Employment in France for Ukrainians
Is a work visa required for short-term employment in France?
If a Ukrainian citizen plans to work officially in France for less than 90 days, in most cases they must obtain:
- a short-term Type C work visa;
- a temporary work permit (autorisation de travail).
Important: The employer is the one who initiates the process of obtaining a work permit in France. Without an official contract, it is practically impossible to obtain a permit.
Exceptions may apply to:
- individuals with temporary protection status in France;
- family members of foreigners who already hold certain types of French residence permits;
- certain categories of highly skilled workers.
How is a short-term work permit in France obtained?
For employment lasting up to 90 days, the French employer submits an application to the regional office of the French Ministry of Labor. Once approved, the documents are forwarded to the French consulate, where the employee applies for a visa.
For certain categories of workers, such as researchers, teachers, or academics, a special document—the convention d’accueil—approved by the French prefecture may be used.
What documents are typically required for a short-term work visa?
The list of documents may vary depending on the type of work, but the following are most commonly required:
- passport;
- visa application form;
- photographs;
- work permit;
- employment contract or invitation from the employer;
- proof of accommodation in France;
- health insurance;
- proof of financial means.
The French Consulate has the right to request additional documents or proof of qualifications.
For which jobs do Ukrainians most often travel to France for up to 90 days?
Short-term contracts in France are most commonly offered in the following sectors:
- seasonal agriculture;
- harvest work;
- the hotel and restaurant industry;
- logistics;
- construction;
- cleaning;
- food production.
In 2026, the most in-demand jobs among Ukrainians are:
- packers;
- warehouse workers;
- kitchen staff;
- housekeepers;
- general laborers;
- fruit and vegetable pickers.
What is important to check before leaving to work in France?
Before signing a contract, it is recommended to check:
1. Whether the employer is officially registered;
2. Whether the contract includes information about salary, schedule, and housing;
3. Whether a work permit is being processed;
4. Whether health insurance is provided;
5. Who covers housing and transportation costs.
Illegal work in France can result in fines, deportation, and a ban on re-entry into EU countries.
🇫🇷 Before moving to France, we recommend checking the current requirements regarding employment, visa types, and work permits. Visit Ukraine specialists will help you prepare documents, obtain health insurance, and provide legal support for legal employment in France.
How can Ukrainians legally work in France for more than 90 days?
For long-term employment in France, Ukrainian citizens must obtain:
- a long-term Type D work visa;
- a work permit;
- upon arrival — complete registration procedures in France.
In most cases, the employer submits the documents to the French labor authorities for approval of the foreign worker’s employment. After the contract is approved, the documents are forwarded to the OFII (French Office for Immigration and Integration), and the applicant submits the documents to the French consulate.
What documents are required for a long-term work visa to France?
The standard set of documents usually includes:
- long-term visa application form;
- passport;
- photographs;
- work permit;
- employment contract;
- resume (CV);
- proof of qualifications or work experience;
- internal passport;
- proof of residence;
- health insurance.
Civil status documents (marriage certificate, children’s birth certificates, etc.) often require:
- an apostille;
- an official translation into French;
- a translation by a certified translator.
Registration upon arrival in France
After entering France, the employee must complete the registration process with the OFII or another competent authority, depending on the type of permit.
In some cases, the following may be required:
- a medical examination;
- proof of residence;
- activation of the residence permit.
Failure to meet registration deadlines may affect the legality of your stay in France.
Passeport Talent — a permit for highly qualified professionals
France has a special Passeport Talent program for:
- IT professionals;
- engineers;
- researchers;
- managers;
- artists;
- investors;
- employees of international companies.
This type of permit allows you to:
- live and work in France for up to 4 years;
- bring family members;
- simplify the residence renewal process.
The Passeport Talent category is often used for highly qualified workers and EU Blue Card holders.
EU Blue Card in France
The EU Blue Card is a special permit for highly qualified foreign workers. To obtain it, you typically need:
- a college degree or significant professional experience;
- a contract for at least 12 months;
- a salary above the established French threshold.
The Blue Card grants the right to:
- work in France;
- bring your family;
- apply for long-term residence in the EU.
Permit for Seasonal Workers in France
For seasonal work lasting more than 3 months, a special seasonal residence permit may be issued.
This type of permit is most commonly used in:
- agriculture;
- winemaking;
- tourism;
- the hospitality sector.
Important: A seasonal permit has restrictions on the duration of stay and does not always grant the right to bring family members.
Family reunification in France
After a prolonged period of legal residence and work in France, a foreign worker may apply for family reunification.
To do so, it is usually necessary to provide proof of:
- stable income;
- official employment;
- sufficient living space;
- legal residency status in France.
Family members may need:
- marriage or birth certificates;
- apostille;
❗️ Ukrainians must have health insurance to obtain a work visa and legal residency in France. On Visit Ukraine, you can purchase an insurance policy online, as well as receive legal assistance regarding employment, document preparation, and relocation to France.
The European Commission has launched an online-based EU Talent Pool to help people fleeing Russia's invasion of Ukraine find jobs in the EU.
The pilot EU Talent Pool, available in English, Ukrainian and Russian, is being implemented through the EURES portal. It brings together public employment services, private employment agencies and employers from across the EU.
The site contains more than 3 million vacancies and 4000 employers, and new employers are invited to register on it.
The EU Talent Pool is open to all job seekers who enjoy temporary protection under the EU Temporary Protection Directive or adequate protection under national legislation that ensures their right to work.
How to apply?
- First, you need to register on the EURES portal.
- Once registered, the tool guides job seekers through a procedure where they can identify the skills they possess and upload their CV.
- The CVs published in the pilot EU Talent Pool will be available to public employment services in all participating countries, as well as to registered employers in all countries that are members of the European Network for the Cooperation of Employment Services (EURES). Job seekers can also browse all the vacancies published on the portal.
Who can start a business in France?
To start a business in France, you need to have a residence permit or be an EU citizen. You will also need a social security number and a French address. In addition, you must be at least 18 years old. Depending on your field of work, you may need a qualification or diploma that is recognized by the French authorities.
You should also seek professional advice from a French accountant or financial expert when you start your own business in France. The website of the French Ministry of Economy provides guidelines for foreigners wishing to start a business in France, with links to the relevant forms.
Registering your French business
Depending on the category of your business, your first step is to contact your CFE (registration center):
- The Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) - if you want to open a shop or commercial company without elements of craft, trade or artisanal production.
- Chambre de Métiers et de l'Artisanat (CMA) for artisans and craftsmen.
- Les Greffes des Tribunaux de Commerce for companies of regulated professionals.
- URSSAF for liberal professions and intellectual services, such as translators or website designers.
- The Chamber of Agriculture for agricultural professions.
By setting up your business through a CFE, you can get more personalized guidance and advice. However, another option is to go directly to the government website Formalités d'entreprises (Formalities for Business) to set up your business online.
Documents required to register your French business
The documents you need to register depend on the type of business you are setting up. You will definitely need the following documents:
- Proof of address (such as a utility bill or lease agreement)
- Valid proof of identity (valid passport, national identity card or residence card)
- Social security card
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You may also be asked to provide additional information:
- Articles of association covering the legal, tax and social regulations governing the structure of your business (this applies, for example, to companies established as EURL, SARL, SA or SAS, but not for auto-entrepreneurs or EIRL)
- Confirmation of the permit for the intended use of your future business premises
- Previous tax returns or other relevant financial documentation
- Completed application for registration
Business Visa
A business visa to France is a permit to enter France and stay here for up to 90 days for a six-month period if permitted. It allows its owner to engage in entrepreneurial activities, such as:
- Attend meetings or conferences.
- Conducting or attending training.
- Conducting internal audits.
- Installation of equipment or provision of other temporary services for the client or local branch.
Who needs a business visa to France?
Every citizen of a third country who has not yet reached a visa-free regime with Schengen states must apply for a visa to France for business purposes..
How to apply for a French business visa?
Applying for a business visa to France means performing several procedures that are somewhat different from those for applying for other French visas.
Although initially the process of applying for a short-term business visa in France may seem difficult, in particular, if you apply for the first time, if you pay attention, you will notice that it is not that difficult.
You just need to follow these procedures in the order given and make sure that the requirements meet the criteria set by the French authorities.
Below is an explanation of each step in the process of applying for a business visa to France:
1. Fill out the application form for obtaining a French business visa
To apply for a French visa for business purposes, you will need to complete two forms:
- Online form on the French visa portal.
- Schengen visa application form, which is the same for all entry purposes and all Schengen countries.
First, fill out the form on the French visa portal. Provide all the necessary information correctly, and at the end you will receive a list of documents necessary for applying. This includes a Schengen visa application form.
You can find this form on the French visa portal or ask the French Embassy in your country of residence to provide it to you. Fill out this form on your computer, print it out and sign it at the end.
2. Collect the necessary documents for obtaining a visa to France
Copy the list you will receive after filling out the online form on the French visa portal, and start collecting all these documents.
In addition to the usually required documents for a French visa, you will also need to collect some additional documents for a business visa, namely:
- Completed application form for a French business visa.
- Two passport-sized photos in accordance with Schengen requirements. They should be no more than three months old.
- Your valid passport. It must be valid for at least 3 months after the end of the planned stay in France. The passport must have at least two blank pages so that you can stick a visa sticker on it.
- Copies of old visas. If you have ever had a visa to any country in the world, submit copies of these visas.
- Travel medical insurance for the entire stay in France. It should cover not only France, but also the entire territory of the Schengen area with a minimum of 30,000 EUR.
- Full travel itinerary. A list of things you plan to do while in France, including information on how you plan to get to France. Add supporting documents as a flight, railway reservation or document on the booked organized tour (where transportation is included).
- Proof of financial means. The French authorities want to know how you will finance yourself during your stay in France.
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Therefore, as part of this requirement, you must provide the following documents relating to your situation:
- The last statements from the bank.
- An employment contract indicating your salary if you will work in France.
- Income from rented property.
- Retirement plan.
- A letter of declaration from the sponsor about the readiness to cover your expenses for the period of stay, accompanied by documents confirming the possession of the money of such a sponsor (for example, an extract from the bank for the last 3 months, etc.).
- Other documents confirming that you have the means to support yourself for the entire stay in France.
- Proof of stay in France. Another very important document that you need to provide is confirmation of where you will stay in France.
According to the purpose of your trip, you must submit at least one of the following:
- Reservation of hotels or hostels.
- Certificate of reception of "Attestation d'accueil" with the seal of the city hall (for private visits).
- The rental agreement is called "Bail de location" in France if you stay in a rented place.
- Certificate of criminal record in the country of origin – which indicates the lack of involvement in an open criminal case.
- Confirmation of payment of the visa fee.
- An invitation letter from the French company you will visit and their detailed address along with the dates of your visit.
- A certificate from your employer that indicates/allows your business trip with an accurate description of the activities, motives, duration and place of your meeting, seminar, or conference.
- Proof of the previous trading relationship between the two companies, if any.
- Statement from the company's bank for the last 6 months.
- As for the applicant's expenses during their stay in the Schengen area, the employer or partner company must indicate the coverage of the costs in the invitation letter.
- If necessary, entrance cards to fairs or congresses.
Find out where you need to apply
Please note that when you fill out the online form, you will also be asked to make an appointment with the relevant French authorities in your country of residence to apply for a visa.
This can be any of the following:
- Embassy or Consulate of France.
- A visa application center, which is responsible for accepting visas on behalf of the French authorities.
- One of the three authorities listed above is located in a neighboring country to which the French authorities have transferred visas for outsourcing.
Sign up for a meeting
Once you know where to apply, schedule a visa meeting with relevant authority. You usually have to make an appointment online on their website or via phone call.
Make sure that the application date you are booking is at least two weeks before your estimated date of your trip and up to three months at maximum.
Attend a visa interview
An interview to obtain a French business visa is mandatory for each applicant. The interview takes place on the same day you apply for a visa.
During the interview, the visa consul will ask you a few questions about your trip to France. You will also have to submit your documents to this person.
If this is your first time in five years travelling to Schengen country, you will also need to hand over your biometrics - face images and fingerprints - on the same day.
Pay the visa fee
On the day of admission, you must also pay the visa fee. The fee is necessary to cover the costs associated with the processing of your visa application.
When will I receive a response to my application?
As a rule, all French embassies are required to notify visa applicants wishing to travel to France for business purposes within two weeks of applying. In certain cases, this period may be extended for a few more days, and also if the authority responsible for processing your application receives too many applications at the same time.
How long can I stay in France with a business visa?
The longest you can stay in France is three months during six months. Please note that for how long you are allowed to stay in France depends on the French Embassy processing your visa.
This can last from two days to three months and every other period in between. You can also get a one-time or multiple-entry visa, allowing you to return to France more than once within the permitted number of days of stay.
All this information will be on your visa sticker.