Section actions
Duration: DDETS application — up to 3 months; appeal in case of refusal — more months
Cost: Free authorization; taxes on employee title ~269 €
Possible online
Who this guide is for
Section actions
- You if a French company hires you and you are outside the EU
- You if you are an employer and want to hire a foreigner
- You if you are a student outside the EU and want to work (up to 964 hours/year)
To be prepared in advance
Section actions
- Passport and title/visa in progress
- Contract with employer (CERFA 15187) or form CERFA for introduction
- Evidence of qualification/experience (CV, diploma) if necessary
Step-by-step procedure
Section actions
- 1Check if you need permission. EU/Switzerland citizens do not need it. Non-EUs almost always need it, except: holders of a 'privacy and family' title, refugees, students (up to 964 h/year — 'automatic' authorisation under student status).
- 2For paid employment: the employer files the application for work authorization in DDETS (Foreign Labour Service) in the prefecture (introduction procedure to enter, procedure for changing status for those already in France).
- 3The DDETS investigates the file: compliance of the contract (salary at least SMIC, position not filled by a Frenchman via advertising France Travail, qualification). Decision within 3 months.
- 4In case of a favourable opinion: you get a VLS-TS visa (if you enter) or a residence permit with permission (if already in France). The employer files the Pre-Employment Declaration (PBAE).
- 5For students: no separate authorization — it is included in the title/student visa (right up to 964 hours/year). The employer simply files the EIPD and takes the account.
- 6For independent professions (self-entrepreneur, liberal): necessary authorization for certain types of title (trader, craftsman). Deposit via Single Window + Prefecture.
- 7Cost: the authorization itself is free, but the taxes on the salaried title are about 269 € (see the employee title guide).
- 8Refusal: possibility of appeal (hierarchical to the Minister, litigation at the administrative court) within 2 months.
Common mistakes
Section actions
- To believe that a student needs a separate permit — no, it is in student status.
- Accepting work without permission — illegal, risk to status.
- Do not appeal within 2 months in case of refusal — the right is lost.
- Employer: do not file EPD — contravention, fines.
- Consolidate authorization (right to work) and title (stay) — separate but linked documents.
Official sources
Section actions
Show sources in this section
Important remark
The conditions of authorisation change and depend on your type of title/visa. This information is indicative — for your situation, consult the DDETS or a lawyer.
Did this guide help you?
Thank you! Signal transmitted anonymously if the statistics are enabled.
Have you noticed a mistake?
The message opens in your email with the page, address and context. Vitalpes does not store the report on the site.
