Professional immigration: the role and benefits of a specialized law firm

How to immigrate to France for work purposes

Who is concerned by professional immigration?

• Skilled and highly-skilled workers such as engineers, researchers and senior executives,
• self-employed professionals such as lawyers, doctors, artists or consultants
• entrepreneurs and investors wishing to set up or expand a business in France,
• employees on intra-group transfers, sent by their company to work temporarily in a French subsidiary,
• seasonal workers,
• internship students.

What are the steps in the professional immigration procedure?

1. The first step is to check the eligibility criteria based on professional status and current regulations.
2. Next, you need to apply for a work permit for foreigners, an essential document for employment in France.
3. Once this authorization has been obtained, the applicant must apply to the relevant prefecture for a professional immigration residence permit.
4. Once the residence permit has been obtained, a declaration to the authorities is required.
5. Finally, settling in and integrating into the professional and social environment often requires support.

What documents are required?

The documents to be provided vary according to the type of residence applied for, but generally include a valid passport, a work contract or employment certificate, proof of address, health insurance and a CERFA form for the work permit application. Each residence permit requires different documents, which our lawyers can define for you.

Work permits and residence permits: what you need to know

Difference between work permit and residence permit

• The work permit (or work authorization) is an electronic or physical document that authorizes a foreigner to work in France for a specific function, duration and employer. Some work permits can be directly integrated with a residence permit (e.g. Passeport Talent). In many countries, you need to obtain both a residence permit and a work permit before you can start working.
• The titre de séjour (residence permit) issued by French prefectures is a sticker affixed to a passport or physical card. It entitles the holder to reside legally in France for a specified period. Some residence permits allow you to work (e.g. Passeport Talent for specific professions). The procedures for obtaining this document differ depending on whether you are already in France or abroad.

The different types of “professional” residence permits

Foreign workers can obtain different types of residence permits depending on their situation.

• The “salaried employee” residence permit is intended for workers with permanent jobs in France.
• The “temporary worker” residence permit is issued for fixed-term contracts, renewable under certain conditions.
• For seasonal work not exceeding a cumulative duration of 6 months per year, the Seasonal Worker residence permit is more appropriate. Valid for a maximum of 3 years, it is renewable.
• The Talent Passport (multi-annual residence permit) is aimed at highly qualified individuals wishing to work in France for more than 3 months, as well as recognized researchers and artists. It entitles the holder to stay for 4 years from the date of issue. No need to apply for a work permit.
• Entrepreneurs can apply for an “entrepreneur/profession libérale” residence permit to run or set up a business.
• If you are sent on assignment to a company in the same group as your employer, you can apply for an “ICT seconded employee” residence permit.
• For students, there are different residence permits, depending on whether you are coming to France to study, do an internship, work as an au pair or set up a business after studying.

Impact of law no. 2024-42 on professional immigration

Law no. 2024-42 of January 26, 2024 introduced significant measures for foreign workers. In particular, it facilitates the regularization of undocumented workers in high-voltage occupations (sectors experiencing labor shortages). Such regularization is possible under certain conditions, such as minimum professional experience and length of residence in France. The law also strengthens integration requirements, emphasizing mastery of the French language and knowledge of the values of the Republic. These provisions aim to provide a better framework for professional immigration, while meeting the needs of the French labor market.

What are the risks of illegal employment?

• If the employer hires an employee illegally, he or she is liable to a criminal fine of between €15,000 and €75,000, 1 year’s imprisonment and an administrative fine of €3,000, depending on the situation.
• On the employee’s side, he or she risks expulsion from the country without recourse, a re-entry ban, and the loss of all social rights. This situation makes them particularly vulnerable and deprives them of any legal protection.

That’s why it’s highly advisable to be accompanied by a law firm with expertise in professional immigration.

The role of a professional immigration law firm

A professional immigration firm plays an essential role in assisting foreign workers. In a context where procedures are often lengthy and uncertain (especially with dematerialization on the ANEF platform), calling on the services of a lawyer is all the more useful. He or she can provide legal expertise on immigration law for the workplace, help you put together your file and intervene if your residence permit is refused.

Why use a law firm specializing in professional immigration?

The benefits of customized support

A law firm, expert in professional immigration, secures the procedure by making sure that all conditions are met and that deadlines are respected. It adapts to each prefecture, which works differently (dematerialized or by appointment). It reduces the risk of refusal by optimizing the file, and provides personalized advice for each specific situation.

In addition, as a result of the dematerialization of applications (ANEF and simplified procedures), there are frequent bugs (grayed-out reasons, inability to submit files), and lack of response from prefectures despite reminders. This leads many applicants to take their case to the administrative court.

Goldwin Partners: your partner for a successful expatriation

Goldwin Partners, a law firm with expertise in professional immigration, puts its knowledge at the service of both companies and foreign workers. Whether it’s for economic immigration, professional transfer or naturalization, we’re with you every step of the way.

Conclusion

As you can imagine, professional immigration to France can be a real obstacle course, but with the expertise of a professional immigration firm like Goldwin Partners, the process becomes much more accessible. We are here to guide you step by step through the administrative process, and to ensure your transition is a success. We can assist you from A to Z, or on a case-by-case basis.

If you have any questions or require assistance, please contact us on 01 86 70 83 00.