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L. 421-3 — Temporary Worker Residence Permit (Carte de séjour travailleur temporaire)
FranceFrance•Europe
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L. 421-3 — Temporary Worker Residence Permit (Carte de séjour travailleur temporaire)

Work

At a Glance

Processing Time

1-3 months

Estimated Cost

EUR €449

Stay Duration

Up to 1 year

Not renewable

Renewal

Not renewable

Family

Not specified

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

Job offer required

Work

Remote not required

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

Fixed-term work and residence permit for foreign nationals with a French CDD contract, matching contract duration up to 12 months and renewable up to 3 times.

The Temporary Worker Residence Permit (carte de séjour travailleur temporaire) lets foreign nationals work in France under a fixed-term contract (CDD). It covers a broad range of professions and requires prior work authorization from French labor authorities (DREETS) confirming no adverse impact on the local workforce.

The permit matches the duration of the employment contract, up to 12 months, and is renewable. Total fees are €350 (€300 tax + €50 stamp duty) plus the €99 long-stay visa fee. Work authorization is restricted to the specific employer and contract; the permit cannot be renewed more than 3 consecutive times.

This visa is ideal for foreign workers with a French fixed-term job offer who need legal work and residence status for a time-limited project or assignment.

France

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Cost Breakdown

Tax (Taxe de séjour)EUR €300
Stamp duty (Droit de timbre)EUR €50
Long-stay visa fee (Visa de long séjour)EUR €99
TotalEUR €449

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

VLS-TS — Salaried Employment Visa
France flagFrance

VLS-TS — Salaried Employment Visa

Validity1 year
Processing6-10 weeks
View Visa Details
Talent Passport
France flagFrance

Talent Passport

Validity4 years
Processing2 weeks – 2 months
View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Valid employment contract for a fixed-term position

Work authorization approved by the French labor authorities (DIRECCTE)

Valid passport

Proof of entry into France (if applying from within)

Proof of residence in France

KEY CRITERIA

Min. Income

22,404 EUR/yr

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport.

Work authorization approved by the French Ministry of Interior.

Employment contract (CDD).

Proof of residence in France.

Recent passport photos.

Proof of payment of taxes (€350 total: €300 tax + €50 stamp duty).

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Allows legal employment in France for fixed-term roles
  • Provides a pathway to potential status changes or long-term residency
  • Grants legal residence status in the Schengen area

Worth Knowing

  • Work authorization is tied to a specific employer and contract
  • Cannot be consecutively renewed more than 3 times
  • Requires significant administrative coordination between the employer and the applicant

Application Process

1

Employer applies for work authorization in France

2

Applicant applies for a long-stay visa (VLS-TS) at the French consulate in their home country

3

Applicant enters France and validates the VLS-TS online within 3 months

4

Applicant applies for the residence permit at the local prefecture before the visa expires

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