French Republic · work sponsored · Leads to settlement
Long-Stay Visa — Salaried Worker (VLS-TS Salarié)
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
Standard work visa for non-EU nationals with a French employment contract who do not meet Talent Passport criteria — requires a full labour-market test.
- Processing time
- 4–12 weeks (labour-market test adds time).
- Government fees
- Visa fee €99; employer tax ~55% of monthly salary (OFII); residence permit tax €225.
- Typical duration
- 1 year; renewable.
- Sponsorship required
- Yes
- Leads to permanent residency
- Yes
In short
As of 1 August 2026, the Long-Stay Visa — Salaried Worker (VLS-TS Salarié) for French Republic is a sponsor-led France immigration route. Sources: official French Republic government pages, reviewed 1 August 2026.
Cite this: https://visaatlas.org/visas/france/vls-ts-salaried#answer
What is the Long-Stay Visa — Salaried Worker (VLS-TS Salarié) in French Republic?
Long-Stay Visa — Salaried Worker (VLS-TS Salarié) is a sponsor-led France route. Indicative government fees are Visa fee €99; employer tax ~55% of monthly salary (OFII); residence permit tax €225; indicative processing time is 4–12 weeks (labour-market test adds time); typical duration is 1 year; renewable. This route can lead to permanent residence.
Verified against DGEF on 18 April 2026.
Overview
The standard salaried-worker VLS-TS is for foreign nationals who do not meet the Talent Passport salary or qualification thresholds. The employer must obtain a work authorisation (autorisation de travail) from the DREETS, which involves a labour-market test demonstrating that no suitable local candidate is available. The visa is typically issued for 1 year, renewable as a carte de séjour "salarié".
Guidance by nationality
Specific information for applicants from these countries. Don’t see yours? The general eligibility criteria above apply to everyone.
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓Employment contract with a French employer.DGEF / Ministère de l'Intérieur (Service-Public.fr) ↗
- ✓Employer obtains autorisation de travail from DREETS (includes labour-market test).DGEF / Ministère de l'Intérieur (Service-Public.fr) ↗
- ✓Role must be on the list of métiers en tension (shortage occupations) OR employer proves no local candidates available.Légifrance (French statute portal) ↗
Common blockers
- !Employer fails the labour-market test — DREETS finds suitable local candidates.DGEF / Ministère de l'Intérieur (Service-Public.fr) ↗
- !Role is not on the shortage list and employer cannot justify the hire.Légifrance (French statute portal) ↗
Typical evidence
- ·Employment contract.DGEF / Ministère de l'Intérieur (Service-Public.fr) ↗
- ·Work authorisation from DREETS.DGEF / Ministère de l'Intérieur (Service-Public.fr) ↗
- ·Passport and personal documents.DGEF / Ministère de l'Intérieur (Service-Public.fr) ↗
Application pathway
Employer obtains work authorisation
The employer applies to DREETS for authorisation de travail, which includes a labour-market test unless the role is on the shortage list.
Apply for VLS-TS at consulate
Apply for a long-stay visa annotated "Salarié".
Validate visa and begin work
Validate via ANEF within 3 months. Renew annually at the préfecture.
After approval: prepare for your next step
For Long-Stay Visa — Salaried Worker (VLS-TS Salarié), use the actual decision and the issuing authority’s instructions to establish what has been granted. A successful application, permission to enter, permission to work and a residence document are not interchangeable.
- 1. Check the decision. Confirm the name, passport, status granted, start date and any next action. Resolve an error with the authority before relying on the document for travel or employment.
- 2. Establish the travel step. Read any entry window, activation, collection or in-country registration instruction. For an extension or change of status, do not assume leaving the country is required or safe while a further step remains pending.
- 3. Confirm what you may do. Agree the lawful start date and onboarding with the employer or sponsor. Check whether the permission names an employer, role or activity before changing the arrangement.
- 4. Organise the household. Check each accompanying person’s permission separately, then arrange healthcare, accommodation, access to money and the relevant local registrations. A tax number or bank account does not by itself prove a right to work.
- 5. Keep the ongoing conditions visible. Record the actual expiry, renewal process, permitted absences and any duty to report changes. An initial grant does not automatically establish permanent residence or citizenship.
Plan the practical side of your stay
Once you have checked the official route, you can prepare for day-to-day life in France. These optional services are separate from the application and do not establish visa eligibility.
Official application links
Where to actually go next
These are the official pages to use for this route. Open them before preparing documents: the forms, fees, appointment systems, and sponsor steps can change without warning.
- ApplyEmployerRequest work authorisation ↗
Employer submits the online work-authorisation request required before the worker files for the visa.
Service-Public.fr / Ministry of the Interior · verified
- ApplyApplicantStart the France-Visas application ↗
Applicant completes the official long-stay salaried-worker visa application after employer authorisation.
France-Visas · verified
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Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between VLS-TS Salarié and Talent Passport?+
The VLS-TS Salarié requires a full labour-market test, is issued for 1 year (not 4), and does not give your spouse automatic work rights. The Talent Passport skips the labour-market test entirely, lasts up to 4 years, and gives your spouse full work rights. If you meet the current Talent Passport salary and qualification criteria, always compare that route before using the standard salarié permit.
What are the métiers en tension (shortage occupations)?+
France publishes a list of métiers en tension (shortage occupations) by region. If your role is on this list, the labour-market test is simplified — the employer does not need to prove that no suitable local candidate exists. The list includes occupations in healthcare, IT, construction, hospitality, and manufacturing, though it varies by region. Verify the current list on travail-emploi.gouv.fr.
What work visa can I get for France if my salary is below the Talent Passport threshold?+
You can use the standard salaried-worker visa (VLS-TS Salarié), which is for foreign nationals who do not meet the Talent Passport salary or qualification thresholds. The employer must first obtain a work authorisation from DREETS that includes a labour-market test, and the visa is typically issued for 1 year.
Are there extra employer costs on the standard French salaried work visa?+
Yes. In addition to the €99 visa fee and €225 residence permit tax, the standard salaried route carries an employer tax to OFII of roughly 55% of one month's salary. Verify current amounts on the official source.
Need tailored advice?
We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.
Find a regulated advisor in FranceHow we verified this
We check every figure on this page against the primary government source, record the date it was last checked, and re-check it on a regular schedule. Rules change, so always confirm time-sensitive details with the official source before you rely on them. Visa Atlas is an information-only publication and does not give legal advice.
Primary source: DGEF
Last checked: 18 April 2026