New Work Permit Application Brings Significant Document Requirements

The French government is implementing new work permit application forms with significantly increased documentary requirements on January 1, 2015. The new application forms will require sending and host employers, as well as employees, to provide more information, which may mean longer application preparation times. The current work permit application forms will no longer be accepted after January 1, 2015.

Once the new forms take effect, sending and host companies will be required to provide corporate documentation, including proof of the foreign employer’s registration with the French social security administration, the name of the legal representative of the host company and corporate registration information from the French registration authority or regulating body. 

Host companies must provide contact details for the French entity responsible for the work permit application and the payment of government taxes, information regarding the company-specific or national collective bargaining agreement and the minimum salary applicable for an equivalent position in the host company (or in the sector of activity for international service contracts). 

Sending companies should have available a copy of the services agreement between the sending and receiving companies, if applicable. For intracompany transfers, the sending company must identify a website showing the connection between the sending company and the host company. 

Employees should be prepared to provide a copy of the initial employment contract or offer letter and employment certificates from previous employers. 

We anticipate possible changes to the requirements during the initial phase of implementation of the new forms. 

What This Means for Employers and Foreign Nationals 

Employees and employers planning to submit work permit applications on or after January 1, 2015, should gather required documentation as soon as possible so as not to prolong the application preparation time. 

Fragomen worked closely with Cabinet D’Avocats - Karl Waheed (Paris) to prepare this alert. It is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected]. 

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