Employment and Residency in France

Work after Graduation

To stay in France after graduation, international students must obtain either a job offer or a labor contract with a salary of at least 1.5 times the French minimum wage (approximately €2,281.82/month, as of 2019).

If you do not yet have a job offer, non-EU international graduates may apply for a Temporary Residence Permit (APS) while searching for employment in France. APS is valid for 12 months and it cannot be renewed. To be eligible for APS, students must hold a Professional Bachelor’s degree, a Master’s degree, or have a start-up project.

During this temporary stay, if you find a job or create a company, you may apply for a new residence permit. Two situations may occur:

a. If you have found employment

• If you sign a long-term contract (CDI) or a fixed-term contract (CDD) with a salary of at least 1.5 times the minimum wage (approx. €2,281.82/month in 2019), you may apply for: A temporary residence permit (“salarié” or “travailleur temporaire”) – employment market conditions in France will not hinder your application, a multi-year residence permit, or a “Passeport Talent – Researcher” permit if you are involved in a research activity
• For “salarié” or “travailleur temporaire” permits, your employment contract must be validated by DIRECCTE (Direction régionale des Entreprises, de la Concurrence, de la Consommation, du Travail et de l’Emploi). Validation by DIRECCTE is not required for the multi-year “Passeport Talent – Researcher” permit.
• If you sign a contract with an annual salary above €36,509.20, you may apply for a multi-year “Passeport Talent” permit, under the categories “Highly Skilled Employee (salarié qualifié)” or “Innovative Enterprise (entreprise innovante)”.

b. If you have created your own company

If you establish a business or develop a non-income-generating activity that you can demonstrate to be viable, you may apply for: A temporary residence permit (“entrepreneur / profession libérale”), or a multi-year residence permit (“Passeport Talent – Business Creation”).

Apply for Permanent Residency

There are several pathways to obtaining long-term residency, but the conditions are generally strict. However, graduates of French programs who are capable and motivated can successfully remain in France or the EU for long-term employment and settlement.

For skilled migration routes, applicants typically must prove: Relevant degrees, professional competence and valid job offer from at least one employer. Students are encouraged to read the detailed requirements on official French government websites: www.service-public.fr and immigration.interieur.gouv.fr 

References:

• Job-search experiences in France
• Starting a business in France
• Job-search / business creation residence permit

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