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
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.
- ✓Employer obtains autorisation de travail from DREETS (includes labour-market test).
- ✓Role must be on the list of métiers en tension (shortage occupations) OR employer proves no local candidates available.
Common blockers
- !Employer fails the labour-market test — DREETS finds suitable local candidates.
- !Role is not on the shortage list and employer cannot justify the hire.
Typical evidence
- ·Employment contract.
- ·Work authorisation from DREETS.
- ·Passport and personal documents.
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.
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 2× SMIC salary and master's qualification, always choose the Talent Passport.
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.
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