31/03/2026
If you’re planning to move to France and work here, one of the most important things to understand is which visa actually gives you the right to work. Some examples👇
🇫🇷 1. Long-Stay Visa (VLS-TS “Salarié” or “Travailleur Temporaire”)
This is the most common option if you already have a job lined up in France. Your employer usually needs to sponsor you, and once approved, this visa allows you to live and work legally in France.
💼 2. Talent Passport (“Passeport Talent”)
There are several categories (e.g. qualified employees, company founders etc), but the key benefit is that it allows you to work without needing a separate work permit.
👉 Bonus: Accompanying direct family members (such as a spouse) are also allowed to live and work in France.
🚀 3. Entrepreneur / Profession Libérale Visa
Perfect if you want to start your own business or work as a freelancer in France. This visa allows you to carry out a self-employed activity, but you’ll need to present a solid business plan and show that your project is financially viable.
🎓 4. Student Visa (with limits)
If you’re studying in France, you can work up to 964 hours per year (around 20 hours per week). It’s a great way to support yourself, but it’s not a full-time work visa.
💡 5. Working Holiday Visa
Available for certain nationalities, this visa allows young people (usually 18–30/35) to live and work in France for up to a year.
🌍 EU/EEA/Swiss Citizens
Good news — if you’re from the EU, EEA, or Switzerland, you don’t need a visa or work permit to live and work in France.
🚫 Visas that do NOT allow you to work
➡Visitor visa (VLS-TS “Visiteur”)
➡Short-stay tourist visa
✨ Final tip:
Each situation is different, and the right visa depends on your personal circumstances (job offer, business project, nationality, family situation, long-term plans, etc.). It’s always worth checking before you apply — or before you accept a job or launch your activity!