France Immigration 2025 | Single Permit, Professional Card, Visa
Immigrate to France to work or start a business. Single permit, professional card, EU Blue Card, D visa. Guide by region (Paris, Flanders, Wallonia).
In summary: France's immigration system distinguishes between EU/EEA citizens (free movement) and third-country nationals (permit required). The single permit procedure combines work and residence authorization in one application with a 120-day legal deadline. The professional card is required for non-EU self-employed individuals.
Professional Immigration to France
France, at the heart of Europe and home to numerous international institutions, attracts thousands of foreign professionals each year. The French immigration system distinguishes between EU/EEA citizens (free movement) and third-country nationals (permit required).
Since 2019, the single permit procedure simplifies the process by combining work authorization and residence permit. Competences are shared between the federal level (residence) and regions (work).
The Single Permit
The single permit is the main pathway for non-EU salaried workers. It combines work authorization (regional competence) and residence authorization (federal competence) in a single procedure.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Who can apply | French employer for a non-EU worker |
| Competent authority | Region (Paris/Flanders/Wallonia) + Immigration Office |
| Legal deadline | 120 days (4 months) maximum |
| Validity | Duration of contract, max. 1 year (renewable) |
| Required documents | Contract, diplomas, passport, criminal record, medical certificate |
The Professional Card
The professional card is mandatory for non-EU self-employed individuals wishing to exercise an activity in France (trader, liberal profession, active company manager).
Conditions for Obtaining
- Economic viability: Business plan demonstrating project profitability
- Benefit to France: Job creation, innovation, investment
- Qualifications: Diplomas or experience in the field
- Financial means: Sufficient capital to start the activity
- Good standing: Clean criminal record
Procedure by Region
| Region | Authority | Particularities |
|---|---|---|
| Paris | Paris Economy and Employment | Bilingual FR/NL, strict criteria |
| Flanders | VLAIO + Dienst Economische Migratie | Dutch required, focus on innovation |
| Wallonia | SPW Economy | French-speaking, support for reconversion zones |
The EU Blue Card
The EU Blue Card targets highly qualified workers. It offers significant advantages, including intra-EU mobility after 18 months.
Conditions 2025
- Diploma: Higher education of at least 3 years or 5 years equivalent experience
- Contract: Permanent or fixed-term of at least 1 year
- Minimum salary: ~€75,000 gross/year (or ~€58,000 for shortage professions)
- Timeline: Maximum 90 days
Immigration Procedure Step by Step
- 1 Work authorization application
The employer submits the application to the competent region
- 2 Transfer to Immigration Office
The region forwards the file for residence authorization
- 3 Single permit decision
Decision within 120 days - notification to worker
- 4 D visa application
At the French embassy/consulate in country of residence
- 5 Arrival and registration
Register with municipality within 8 days, obtain residence card
Family Reunification
Holders of a work permit or stable residence permit can bring certain family members:
- Spouse or legal cohabiting partner
- Minor children (under 18)
- Dependent parents (under strict conditions)
Financial Conditions
- Stable and regular income: minimum 120% of social integration income (~€1,900/month in 2025)
- Adequate housing (according to regional standards)
- Health insurance for family members
Work Permit Exemptions
Certain categories are exempt from work permits:
- EU/EEA and Swiss citizens
- Intra-group executives (ICT transfers)
- Researchers with hosting agreement
- Students (max. 20h/week during academic year)
- Accredited journalists
- Professional athletes and artists (short assignments)
Frequently Asked Questions
Since 2019, the single permit combines work and residence authorization. Other options include: EU Blue Card (highly skilled workers), professional card (self-employed), permit for posted workers, and exemptions for certain categories (intra-group transfers, researchers). EU/EEA citizens don't need a permit.
The professional card is required to exercise a self-employed activity in France as a non-EU national. Apply to the region (Paris Economy, VLAIO, or SPW Wallonia). Criteria: economic viability, benefit to France, qualifications. Timeline: 4 months. Cost: ~€140. Validity: 5 years renewable.
The single permit is a simplified procedure combining work authorization and residence permit in one application. The employer submits the application to the competent region, which forwards it to the Immigration Office. Legal deadline: 120 days (4 months). It covers non-EU salaried workers.
The process: 1) Employer obtains regional work authorization, 2) Immigration Office issues residence authorization, 3) Worker applies for D visa at the French embassy/consulate in their country of residence. After arrival: register with the municipality and obtain electronic residence card.
Blue Card conditions: higher education degree (min. 3 years) or 5 years equivalent professional experience, employment contract of at least 1 year, minimum gross annual salary (2025: around €58,000 for shortage professions, €75,000 for others). Advantages: intra-EU mobility after 18 months.
Indicative timelines: single permit (4 months legal, often 2-3 months), professional card (4 months), D visa after authorization (2-4 weeks), EU Blue Card (90 days), family reunification (9-12 months). Times vary by region and administrative workload.
Options: 1) Professional card if operating as sole proprietor or active manager, 2) Investor visa (no specific program, but valid reason), 3) Startup visa in certain regions. You must demonstrate economic viability and benefit to the French economy. Legal assistance recommended.
Yes, family reunification allows certain family members (spouse, minor children, sometimes parents) to join a foreigner established in France. Conditions: sufficient income (120% of integration income), adequate housing, health insurance. Timeline: 9-12 months. Apply at embassy or municipality if already in France.
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