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Seasonal Worker Visa (Travailleur Saisonnier)
FranceFrance•Europe
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Seasonal Worker Visa (Travailleur Saisonnier)

Work

At a Glance

Processing Time

2–4 months

Estimated Cost

EUR €349

Stay Duration

6 months

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Not specified

PR Pathway

None

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

This visa is for non-EU nationals employed in seasonal industries (e.g., agriculture, tourism, hospitality) for a duration of more than three months.

The French Seasonal Worker Visa (Travailleur Saisonnier) is a long-stay visa for non-EU nationals hired in seasonal industries such as agriculture and tourism. The employer must first obtain a work authorization through French immigration authorities before the applicant can apply.

The visa allows up to 6 months of work in any 12-month period. Within two months of arrival, workers must apply at the prefecture for a multi-year residence permit valid up to 3 years. There is no path to permanent residency, and dependents cannot accompany the holder.

This visa is ideal for non-EU nationals with a confirmed seasonal job offer in France who want legal short-term work rights without intending to settle permanently.

France

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Cost Breakdown

Visa Application FeeEUR €99
First Residence Permit FeeEUR €150
Residence Permit Renewal FeeEUR €100
TotalEUR €349

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant6 months

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Valid job offer/employment contract (3–6 months)

Remuneration at or above the French minimum wage (SMIC)

Labor market check (unless the role is a shortage profession)

Commitment to maintain habitual residence outside France

KEY CRITERIA

Min. Income

21,876 EUR/yr

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport

Signed job offer/contract

Dematerialized work authorization (from OFII/DREETS)

Proof of accommodation

Proof of sufficient funds

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Legal employment in seasonal sectors
  • Renewable residence permit for up to 3 years

Worth Knowing

  • No path to permanent residency
  • Dependents cannot accompany the holder
  • Strict 6-month annual limit
  • Lack of employer-led work authorization
  • Inability to prove habitual residence outside France

Application Process

1

Employer obtains work authorization via the dedicated French immigration platform.

2

Applicant applies for a long-stay visa via France-Visas.

3

Attend appointment, provide biometrics, and pay fees.

4

Upon arrival, validate the visa/residence permit with the local prefecture.

Application Forms

Go to application portal
France-Visas Portal
Online visa application portal for France long-stay and national visas
Fill online
Administration des étrangers en France
Online platform for managing foreign nationals' residence permits and related procedures in France
Fill online

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