Seasonal Worker Permit (Travailleur Saisonnier)
Workers doing seasonal jobs (e.g. agriculture, tourism) for part of each year.
The Seasonal Worker Permit (Travailleur Saisonnier) is a French work & skilled visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (~€99 visa + residence-permit tax) and processing time (~2-8 weeks (after work-authorisation approval)), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the Seasonal Worker Permit (Travailleur Saisonnier) is for
Workers doing seasonal jobs (e.g. agriculture, tourism) for part of each year.
No direct PR path; holder must maintain a residence abroad.
Seasonal Worker Permit (Travailleur Saisonnier) - eligibility criteria
- Seasonal employment contract approved by the labour authorities
- Commitment to keep a habitual residence outside France
- Salary at least equal to the minimum wage
- Work limited to 6 months in any year
- Valid passport and clean record
Seasonal Worker Permit (Travailleur Saisonnier) cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the Seasonal Worker Permit (Travailleur Saisonnier) (France) is ~€99 visa + residence-permit 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, then multi-year card from prefecture |
| Length of stay | Up to 6 months per year, card valid up to 3 years |
| Work rights | Seasonal employment only, max 6 months/year |
| Study rights | Not the primary purpose |
| Government fee | ~€99 visa + residence-permit tax |
| Processing time | ~2-8 weeks (after work-authorisation approval) |
| Route to PR | No direct PR path; holder must maintain a residence abroad. |
Pathway & next steps
No direct PR path; holder must maintain a residence abroad.
Many applicants also compare Travailleur Temporaire · Temporary Worker Permit (Travailleur Temporaire), Salarié · Employee Residence Permit (Carte de Séjour Salarié), WHV (PVT) · Working Holiday Visa (Programme Vacances-Travail). 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 Seasonal Worker Permit (Travailleur Saisonnier) pitfalls we fix
Seasonal Worker Permit (Travailleur Saisonnier) - frequently asked questions
How much does the Seasonal Worker Permit (Travailleur Saisonnier) cost?
The Seasonal Worker Permit (Travailleur Saisonnier) government fee is ~€99 visa + residence-permit tax. Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at France-Visas before applying.
How long does the Seasonal Worker Permit (Travailleur Saisonnier) 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 Seasonal Worker Permit (Travailleur Saisonnier) lead to permanent residence?
No direct PR path; holder must maintain a residence abroad.
Can I work on the Seasonal Worker Permit (Travailleur Saisonnier)?
Work rights: Seasonal employment only, max 6 months/year.
Who can apply for the Seasonal Worker Permit (Travailleur Saisonnier)?
Workers doing seasonal jobs (e.g. agriculture, tourism) for part of each year.
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