a Schengen C Visa prior to travel. Visa-waivered nationals, as well as those who are required to obtain a visa, are authorized to travel to France and throughout the Schengen Area. Please note that travelers may not spend more than 90 days within any 180-day period inside the Schengen Area.

 

Working in France

 

What types of activities require a work permit?

The activities below, whether paid or unpaid, generally constitute work under French law. This list is not exhaustive, and many other professional activities are considered work in France, even if conducted for a short duration.

  • » Project implementation
  • » Marketing
  • » Consulting

 
In limited circumstances, foreign nationals may engage in certain professional activities without obtaining work authorization while on assignment, although strict preconditions must be met. An individual assessment is required before deciding whether an assignment exemption is applicable.

 

If I am traveling to France for work, what type of work permit do I need?

The requirements for a work permit depend on your qualifications, on the nature and duration of your work, and on whether your employer has an entity in France. The most common French work permits are:

  • » Short-Term Work Permit – Service Provider (work authorization for short-term assignments of up to 90 days in any 180-day period)
  • » Short-Term Work Permit – Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) (work authorization for the temporary transfer of third-country nationals from an international company based outside of the EU to a host entity in France that belongs to the same company or group of companies)
  • » Short-Term Work Permit – Direct Hire (work authorization for third-country nationals on a short-term local contract)
  • » Temporary Worker Work Permits (work authorization for 12 months or less)
    • » Direct Hire
    • » Service Provider
    • » Secondee
  • » ICT Permits (Directive 2014/66/EU)
    • » ICT Détaché Permit
    • » ICT Intern Permit
    • » Mobile ICT Permit
  • » Work Permit for Direct Hire (long-term work authorization for local hires)
  • » Passeport Talent – Employee on Assignment (work authorization for intra-company transferees within the same company or corporate group under a local contract and payroll)
  • » Passeport Talent – EU Blue Card (work permit for highly-skilled direct hires)
  • » Passeport Talent - French Tech Visa (work authorization for those working in the tech industry)

 

Is it possible to be exempted from work permit requirements?

Nationals from the European Union, the European Economic Area, and Switzerland are not required to obtain a work permit in order to work in France. However, registrations or other formalities may be required prior to working or residing in France.

Additional work permit exemptions for short-term and long-term assignments are available in France, such as under Vander Elst rules and Employee of EU Service Provider. In this case, a legal assessment to determine the possibilities for a work permit exemption should be obtained prior to traveling.

 

What else should I know?

 

Inevitably, the legal and strategic considerations impacting visa selection, as well as visa waiver and work authorization eligibility, entail the careful consideration of many factors. We recommend that you consult with your immigration counsel before taking any course of action.

 

Copyright © 2020 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. Government immigration agencies often change their policies and practices without notice; please consult an immigration professional for up-to-date information. This document does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. BAL maintains comprehensive immigration information and processing specifics for our clients.


News and Events

11 Feb 21

COVID-19: Additional entry restrictions added

COVID-19 France

24 Nov 20

COVID-19: Entry, testing rules updated

COVID-19 France

4 Nov 20

COVID-19: France implements second lockdown to last for...

COVID-19 France

22 Oct 20

Brexit: Residence application website for UK nationals residing...

France

28 Sep 20

COVID-19: ICT posted worker visa holders now granted...

COVID-19 France

16 Sep 20

COVID-19: Talent Passport holders, researchers, teachers to be...

COVID-19 France

24 Aug 20

COVID-19: List of “high-risk” countries updated

COVID-19 France

30 Jul 20

COVID-19: Testing for travelers from certain countries, including...

COVID-19 France

10 Jul 20

COVID-19: Travel restrictions lifted for some countries

COVID-19 France

2 Jul 20

Brexit: Relaunch of residence application site for UK...

France

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At a Glance

Capital Paris
Language French
Population 62,814,233 (July 2015 est.)
GDP Total $2.647 trillion (2015 est.)
GDP Per Capita $41,200 (2015 est.)

Immigration Links

  • Country Specific Travel information
  • Directory of Embassies/Consulates
  • Overseas Security Advisory Council

Related News

  • COVID-19: Additional entry restrictions added

    FRANCE   11 Feb 21

  • COVID-19: Entry, testing rules updated

    FRANCE   24 Nov 20

  • COVID-19: France implements second lockdown to last for...

    FRANCE   4 Nov 20

  • Brexit: Residence application website for UK nationals residing...

    FRANCE   22 Oct 20

  • COVID-19: ICT posted worker visa holders now granted...

    FRANCE   28 Sep 20

  • COVID-19: Talent Passport holders, researchers, teachers to be...

    FRANCE   16 Sep 20

  • COVID-19: List of “high-risk” countries updated

    FRANCE   24 Aug 20

  • COVID-19: Testing for travelers from certain countries, including...

    FRANCE   30 Jul 20

  • COVID-19: Travel restrictions lifted for some countries

    FRANCE   10 Jul 20

  • Brexit: Relaunch of residence application site for UK...

    FRANCE   2 Jul 20

  • COVID-19: Permits extended, online platform set to launch

    FRANCE   9 Jun 20

  • COVID-19: Entrance restrictions updated

    FRANCE   29 May 20

  • COVID-19: Changes related to country’s state of emergency...

    FRANCE   15 May 20

  • COVID-19: France closes borders indefinitely

    FRANCE   28 Apr 20

  • COVID-19: Closures, limited services affect application processing

    FRANCE   31 Mar 20

  • Additional measures implemented in response to COVID-19

    FRANCE   18 Mar 20

  • New measures to prevent spread of COVID-19

    FRANCE   16 Mar 20

  • Online residence permit application for U.K. nationals to...

    FRANCE   13 Feb 20

  • Residence permit fees changed

    FRANCE   3 Feb 20

  • Government urges local authorities to ease Talent Passport,...

    FRANCE   23 Jan 20

  • Minimum salary increases with start of new year

    FRANCE   10 Jan 20

  • Processing delays, upcoming strikes

    FRANCE   6 Dec 19

  • Macron’s government plans to launch quota system next...

    FRANCE   14 Nov 19

  • Work in France portal enables students, employers to...

    FRANCE   23 Oct 19

  • Online residence permits set for UK citizens ahead...

    FRANCE   14 Oct 19

  • New seconded and posted worker requirements

    FRANCE   6 Sep 19

  • New provisions set for posted workers

    FRANCE   28 Jun 19

  • Change in permit process increases mobility for Talent...

    FRANCE   29 Mar 19

  • New rules for intracorporate transfers coming soon

    FRANCE   1 Feb 19

  • Minimum salary increases

    FRANCE   8 Jan 19

  • Online process to replace stickers for foreign residents

    FRANCE   18 Dec 18

  • New provisions address posted workers

    FRANCE   28 Sep 18

  • New immigration law changes rules for ICTs, students,...

    FRANCE   20 Sep 18

  • Parliament signs immigration bill into law

    FRANCE   9 Aug 18

  • French consulates switching to new appointment system

    FRANCE   9 May 18

  • Toulouse Préfecture to launch new appointment system

    FRANCE   9 May 18

  • Macron introduces immigration bill

    FRANCE   28 Feb 18

  • Higher minimum salaries set for 2018

    FRANCE   26 Jan 18

  • Biometrics appointment now required in Paris

    FRANCE   27 Nov 17

  • Tech visas now available

    FRANCE   29 Jun 17

  • Authorities ease administrative rule for French companies hosting...

    FRANCE   26 Jun 17

  • Declaration on social security, new government fee to...

    FRANCE   25 May 17

  • Macron wins French election by wide margin

    FRANCE   8 May 17

  • Macron, Le Pen to face off in May...

    FRANCE   24 Apr 17

  • Immigration, EU front and center in French presidential...

    FRANCE   21 Apr 17

  • New provisions of immigration overhaul take effect Jan....

    FRANCE   29 Dec 16

  • New law limits intracompany transfers to 3 years

    FRANCE   7 Dec 16

  • Procedures under new immigration law clarified; delays expected

    FRANCE   7 Nov 16

  • Implementing decree released on Law on Foreign Workers

    FRANCE   2 Nov 16

  • Immigration overhaul to take effect Nov. 1

    FRANCE   27 Oct 16

  • Immigration overhaul could be delayed

    FRANCE   26 Oct 16

  • New requirements set for seconded employees

    FRANCE   23 Sep 16

  • Processing delays anticipated at labor office serving Paris

    FRANCE   15 Sep 16

  • EU Blue Card minimum salaries see increase

    FRANCE   20 Jul 16

  • Vigilance urged as France may move to bolster...

    FRANCE, UNITED STATES   15 Jul 16

  • Sino-French intern program launched

    CHINA, FRANCE   9 Jun 16

  • Airport, rail strikes causing delays

    FRANCE   8 Jun 16

  • Some posted workers may need to consider Van...

    FRANCE   18 Mar 16

  • New immigration law published

    FRANCE   10 Mar 16

  • Immigration overhaul proposed

    FRANCE   5 Feb 16

  • Labor authorities conducting unannounced employer visits

    FRANCE   21 Jan 16

  • Higher minimum salaries set for 2016

    FRANCE   15 Jan 16

  • Employers subject to new measures protecting posted workers

    FRANCE   15 Dec 15

  • France imposes security checks after mass attacks

    FRANCE   16 Nov 15

  • Treaty eases visas for professionals, interns, dependents

    ANGOLA, FRANCE   30 Jul 15

  • New document rules cover all employees on detachment...

    FRANCE   30 Jun 15

  • France enforcing new documentation requirements

    FRANCE   13 May 15

  • New work-permit forms to require additional documentation

    FRANCE   3 Dec 14

  • Medical exam exemptions announced

    FRANCE   3 Sep 14

  • Labor office audits increase amid new reporting rules...

    FRANCE   15 Aug 14

  • Chinese visitors will get visas in 48 hours

    FRANCE   17 Jan 14

  • Scams Targeting Immigrants are on the Rise

    AUSTRALIA, FRANCE, UNITED KINGDOM, GLOBAL, IRELAND, NEW ZEALAND, SINGAPORE, UNITED STATES   11 Dec 13

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