This article gives you a comprehensive and up-to-date overview (April 2025) of all the work and residence permit options available to you. Whether you’re aiming for a regular salaried permit or the highly coveted Passeport Talent, we’ve got you covered.
Are you an international student who has just graduated from a French university and wondering how to stay in France to work? France offers multiple work and residence permits that allow you to transition from student to professional life, provided you meet certain conditions.
Note: All residence permits listed here are for salaried jobs. Freelancing or self-employed activities are not permitted under these permits. If you're interested in creating a business, refer to our guide on APS / CdS RECE permits.
If you haven't secured a full-time job yet or are working under a short-term CDD contract, it's wise to apply for an APS Master or Carte de Séjour RECE first. These permits allow job-seeking or business creation and let you begin working right away — making them more attractive to employers.
📝 Tip for Indian Students: It's generally safer to follow this route:
Student Visa → APS Master → CdS Salarié / Passeport Talent
For non-Indian nationals, you can either:
Before applying for any residence permit, you must:
If your job pays at least 1.5 times the French minimum wage (SMIC) — i.e., €2,702.70 gross/month — you qualify for this permit.
🔹 Work Permit Application
Since 6 April 2021, your employer must apply for a work permit via the ANEF portal:
🔗 https://administration-etrangers-en-france.interieur.gouv.fr
🔹 Residence Permit Application
Once the work permit is approved, you must apply for a status change (from Student/APS to Salarié) through:
📍 Example Prefectures & Application Modes:
💶 Fees: €225 in tax stamps (Timbres Fiscaux)
📌 Tip:
🌟 4. Passeport Talent – Salarié Qualifié
If your job pays at least 2x SMIC (€43,243/year) and your contract is for minimum 12 months, this residence permit is ideal.
💡 As of February 2024, "Passeport Talent" is renamed as simply Talent.
No separate work permit needed. Instead, your employer must issue an Attestation d’Employeur, downloadable from the ANEF portal.
🔹 Application Process
Since 25 May 2021, all Talent permit applications must be submitted online:
🔗 ANEF Official Portal
📄 Required Documents:
⏱️ Processing Time: 2–4 months (can vary)
💳 Validity: Usually 4 years or duration of contract
💶 Fees: €225 in tax stamps
🔷 5. Passeport Talent – Carte Bleue Européenne (EU Blue Card)
This is a premium permit for highly qualified professionals. You must:
🔹 Work Permit?
No separate work permit required. Submit Attestation d’Employeur instead.
🔹 Application Process
Submitted via the ANEF website
📄 Required Documents:
💳 Card Validity: 4 years or job duration
💶 Fees: €225 in Timbres Fiscaux
⏱️ Processing Time: 2–4 months
✍️
Post-study residency in France is absolutely possible — if you’re well-informed. Whether you're starting with an APS, aiming for a regular salaried permit, or landing a high-paying job that qualifies for the EU Blue Card, France offers clear pathways for international graduates.
Make sure your degree aligns with your job, your salary meets the minimum requirements, and that you follow the correct process for your local prefecture. And if you're ever unsure — EDUXskills is here to help!
