Work during your studies or research activities
Generally speaking, all foreign nationals must obtain a work permit in order to engage in any professional activity in France. It is important to be well informed of your rights before considering doing any work.
Nationals of European Union member states
Nationals of European Union and European Economic Area member states, Switzerland, Monaco, Andorra, San Marino and the Vatican can work freely in France without needing to apply for a work permit.Algerian nationals
Algerian nationals are subject to different legislation (the Franco-Algerian agreement of 27 December 1968), so the information in this section does not apply to them. For instance, students must always apply for a permit before being entitled to work.If in doubt, please contact ISSO.
Other nationalities
Students (or doctoral students without a doctoral contract)
The student long-stay visa or residence permit entitles you to work alongside your studies for up to 964 hours per year without needing to apply for a work permit.Your employer simply has to declare your recruitment to the prefecture at least two days before your contract begins.
Good to know
Internships that form part of your university studies are not considered as professional activities and hence do not impact the annual allowance of 964 hours.
Internships that form part of your university studies are not considered as professional activities and hence do not impact the annual allowance of 964 hours.
Doctoral students and researchers
The “Passeport Talent – Chercheur” long-stay visa or residence permit only entitles you to work within the framework of the hosting agreement (“Convention d'accueil”) signed between you and your host organization.If you change employers during your stay, even if your residence permit is still valid, you will have to obtain a new hosting agreement.
Researchers’ spouses
The “Passeport Talent - Famille accompagnante” long-stay visa or residence permit entitles you to engage in any type of professional activity, without needing to apply for a work permit.Students’ spouses
The "Visiteur" long-stay visa or residence permit does not entitle you to engage in a professional activity.Students or researchers looking for work
The “Recherche d’Emploi ou Création d’Entreprise” visa or residence permit entitles you to engage in any type of professional activity throughout its period of validity, without needing to apply for a work permit.Once you have found a job corresponding to your qualifications, you can start the formalities to switch to the appropriate status (e.g. researcher or salaried employee).
Updated on July 21, 2021
