Hiring workers in France? If your project lasts longer than 90 days and your contractors aren’t based there full-time, you’ll need to submit an application for a work permit. And unfortunately, visas aren’t known for being straightforward.
So how can you start the process? And why choose France as a project location in the first place? Let’s dive in.
Why choose France for International Projects?
France remains one of Europe’s most attractive destinations for contractors and skilled workers due to its strong labour protections, competitive benefits, and structured working conditions.
Beyond location, France offers a number of extremely attractive benefits to potential candidates, for example:
- Minimum wage is €1709.30/month
- 13th month bonus
- 35-hour working week
- 5 weeks’ holiday
- Sick pay offered through Social Security
- Mandatory health/death insurance
Additionally, their taxation system is particularly appealing.
- French income tax system: Very progressive, with high earners usually having to pay higher tax rates.
- Annual wealth tax on real estate valuation: This only pertains to the combined property assets of a household where the assets surpass €1,300,000. There’s a tax-free €800,000 allowance, with anything beyond this being charged between a 0.5-1.5% rate.
- French inheritance tax: This is charged to each beneficiary, though the rates and allowances vary depending on who the beneficiary is.
Which French work visa should you choose?
There are three main types of visas, each dependent on the specific working situation:
- Employee VLS-TS: This visa is valid for a year and suitable for employees who have a permanent contract, or one that lasts more than 12 months.
- Temporary VLS-TS: This visa is valid for one year and ideal for employees who have a fixed-term contract lasting 3-12 months.
- Talent Passport: This is a multi-year residence permit that’s valid for up to four years and suited to highly skilled workers who will enhance France’s economy. It also allows the worker to bring their spouse and young children with them.
What documents are required for French work permit?
You will need to provide various paperwork as part of your work permit application. Namely:
- A letter detailing the employee’s role, duties, and reasons for hiring them.
- An up-to-date excerpt of the commercial register for legal entities and sole proprietors; a craft licence; a tax notice (for private individuals only).
- Proof of the relationship between the company in France and the one abroad (only applicable for intra-company transfers).
- A copy of the employee’s passport or national identity document – and if they’re already resident in France, a copy of the residence permit authorising them to stay.
- The employee’s CV or other evidence that confirms their skills and experience.
- A copy of any qualifications/certificates needed for the role (if applicable).
- Substantiation that the worker meets specific regulatory conditions (if applicable).
- Evidence of efforts made to find a suitable candidate in the French labour market (only in cases where employment levels may provide grounds for rejection).
If you as an employer are established outside France, then the application will also need to include:
- A certificate of employment or initial employment contract, providing proof of at least three months’ service.
- A sworn declaration of application for registration with the French social security system, as well as with the relevant paid leave scheme (if applicable).
- A letter appointing an individual established in France to complete the necessary administrative formalities in the organisation’s name and on its behalf (if applicable).
Secure work visas with WRS
However, you spin it, visas take time and significant effort to arrange – thankfully, we have an experienced team on hand to take care of the process from start to finish.
From tax services to managed payroll, we’re fully registered to operate in France – and you can trust us to work efficiently, already paying hundreds of contractors in a range of currencies, with an online portal that makes timesheet submission and approval easy.
We work across construction, oil & gas, renewable energy and marine industry sectors and often have roles available in France. View our latest job vacancies.
Ready to mobilise your workforce? Speak to us today.
Conclusion
Hiring international workers in France requires careful planning, particularly for projects lasting more than 90 days. Employers must select the correct visa type, prepare supporting documentation, and comply with French labour and tax regulations.
Although the process can be complex, partnering with an experienced workforce solutions provider can help reduce delays, maintain compliance, and simplify contractor mobilisation.
Key Takeaways
- Contractors working in France for over 90 days usually require a work permit and visa
- France offers strong employee benefits including paid leave, healthcare, and regulated working hours
- The main visa options are Employee VLS-TS, Temporary VLS-TS, and Talent Passport
- Employers must provide detailed supporting documentation during the application process
- Overseas employers face additional compliance requirements
- Workforce partners like WRS can assist with visas, payroll, tax, and contractor management in France
Disclaimer: Worldwide Recruitment Solutions does not provide visa, immigration or taxation advice. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended and should not be relied upon for visa, immigration or taxation advice. You should consult with a qualified immigration professional or the official government website of the country you’re applying to for the most up-to-date and accurate information.
Frequently asked questions
Is it easy to get a work visa in Denmark?
Getting a work visa in Denmark can be straightforward if you already have a job offer from a Danish employer and meet the visa requirements. Denmark offers several work permit schemes for skilled professionals, particularly in industries experiencing labour shortages.
However, the process can take time and requires supporting documents such as a valid passport, employment contract, proof of qualifications, and salary details. Approval timelines vary depending on the visa type and applicant circumstances.
Highly skilled workers and professionals in sectors like engineering, renewable energy, IT, healthcare, and construction often have a smoother application process through schemes such as the Positive List or Pay Limit Scheme.
How much money is required for a Denmark work visa?
The amount required for a Denmark work visa depends on the visa type, application fees, and your financial situation. In most cases, applicants must show they can financially support themselves during their stay in Denmark.
Denmark Work Visa Costs (2026)
- Standard work permit application fee: approximately DKK 6,810
- Biometrics fee and additional processing costs may also apply
- Total application-related expenses can range between DKK 7,500 and DKK 10,000 depending on document translation, medical checks, and visa centre charges.
Proof of Funds Requirement
Applicants may also need to provide:
- Recent bank statements
- Proof of salary or employment contract
- Evidence they can cover living expenses in Denmark
Some sources suggest applicants should have at least DKK 17,400 available for short stays, though exact financial requirements vary by visa scheme and individual circumstances.
Salary Requirements for Skilled Worker Schemes
For schemes like Denmark’s Pay Limit Scheme, workers must meet a minimum annual salary threshold. In 2026, this is around DKK 552,000 per year.
About the Author
Apurva Agrawal is an SEO Specialist at Worldwide Recruitment Solutions (WRS), with three years of experience driving digital growth and visibility within the global recruitment sector.
This guide was developed in collaboration with and verified by Melissa Walsh, Marketing and Brand Manager at WRS, ensuring that all workforce data and service methodologies reflect WRS’s global standards and positioning.
