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Foreigner employee: how are work authorizations issued?

Verified 01 May 2023 - Legal and Administrative Information Directorate (Prime Minister)

When a foreigner applies for a work permit, it is granted if the application complies with the conditions cumulative related to proposed employment, employer, occupation and remuneration.

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General case

Work authorization shall be granted where the application fulfills one of the following conditions:

  • The job offer was published for 3 weeks with organizations involved in the public employment service (e.g. Pôle emploi) and no valid applications were received

Foreigner with a "student" or "student mobility program" residence card

Work authorization shall be granted where the application fulfills one of the following conditions:

  • The job offer was published for 3 weeks with organizations involved in the public employment service (e.g. Pôle emploi) and no valid applications were received

In addition, if the foreigner has completed its course in France, the job offered must correspond with the diplomas and experience acquired in France or abroad.

Foreigner with a "job search / company creation" card

Work authorization shall be granted where the application fulfills the following conditions:

  • The foreigner submits an employment contract in connection with its training or research
  • His remuneration shall be at least equal to €2,620.80

If these conditions are not met, work authorization may also be granted if:

  • The job offer was published for 3 weeks with organizations involved in the public employment service (e.g. Pôle emploi) and no valid applications were received

Foreigner student with a degree equivalent to the Master's degree

Work authorization shall be granted where the application fulfills the following conditions:

  • The student must prove an employment contract in connection with his training
  • His remuneration shall be at least equal to €2,620.80

If these conditions are not met, work authorization may also be granted if:

  • The job offer was published for 3 weeks with organizations involved in the public employment service (e.g. Pôle emploi) and no valid applications were received

The work permit is granted when the application fulfills the following 2 conditions:

  • The employer is up to date with his social statements
  • He was not convicted of illegal work

The administration must not have found any serious breach of general health and safety requirements in the company.

No administrative penalty in respect of the posting of employees or illegal work must have been imposed on him.

When the profession is regulated, the work permit is granted when the statutory conditions of employment are complied with by the employer or by the employee.

Remuneration may not be less than Smic: titleContent or at the salary provided for in collective agreement applicable to the company, if that remuneration is higher than the Smic: titleContent.

Who can help me?

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  • Telephone administrative information - Allo Public Service

    The informants who answer you belong to the ministry responsible for labor.

    Cost: free service

    Attention: the service does not respond questions relating to unemployment compensation and representations to Pôle emploi, civil servants or public service contractors, the amount or payment of social, wage or employer contributions.

    The service is available at the following times:

    • Monday: 8.30am to 5.30pm
    • Tuesday: 8:30 to 12:15
    • Wednesday: 8:30 to 12:15
    • Thursday: 8.30am to 5.30pm
    • Friday: 1 p.m. to 4:15 p.m