Recruitment and Employment of Foreign Nationals in France
El Haitem ◆ Law — Supporting Employers at Every Stage
Work permit applications, employee visas, Talent Passport, change of status, intra-group mobility, and regularisation through employment : the firm secures every stage of the recruitment process and intervenes if administrative difficulties occur.
How to Hire a Foreign National as an Employee in France?
Recruiting a foreign employee in France involves specific administrative procedures. A well-prepared and properly anticipated application helps avoid refusals and delays.
El Haitem ◆ Law supports companies, associations, and international organisations at every stage. The firm works with a wide range of organisations - from large corporations to SMEs, startups, and non-profit entities.
Work Permit Applications (Autorisations de travail)
In most cases, hiring a foreign national requires a work permit issued by the French labour authorities (DREETS). The firm handles the entire process:
- Assessment of the position and the candidate's profile in light of DREETS criteria
- Preparation of the employer's application file and supporting documents
- Submission of the application and coordination with the DREETS
- Handling of additional requests and follow-ups in case of delays
We assist with standard employment contracts (permanent or fixed-term) as well as temporary secondments, international service provision, and short-term assignments.
Visas and Residence Permits for Your Employees
- Employee residence permit for permanent employment contracts
- Talent Passport — Qualified employee for highly skilled profiles
- Talent Passport — Employee on assignment for intra-group transfers
- EU Blue Card for highly qualified employees
- Temporary worker permit for short-term assignments or fixed-term contracts
- Change of status - student to employee, visitor to work-based residence permit, or other administrative transitions
The firm also monitors renewals to avoid any interruption of the employee’s rights and any legal risk for the employer.
Regularisation of Foreign Employees
Do you employ or intend to hire an individual in an irregular situation? French law allows, under certain conditions, for regularisation through employment.
- Assessment of the employee's eligibility (length of stay in France, duration of employment, shortage occupations)
- Preparation of the employer's application (CERFA forms, declarations, supporting documents) and the employee's file
- Submission of the application for exceptional admission to stay to the prefecture
- Follow-up of the procedure, responses to additional requests, and intervention in the event of refusal before the judicial court
In Case of Administrative Blockage
Lack of response from the prefecture, refusal of a work permit, inability to secure an appointment: these situations may jeopardise the continuity of the employee's work and expose the employer to legal risks.
The firm initiates the appropriate legal actions-formal notices, administrative appeals, emergency proceedings-to resolve the situation as efficiently as possible.
Recruiting a foreign national in France?
An initial consultation allows for the definition of a recruitment strategy tailored to your needs. The firm offers tailored fixed-fee packages for companies.