Schengen Visa
France is a member of the Schengen group of European countries but a Schengen
visa allows only for free movement within its member countries for non EU
citizens only, not working rights. It is more a tourism visa as border controls
between the member states have been reduced for the free movement of people.
PDF - Application for a Schengen Visa
PDF - Application for a Schengen Visa
(in French)
French Immigration: European Union Citizens
As citizens of the EU your employees automatically have the right to live
and work in France. Their individual status may affect the procedure but in
general the following points apply:
· Since Nov 2003 EU members may enter France to look for employment, start a business or just visit, with out the requirement for a carte de séjour.
· The carte de séjour is the French resident permit. Your employees may still apply for a carte de séjour as it acts as their French ID and it is still required for various procedures while certain institutions adapt to the new legislation. It will vary in its length of validity depending on the nature of their stay.
· It can take 2-3 months for the carte de séjour to be processed and issued by the préfecture of the department in which the employee lives.
· Normally they will be required to apply in person at the local préfecture or Mairie. The préfecture for central Paris allows employees to apply by post, however they will need to collect your application dossier and the approved permit in person.
· Applications are made individually for each family member.
· If they do not receive a regular salary they may need to provide proof of sufficient funds to support them for the duration of their stay.
PDF - Declaration D'Engagement
French Immigration: Non EU Citizens
The employer plays an integral part of the application as they provide specific
documentation to support the application for their initial work visa and then
their residents permit.
· Long Stay Visas / Work permits
The employee will need to contact the French Embassy or consulate in their
current country of domicile before they arrive. Procedures vary for different
nationalities and activities, therefore it is important to clearly outline
the reasons for the application.
PDF - Application for Long Stay Visa
PDF - Contrat de Travail
· Carte de Séjour
Carte de séjour applications are similar to those cited for EU citizens
although employees will also be required to undergo a medical examination
with the OMI (Office des Migrations Internationales) before their carte de
séjour application is fully accepted.
The entire process may take several months so patience is needed. Once the carte de séjour is issued they will be entitled to French social benefits such as national health care.
Useful Sites:
French
Immigration: Visa requirements
Schengen Visas
Office
de Migrations Internationales (OMI) (French)
