France job-search or business-creation residence permit

Non-European graduates with a qualifying French qualification, and eligible holders of a talent–researcher residence card who have completed their research.

• Be a non-European national

  The guidance addresses foreigners who are not European.

  Sources disagreeSource

• Hold a qualifying French diploma

  For the graduate route, the guidance lists a French licence professionnelle, a Mastère Spécialisé, a Conférence des grandes écoles-labelled Master of Science, or another diploma at least equivalent to a master's degree. France-Visas describes the visa for graduates abroad as requiring at least a master's-level qualification from an eligible institution.

  Sources disagreeSource

• Seek related work or create a business

  The one-year permission is for seeking employment or creating a business linked to the applicant's studies or research.

  Sources disagreeSource

• Hold student status if applying in FranceSometimes needed

  A graduate applying while resident in France must hold a student or student–mobility programme residence card and have obtained the qualifying diploma within the previous 12 months.

  Sources disagreeSource

• Apply within four years if abroadSometimes needed

  A graduate who left France after their studies must apply no more than four years after obtaining the diploma.

  Sources disagreeSource

• Complete research if applying as a researcherSometimes needed

  The researcher residence-card route requires a multi-year talent–researcher residence card and completed research work.

  Sources disagreeSource

• Meet the conditions for salaried workSometimes needed

  If working as an employee during the permit's validity, the job must be linked to the applicant's studies or research and pay more than €2,800.53 gross per month. An employer does not need to request a work authorisation.

  Sources disagreeSource

• Long-stay visa application, standard fee for applicants abroadSources disagreeSource€99 per person
• VLS-TS validation tax after arrivalSources disagreeSource€100 per person
• Residence-card fee for applications made in FranceSources disagreeSource€150 per person
• Decision timeFrance-Visas says visa decisions generally take 15 days and may take up to 45 days in particular cases. These are general visa decision times, not a route-specific guarantee; processing varies by nationality, purpose and local conditions.2 weeks to 6 weeks

1. Get ready

   • Check which route applies

     If you left France after graduating, check the four-year deadline for the VLS-TS; if you still hold an eligible residence card in France, follow the residence-card procedure instead.

     You’ll need: French diploma, Current residence card, if applying in France

   • Check the visa document list

     Use the France-Visas assistant to identify the documents required for your situation.

     You’ll need: France-Visas document list

   • Prepare your visa file

     Prepare a travel document meeting France-Visas's validity conditions, two recent identity photos and the supporting documents identified for your application.

     You’ll need: Travel document and copy, Two recent identity photos, Required supporting documents

2. Apply

   • Complete the visa application online

     Apply for the VLS-TS marked « recherche d'emploi/création d'entreprise » through the France-Visas process.

     You’ll need: Completed visa application

   • Attend your visa appointment

     Submit your complete file to the visa service, pay the applicable visa fee and provide biometrics when required.

     You’ll need: Visa application form, Application receipt, Supporting documents, Passport

3. Visa

   • Collect your passport and visa

     Follow your application through the visa centre and collect your passport when notified.

     You’ll need: Passport

4. Travel

   • Travel to France with your visa

     When you arrive

     Travel with your passport bearing the issued long-stay visa.

     You’ll need: Passport bearing the visa

5. Settle in

   • Validate your VLS-TS

     Validate it online within three months of arrival and pay the €100 tax.

     You’ll need: Visa details, Date of entry, Address in France, Payment method

   • Apply for a professional residence card if eligible

     If you find qualifying work or create a business, check which professional residence card you can request when the one-year permission ends; this permission cannot be renewed.

     You’ll need: Evidence of employment or business creation

If you find a job or create a business, you may apply for an appropriate professional residence card before this one-year, non-renewable permission ends.

• Carte de séjour ou VLS-TS - Recherche d'emploi/création d'entreprise | Service Publicservice-public.frOfficial
• La démarche d'obtention de visa - France-Visasfrance-visas.gouv.frOfficial
• france-visas.gouv.fr/web/france-visas/faqOfficial
• france-visas.gouv.fr/en/recherche-d-emploi-creation-d-entrepriseOfficial
• france-visas.gouv.fr/documents/d/france-visas/frais-de-visa-francaisOfficial

Japper is an AI immigration assistant. It gives general information from official sources, not legal advice, and it can be wrong. For your own case, ask a licensed advisor.