The right of entry (visa) : The admission fee in France of third-country nationals is conditional on obtaining a visa. There are many types of visas, and many modalities of visa procedures.  Indeed, time requirement to obtain a French visa depends on a certain number of factors, such as:

- Nationality ;
- The activity or non activity exercised in France ;
- The length of stay in France.

You must contact the French embassy or consulate of the country of his usual residence.

Given that time to French visa requirements can be variable, we recommend enquiring at least three months prior to arrival.

The residence card : Once the conditions of the arrival in France of a foreign employee have been analyzed (see section above concerning the visa), it is necessary for the individual to get a residence title (or "card") for any time period spent in France lasting more than three months.

Tourist cards are available under various forms :

- A temporary residence permit. It is valid for a maximum period of one year. The foreigner who stays under cover of a temporary residence permit may request the issuance of a resident card.
- A resident card. It is valid for ten years. It is automatically renewable.
- A resident permit "skills and talents". It is valid for three-years. The foreigner who stays under cover of a resident permit "skills and talents" may also request the issuance of a residence card under certain conditions.

Except in some cases expressly provided by law or regulation, the employee not having at his disposal one of the residence permits cannot take up employment even if he holds a receipt from an application regarding the issuance or renewal of a residence permit or a temporary residence permit authorizing the presence of the foreigner in France.

However, the employee may continue to pursue his professional activities in France (and keep all of his social rights), even if his card or residence permit has expired over one year, provided that the application for renewal is made within three months after the expiration date.

The applicant must submit to the prefecture or sub-prefecture of his place of residence and, in Paris, the police headquarters to obtain his residence permit and that, at the latest within two months of his entry in France. You will find on this link the list of DDTEFP (regional departments of work) in France.

There are simplified procedures for national family members of the European Union, as well as for family members whose spouse is holder of a long-term stay title in another European country and have obtained a residence permit in France.

For further information, you will find an article on our Blog detailing the various residence cards types.

Finally, given the difficulties in obtaining these cards and also the short deadlines, we strongly recommend starting the process several months before arriving in France. Making use of a relocation agency or a specialized agency in immigration may be necessary because they have many contacts within the authorities concerned.