Can a non-European student work in France?

Verified 18 April 2024 - Directorate for Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)

Your situation

  • The student is not Algerian
  • You are studying and want to sign an employment contract
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A non-European foreigners student may be permitted to work. Depending on different situations, the rules are not the same.

Please note

The student residence card does not allow to be self-employed person.

Yes, a non-European foreigner student may work during his studies.

Title Required

The student must have a long-stay visa as student residence permit (VLS-TS) or student residence card.

Allowed working time

The student can work a maximum of 964 hours per year (60% the annual legal working time).

If he does not comply with this limit, he risks the withdrawal and refusal of renewal of his residence permit.

This period begins when the card is issued or the VLS-TS is validated. For example, if the residence permit was issued on 20 September 2023, he can work a maximum of 964 hours until 19 September 2024.

Application for work authorization

The student may engage in any employed activity without any other work authorization.

The employer doesn't have to ask work authorization.

Nominative declaration to the prefecture

Hiring may take place only after the employer has registered with the prefecture of the department in which the employing establishment has its registered office.

The employer must complete this formality at least 2 working days before the effective date of the hiring.

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