Applying for a Temporary ‘Employee’ Residence Permit (Carte de Séjour Temporaire ‘Salarié’ in France)

The French economy is highly dependant on the service sector, with almost 80% being based around Banking, Energy, Tourism, Telecommunications, Transport and Health contributing. France is also known for the strength of other industries such as chemicals and pharmaceuticals. Given France’s reliance on highly specialist technical expertise, it is essential that businesses based in the country have access to foreign workers who possess skills that may be in short supply within the domestic jobs market. While suitable candidates from the European Union can work and reside freely in France, non-EU/EEA nationals need to apply for an entry visa and work permit if they wish to work for a French employer. Here, we will explain the purpose of the Temporary ‘Employee’ Residence Permit (Carte de Séjour Temporaire ‘Salarié’) for France, the eligibility rules, and how to apply.

What Is A Carte De Séjour Temporaire ‘Salarié’ In France?

The Carte de Séjour Temporaire ‘Salarié’ (CST) in France is for non-EU/EEA workers who wish to work in France for between 90 days and 12 months. The scheme is open to those with an indefinite employment contract (i.e. it is open-ended) with a French employer for paid work.

Am I Eligible For A CST?

In order to be eligible for a French temporary employment residence permit, applicants must:

• Be a non-EEA/EU citizen
• Have a job offer for a role in France

• Have an indefinite work contract
• Have the skills, experience, and qualifications for the role they have been offered
• Have the authorisation to work in France from the Labour Inspectorate – this is requested by the French employer, and they must justify the reason for issuing an indefinite work contract to a foreign worker. The Inspectorate will also check to see whether there is a shortage of skills for the profession in the geographical areas before granting permission to hire a foreign worker.
• Have been granted a work permit (this is applied for by the French employer)

How Do I Apply For A French Temporary Employee Residence Permit?

The application process for a French temporary employee residence permit can be completed from inside or outside France. Successful applicants will be granted a ‘long stay visa equivalent to a residence permit’ (VL-TS) for employees. A VL-TS allows holders to enter France for the stated purpose (i.e. work) and not worry about securing a separate residence permit. In other words, a VL-TS is a visa that is equivalent to a residence permit.

For those outside of France, applicants can apply online or by visiting their nearest French consulate. It is recommended that applications outside France be submitted three months before the intended date of arrival in the country.

Those applying from within France for a temporary employee residence permit will need to complete and submit a ‘change of status’ form to alter their current immigration permission.

It is recommended that applications inside France be submitted two months before the intended date of arrival in the country.

What Happens When I Arrive In France?

On arrival in France, the VL-TS holder will then need to validate their VL-TS with the French Office for Immigration and Integration (OFII). The rules state, “Upon arrival after validation of their visa, and at the latest within three months of his entry into the territory, the visa holder must register with OFII. The long-stay visa is only valid as a residence permit if it has been validated by OFII. This process, as well as the payment of the tax on the residence permit and the stamp duty, is made online at: https://administration-etrange...”.

Which Documents Are Required To Support Employee VL-TS Application?

Several documents must be submitted to support an employee VL-TS, including:

Applications Made Outside Of France

• the long-stay visa application form (CERFA n ° 14071 * 05) – this must be completed and signed

• Receipt of fee payment
• Proof of work authorisation
• A valid passport issued for less than ten years and with remaining validity of three months after the expiry of the VL-TS
• Proof of civil status and nationality:

• Passport (pages showing your civil status, validity dates, entry stamps, and visas);

• Birth certificate
• Spouse’s residence permit (or passport); marriage certificate,
• Birth certificate of children

• Three recent identity photographs (these must meet the required standard)

Applications Made Inside France:

As above but you will also need to provide evidence of your address in France. This should be within the last six months and may include the address of a private individual with whom you are staying or a hotel.

How Much Does It Cost For A VL-TS For An Employee In France?

The following fees are payable for a VL-TS:

• An administrative fee of €225 – this is made up of:

• Online validation fee for the VL-TS payable to OFII: € 200

• Stamp duty: € 25

• Long-stay visa fee: €99.

Can I Extend My Stay In France?

Yes, as long as you are still employed, you will be able to renew your residence in France. You must apply for a renewal within two months of the expiry of your current VL-TS at your local immigration office in France. In order to be granted a renewal, you will need to provide proof that you still meet the requirements for an employee residence permit. If you are still with the original employer, you will need to provide your work authorisation, your certificate of employment, or your last three payslips, in addition to proof of payment of contributions and social contributions by your employer;

To change roles when renewing in the first year of employment, new work authorisation is needed.

At the end of a first year in France as a temporary employee residence permit holder, it is then possible to request and be granted a multi-year residence permit marked “employee” for four years.