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FRANCE: November 2016 Changes for Work and Residence Permits
April 28, 2016
Amendments to French work and residence permits are expected to be announced by the immigration authorities in France which is likely to affect foreign nationals, dependents and some employers. Details of the law changes should be confirmed in November 2016.
A summary of the proposed changes are as follows:
Intra-Company Transfer (ICT)
The ICT category is expected to be streamlined and split into three different sub-categories for assignees on a foreign payroll: Managers, Interns and Non-EEA nationals.
In addition to this, residence permits will apply to temporary workers, foreign employees holding indefinite term contracts and self-employed foreign nationals.
Talent Passport Work Permit
Foreign nationals who work in highly skilled professions are entitled to apply for a new category of residence permit, the Talent Passport, which is valid for four years.
Highly skilled professions are considered to include scientists, EU Blue Card Holders and Intra-Company Transfers (ICTs) with local contracts. In addition, Talent Passport holders will not be required to obtain a French work permit however other immigration formalities will still apply. Individuals will qualify for a Talent Passport once certain residency requirements have been met.
Work Permit Exemptions
Foreign employees in certain industries who are required to travel to France for assignments of less than three months will be exempt from applying for a work permit under the new rules. However, the industries that will qualify for an exemption are yet to be confirmed. Further details regarding eligibility are expected to be released in November 2016.
Family members may also be permitted to work in France; however, this will ultimately depend on which visa category their family member holds.
Businesses that plan to move foreign employees to France from November 2016 should be aware of the proposed changes and prepare accordingly.
If you have any queries regarding these changes, please contact us at [email protected].
