Employee Residence Permit (Carte de Séjour Salarié)
Workers on an open-ended or 12-month-plus French employment contract with work authorisation.
The Employee Residence Permit (Carte de Séjour Salarié) is a French work & skilled visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (~€99 visa + €225 OFII/residence tax (employer pays a separate hiring tax)) and processing time (~2-8 weeks (after work-authorisation approval)), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the Employee Residence Permit (Carte de Séjour Salarié) is for
Workers on an open-ended or 12-month-plus French employment contract with work authorisation.
After 5 years' lawful residence you can apply for a 10-year resident card.
Employee Residence Permit (Carte de Séjour Salarié) - eligibility criteria
- Employment contract of 12 months or more (CDI or long CDD)
- Approved work authorisation from the labour authorities
- Salary at least equal to the minimum wage (SMIC)
- Job offer in France
- Valid passport and clean record
Employee Residence Permit (Carte de Séjour Salarié) cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the Employee Residence Permit (Carte de Séjour Salarié) (France) is ~€99 visa + €225 OFII/residence tax (employer pays a separate hiring tax), with an indicative processing time of ~2-8 weeks (after work-authorisation approval). Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at France-Visas.
| Type | Temporary |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | At a French consulate abroad (VLS-TS), then prefecture for renewal |
| Length of stay | Up to 1 year initially, renewable (multi-year on renewal) |
| Work rights | Employment with the authorised job/contract |
| Study rights | Permitted alongside work |
| Government fee | ~€99 visa + €225 OFII/residence tax (employer pays a separate hiring tax) |
| Processing time | ~2-8 weeks (after work-authorisation approval) |
| Route to PR | After 5 years' lawful residence you can apply for a 10-year resident card. |
Pathway & next steps
After 5 years' lawful residence you can apply for a 10-year resident card.
Many applicants also compare Travailleur Temporaire · Temporary Worker Permit (Travailleur Temporaire), Talent (Salarié Qualifié) · Passeport Talent - Qualified Employee (Master's or Young Graduate), ICT (Détaché) · Intra-Company Transfer Permit (Salarié Détaché ICT). Run a free VisaChief check to see which French route best fits your profile, then prepare an application reviewed by a registered migration agency in our partner network.
Common Employee Residence Permit (Carte de Séjour Salarié) pitfalls we fix
Employee Residence Permit (Carte de Séjour Salarié) - frequently asked questions
How much does the Employee Residence Permit (Carte de Séjour Salarié) cost?
The Employee Residence Permit (Carte de Séjour Salarié) government fee is ~€99 visa + €225 OFII/residence tax (employer pays a separate hiring tax). Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at France-Visas before applying.
How long does the Employee Residence Permit (Carte de Séjour Salarié) take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~2-8 weeks (after work-authorisation approval). Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the Employee Residence Permit (Carte de Séjour Salarié) lead to permanent residence?
After 5 years' lawful residence you can apply for a 10-year resident card.
Can I work on the Employee Residence Permit (Carte de Séjour Salarié)?
Work rights: Employment with the authorised job/contract.
Who can apply for the Employee Residence Permit (Carte de Séjour Salarié)?
Workers on an open-ended or 12-month-plus French employment contract with work authorisation.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official France government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, fees and processing times change - always confirm the current rules with the issuing authority before you apply:
- France-Visas - official France immigration authority