Documents required to stay (and work) in France

Entry and residence of EU Nationals

British citizens intending to live in France should have a valid passport (only nationals from Belgium, Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands can seek employment upon production of their national Identity Card). As for other EU nationals, a work permit or a visa is no longer necessary. However, please note that British citizens native of the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man are not regarded as EU citizens

.According to EU law, EU nationals have up to 3 months to apply for a "Carte de séjour de ressortissant de l’Union Européenne" (EU resident permit) at the "Préfecture" or "Commissariat de Police" (Police Station) of your place of residence. The "Carte de séjour" will be granted upon production of:

 A valid passport A birth certificates or a marriage certificate, and proof of accommodation) Proof that you pay contributions to the French Social Security scheme 3 passport photographs A contract of employment or the necessary authorisations from the Chamber of Commerce in case of self-employment Or if you are retired a proof that you receive a state pension (from France or your home country) Or if you are student, a proof that you have registered with a French University
 Or if you are married to a French National, a copy of your marriage certificate

If you are staying for a limited duration, a resident permit will be issued for this period of time, after which your situation will be re-examined.

If you are planning to stay on a permanent basis, a resident permit will be issued for 5 years. After these 5 years, your permit can be renewed for 10 more years if you are still employed on permanent basis.

Please note that the right of residence - granted with the resident permit - can be extended to the permit holder’s spouse; dependant descendants under 21, dependants ascendants and spouse’s ascendants.

Entry and Residence of non EU Nationals

Non EU Nationals are not allowed to take up employment in France, even temporary, paid or unpaid, unless they have obtained an "Autorisation de Travail" (work permit) before arriving in France. The prospective employer should apply for this permit to the:
Office des Migrations Internationales
14, rue Brague 75015 Paris
Tel: 0033 1 53 69 53 70

Long-Stay Visa Section
The French Consulate General
contact.edimbourg-fslt diplomatie.gouv.fr