Seasonal Worker Visa (Travailleur Saisonnier)
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 180 days
- Processing time
- 4-8 weeks
- Fee
- EUR 99 (visa) + EUR 225 (residence card)
- Validity
- 3 years (multi-year permit; max 6 months work per 12-month period)
- Entry
- Multiple entry
For seasonal workers in agriculture, tourism, and other seasonal industries. The multi-year residence permit is valid for 3 years but work is limited to 6 months within any 12-month period. Employer must first obtain a work authorization (autorisation de travail) - jobs must be advertised via Pole Emploi for 3 weeks first unless in a sector with labor shortages (sous tension). After initial visa, subsequent entries do not require a new visa as long as the multi-year permit is valid.
Eligibility
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Nationality
Non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals
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Employment
Must have a seasonal employment contract with a French employer who has obtained an autorisation de travail
Required status: Seasonal employment contract
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Purpose of visit
Seasonal work in agriculture, tourism, hospitality, or other seasonal industries
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 15
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Photo
Count: 3; Specifications: 35x45mm, white background, ICAO compliant
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Accommodation proof
Provide hotel booking, tenancy evidence or host details that cover the planned stay.
Accepted types: Employer-provided housing or rental agreement; Must cover full stay: Yes
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Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
Form name: Long-stay visa application form; Form url: https://france-visas.gouv.fr/en/visa-wizard
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Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: Cash, card; Amount: EUR 99
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Work contract
Provide a signed job offer, contract or assignment letter showing the role, dates and employer.
Must be notarized: No; Must be translated: No
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Work permit notification
Provide work permit approval, notification or authorisation evidence from the relevant authority.
Issuing authority: As required by issuing authority; Permit number: Autorisation de travail number
How to apply
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Document gathering
Employer applies for work authorization (autorisation de travail) from DREETS. Job must be advertised for 3 weeks via Pole Emploi (unless shortage sector).
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Online application
Start visa application on France-Visas once work authorization is approved.
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Appointment booking
Book consulate appointment.
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Fee payment
Pay EUR 99 visa fee.
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Document submission
Submit work contract, work authorization, accommodation proof, and personal documents.
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Processing wait
Processing takes 4-8 weeks.
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Visa collection
Collect visa. Apply for multi-year seasonal worker permit at prefecture within 2 months of arrival.