Planning to work in France from India? Here’s a modern, engaging guide covering everything from visa types (including electronic/online options), eligibility rules, required documents, costs, processing times, and tips for making your application strong. Let’s dive in.
What Is a “Work Visa” for France & the Role of E-Visa
France does not offer a generic “e-visa” for employment like tourist e-visas in some countries. For work, you’ll need a national long-stay visa (visa de long séjour valant titre de séjour, VLS-TS) or a specific category like “salarié” (employee) or “travailleur temporaire.”
Your employer in France must usually apply for a work permit (autorisation de travail) before you can apply for the visa. Whatever the length of stay, a prior work permit is required to be employed legally in France.
In some cases of short missions or intra-company transfers, a short-stay visa (if duration ≤ 90 days) may suffice, but these are exceptions not for long employment.
Eligibility & Key Requirements for Indian Applicants
To qualify, Indian applicants must satisfy both French immigration laws and Indian procedural rules. Below are typical requirements:
1. Employment Offer + Work Permit
- You must have an employment contract from a French employer who has obtained authorisation to employ non-EU nationals.
- The employer applies for a work permit in France before you apply for the visa.
2. Passport & Validity
- Indian passport valid for at least 6 months beyond intended entry.
- Minimum blank visa pages as required by the visa centre.
- You cannot submit your visa application more than 6 months in advance of departure.
3. Supporting Documents
You’ll typically need:
- Signed visa application form (French national visa form)
- Passport photographs meeting specifications
- Copy of employment contract / appointment letter
- Proof of professional qualifications (education certificates, experience letters)
- Proof that the employer secured a work permit
- Proof of health insurance (for duration in France)
- Proof of accommodation in France
- Proof of financial means (to support yourself initially)
- Identity documents, proof of residence, etc.
4. Validation After Arrival
Once in France, you may need to validate your visa as a residence permit (within 3 months of arrival) if it is a long-stay visa.
Cost (Visa & Service Charges)
The costs for applying a work visa from India include the visa fee plus service/processing centre fees.
- Visa Fees (French national / long-stay work visa): Around €99 (full rate) for long-stay national visas.
- Schengen / Short-stay visa (for short business missions or stays): €90 (full rate).
- VFS Service Fee (for India): about €32.1 (converted to Indian rupees at prevailing rate).
- Additional costs may apply for courier, SMS tracking, document translation, legalisation, etc.
Remember: visa fees are non-refundable, even if your visa is denied.
Processing Time & Important Timeframes
Knowing how long it takes is crucial for planning.
- Standard processing for most visa applications: about 15 days after submitting a complete application.
- In some cases, the period may be extended up to 45 days if further document checks or examination is needed.
- For work visas (more complex), real timelines may stretch to 2 to 12 weeks depending on the job, permit approval, and workload.
- In India, for certain regions (Chennai, Cochin, Puducherry), processing time may be 3 to 4 weeks.
- You must submit your application at least 1 month before departure for long-stay visas.
- You cannot file more than 6 months in advance.
Step-by-Step Application Process (India → France)
- Employer in France obtains the work permit from French labour / immigration authorities.
- You fill the visa application form via France-Visas portal.
- Book an appointment via VFS Global France in India to submit documents, biometrics, and pay fees.
- Attend the visa centre appointment in person, hand over documents and biometrics.
- Wait for decision (from ~15 up to 45+ days).
- If visa granted, collect your passport from VFS.
- On arrival in France, validate your visa as a residence permit if needed, and register with local authorities.
Tips & Common Pitfalls
- Submit a complete, error-free application from day one — that reduces delays.
- Ensure the work permit is approved before your visa application; missing or incomplete permit leads to rejection.
- Show strong ties to India (family, property, job, assets) so officials are confident you’ll return if needed.
- Keep all documents translated (if required) and legalised.
- Apply early (best is 2 to 3 months ahead), especially during peak seasons.
- Track your application via VFS or France-Visas portal.
- Be ready for possible requests for additional documents or interview.
In Short
- France doesn’t provide a simple “e-Visa” for employment; instead, you need a long-stay national visa tied to a work permit.
- Your employer in France must secure permission to hire non-EU nationals first.
- Indian applicants must provide identity, contract, permit, qualifications, insurance, and financial proofs.
- Costs include visa fee (
€99) plus centre fees (€32) and extra service costs. - Processing for work visas can vary from 15 days up to 6–8 weeks or more, depending on complexity.
- Apply well in advance and prepare thoroughly to avoid delays or rejection.