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VLS-TS — Salaried Employment Visa
FranceFrance•Europe
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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

Estimated Cost

EUR €449

Stay Duration

1 year

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

Job offer required

Work

Remote not required

Apply Now Official Information
France flag

Living in France

Cost of Living
4% cheaper than United States
Avg Salary€31,000
Quality of Life
173/200
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.

France

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Cost Breakdown

Visa application feeEUR €99
Residence permit fee (timbre fiscal)EUR €350
TotalEUR €449

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

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

Validity10 years (renewable)
Processing2-4 months
View Visa Details
EU Long-Term Residence Permit
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EU Long-Term Residence Permit

Validity10 years (renewable)
Processing4 months
View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED 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

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

1

Secure employment

Obtain job offer from French employer

2

Employer processes

French employer handles administrative procedures with authorities

3

Apply for visa

Submit application at French consulate

4

Provide documents

Include employment contract and employer sponsorship

5

Pay fee

EUR 99 visa fee

6

Await decision

4-8 weeks processing

7

Validate visa

Online validation within 3 months of arrival

8

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—

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