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VLS-TS — Salaried Employment Visa

Work PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa. Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

6-10 weeks

Application Fee

449 EUR

Stay Duration

1 year

Renewable

Yes

Job Offer

Required

Dependents

Allowed

PR Pathway

Available

Remote Work

Not Required

Apply Now Official Information

Living in France

Cost of Living

10% cheaper than United States

Avg Salary€28,800

Quality of Life

155/200

Full Country Guide

Overview

Long-stay visa for foreign nationals taking employment with a French employer. Employer must sponsor the application.

The French Salaried Employment Visa (VLS-TS salarié) is a long-stay work visa for foreign nationals hired under a CDI or CDD contract with a French employer. The employer must obtain labor authorization from DREETS/ANEF, and the offered salary must meet at least the SMIC threshold (EUR 21,876/year).

The visa covers stays up to one year tied to the contract, and is renewable as a multi-year residence permit. Holders can convert to permanent residency. Spouses accompanying on family reunification (after 18 months) receive work-authorized permits. Fees are EUR 99 for the visa plus EUR 350 for the residence permit.

This visa is ideal for qualified professionals with a confirmed French job offer whose employer is willing to navigate the labor authorization process.

Fee Breakdown

Visa application fee	99 EUR
Residence permit fee (timbre fiscal)	350 EUR

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

L. 426-1 — 10-Year Resident Card (Carte de résident)

France

L. 426-1 — 10-Year Resident Card (Carte de résident)

Validity10 years (renewable)

Processing2-4 months

View Visa Details

France

EU Long-Term Residence Permit

Validity10 years (renewable)

ProcessingUp to 4 months

View Visa Details

Requirements

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Valid job offer and signed employment contract (CDI or CDD) with a French employer

Work authorization approved by French labor authorities (DREETS/ANEF)

Salary meeting French legal standards (at least SMIC)

Relevant professional qualifications or experience for the role

KEY CRITERIA

Job Offer

Required

Min. Income

21,876 EUR/yr

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport

Employment contract

Employer sponsorship

Proof of qualifications

Medical certificate

Employment contract (sponsor)

Company information (sponsor)

Job description (sponsor)

Sponsorship letter (sponsor)

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Legal right to work for a specific employer in France
Access to French social security and healthcare
Pathway to long-term residency
Employer sponsorship facilitates the administrative process

Worth Knowing

Labor market test may be required (employer must prove no local candidate was available)
Visa is tied to the specific employer and role
Requires significant coordination with the employer
Renewal requires maintaining employment status

Application Process

Secure employment: Obtain job offer from French employer

Employer processes: French employer handles administrative procedures with authorities

Apply for visa: Submit application at French consulate

Provide documents: Include employment contract and employer sponsorship

Pay fee: EUR 99 visa fee

Await decision: 4-8 weeks processing

Validate visa: Online validation within 3 months of arrival

Apply for residence permit: Within 2 months of arrival, obtain multi-year work permit

Application Forms

Go to application portal

Long-Stay Employment Visa Application

—

Verified Claims (21)

Last verified May 31, 2026

Application Steps	Secure employment: Obtain job offer from French employer; Employer processes: French employer handle…	france-visas.gouv.fr
Dependent Visa	Allowed via family reunification after 18 months of residence	france-visas.gouv.fr
Fee Breakdown	Visa application fee: 99 EUR; Residence permit fee (timbre fiscal): 350 EUR	service-public.gouv.fr
Fees	EUR 99 (visa) + EUR 350 (residence permit)	france-visas.gouv.fr
Forms	Long-Stay Employment Visa Application	france-visas.gouv.fr
Included Nationalities	—	france-visas.gouv.fr
Job Offer Required	true	france-visas.gouv.fr
Application Portal	https://france-visas.gouv.fr/en/demande-de-visa	france-visas.gouv.fr

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Check Eligibility

Overview

Long-stay visa for foreign nationals taking employment with a French employer. Employer must sponsor the application.

This visa is ideal for qualified professionals with a confirmed French job offer whose employer is willing to navigate the labor authorization process.

Requirements

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Valid job offer and signed employment contract (CDI or CDD) with a French employer

Work authorization approved by French labor authorities (DREETS/ANEF)

Salary meeting French legal standards (at least SMIC)

Relevant professional qualifications or experience for the role

KEY CRITERIA

Job Offer

Required

Min. Income

21,876 EUR/yr

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport

Employment contract

Employer sponsorship

Proof of qualifications

Medical certificate

Employment contract (sponsor)

Company information (sponsor)

Job description (sponsor)

Sponsorship letter (sponsor)

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Legal right to work for a specific employer in France
Access to French social security and healthcare
Pathway to long-term residency
Employer sponsorship facilitates the administrative process

Worth Knowing

Labor market test may be required (employer must prove no local candidate was available)
Visa is tied to the specific employer and role
Requires significant coordination with the employer
Renewal requires maintaining employment status

Application Process