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VLS-TS — Salaried Employment Visa
VisasFranceVLS-TS — Salaried Employment Visa
FranceFrance•Europe
Open

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

Varies by filing options

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

Curious about life in France?

Discover cost of living, salary benchmarks, tax rates, and quality of life — everything you need to know before you make the move.

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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)
France flagFrance

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

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

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—

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
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

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