Warning

Citizens of a Member State of the European Union are not allowed to hold certain positions in the French civil service.

The access to some professions (i.e. pharmacist, public ministry officer, etc.) is regulated.

Entering France

Citizens of a Member State of the European Union may enter France and its overseas departments, territories and collectivities upon presentation of an identity card or a valid European passport. No visa required.

Working in France up to three months

You can work in France without authorization. As an employee, you must be in possession of a work contract. You do not need a residence permit if you do not stay more than 3 months.

Working in France more than three months

No visa required before departure. Within the first three months of your arrival in Metropolitan France, you must go to the "Préfecture" of your place of residence in order to request a residence permit ( "carte de séjour"). This document will be valid for 10 years (renewable) and to obtain it, you must submit the following documents :

If you are an employee :

• a project contract signed by your potential employer (you can look for a job once in France).

• an European identity card or European passport

• written proof of lodging in France such as a lease, promise of lease or property deed.

• when submitting your file, you will buy a fiscal stamp at the "préfecture". It costs about 160 FF.

If you are self-employed :

• proof of your self-employed activity

• an identity card

• written proof of your place of residence

• When submitting your file, you will buy a fiscal stamp at the "préfecture". It costs about 160 FF.

The above mentioned information also applies to the French overseas departments (Guadeloupe, Martinique, Guyanna and the Reunion island).

A different procedure applies to French overseas territories (French Polynesia, Wallis and Futuna and New Caledonia) and to the Territorial Collectivities of St. Pierre et Miquelon and Mayotte.

1) If you intend to work as an employee (you have been hired by a company over there): you must first obtain a long stay visa. This visa will be issued once we receive the job contract approved by territorial authorities ("Haut Commissaire").

2) If you intend to open up a business, you do not need a long stay visa before departure. Within 3 months of arrival, you must apply for the residence permit and the work permit at the "Haut Commissariat".