FRANCE
This profile has been created as an introductory guide to the common corporate immigration procedures for France. The intent is to provide a general outline of immigration processes only, since rules and requirements in every country are constantly changing and each case must be assessed on its own merits. For in depth advice relating to your specific queries, and details of other visas not listed here, please contact us.
Which Immigration Category?
There are two different types of work authorisation available to non-EU/EEA foreign intra-company transferees who wish to work in France:
• Détachement which grants work authorisation for foreign nationals being assigned to work temporarily for a French entity but who will remain on the payroll and under the direction of their home country employer(s); and
• Salarié en Mission which provides work authorisation for foreign nationals who are assigned to work for French branch offices or affiliates of their home country employers. For this type of employment authorisation the foreign national must have been employed by an entity within the same company group as the French host company for at least three months prior to applying.
In both cases the employee must generally be able to demonstrate a degree of proprietary knowledge, specialised skills or managerial or executive level skills that are not readily available in France’s domestic labour market.
Business visitors can be granted a Schengen C visa, which is for a non-EU foreign national seeking to enter France for business purposes.
Visa exemptions will apply for various nationalities.
A) Overview of Salarié en Mission Work Permit Applications
1. Work Permit Application
The sponsoring French company must prepare a Salarié en Mission Work Permit Application on behalf of the foreign national employee and file it with the local French Ministry of Labour office.
Processing time is between 5-10 weeks.
2. Long Stay Visa Application
Once the Work Permit application has been approved, confirmation will be sent to the Office Français de l’Immigration et de l’Intégration (OFII), who will direct the French Consulate in the foreign national’s country of residence or nationality to issue the visa to the assignee.
Processing time is around 2 weeks.
3. Medical Examination and Residence Permit
The assignee may travel to France and begin employment once the visa has been approved. Upon entry into France, he/she will have to undergo medical examination.
Since the Long Stay Visa is only valid for 3 months, generally a Residence Permit will have to be applied for within the validity period of the visa. However, some types of long stay visa act also act as a residence permit.
What is the duration of a Salarié en Mission Work Permit?
The Work Permit is generally granted for the duration of the temporary assignment and up to a maximum of 3 years, and can be renewed at the discretion of the French authorities.
Dependants
In respect of Dependants who wish to accompany a non-EU worker to France, spouses and children up to the age of 18 can accompany the principal applicant.
The spouse of a Salarié en Mission holder will be automatically granted the right to work, provided the principal Permit holder is residing continuously in France for more than 6 months per year during the assignment.
B) Overview of Schengen C Business Visa Applications
Permitted Business activities include:
1) Business meetings / discussions
2) Sales calls
3) Seminars
What is the duration of a Schengen C Visa?
A Schengen C Visa can be granted for up to 90 days within a 180 day period. Time spent in other Schengen countries will count towards the 90 days.
Non-compliance
Non-compliance with French immigration rules could incur penalties such as fines, deportation or even imprisonment. It is therefore of the utmost importance that your company is always up-to-date on the latest immigration requirements, and Newland Chase can take care of all your compliance needs. For details, please contact us.
< BACK TO GLOBAL REACH PAGE