Doing Business in France - RSM International

3.7.2 Working in France
In principle, a work permit is required to carry out a salaried professional activity in
France. Some residence permits allow residency in France and also act as work permits
(single residence/ work permit), e.g. “Expatriate Employee”, “Employee”, “Temporary
Worker”, “Scientific Activity”, “Student” and the “Skills and Expertise” residence permits.
3.7.2.1 The “Expatriate Employee” temporary residence permit
This is a new residence permit; it concerns employees that are seconded or expatriated
to France as part of an intra-company transfer. It is valid for 3 years.
3.7.2.2 The “Employee” temporary residence permit
This type of residence permit is geared towards foreign nationals that are employed in
companies in France, for a period of one year or more. It is valid for one year and can
be renewed.
3.7.2.3 The “Temporary Worker” residence permit
This type of residence permit is issued to employees admitted to France to work for
a period of less than one year. This especially applies to employees seconded by a
foreign company to provide a particular service.
3.7.2.4 The “Scientific Activity” temporary residence permit
This residence permit is issued to foreign nationals who are engaged in research
activities or teaching at a university level.
The permit is valid for one year, and can be renewed for a period of one year.
3.7.2.5 The “Student” temporary residence permit
This type of permit is issued to foreign nationals studying in France who are financially
self-sufficient.
This type of residence permit is valid for one year.
3.7.2.6 The “Skills and Expertise” residence permit
This is a new multi-year residence permit (3 years). It can be issued to any foreign
national whose skills and expertise contribute in a significant and lasting way to the
economic development or intellectual, scientific, cultural, humanitarian or sporting
progress of France.
20 | DOING BUSINESS IN FRANCE