France Seasonal Work Visa 2025: Jobs and Guide

Are you dreaming of working in Europe earning Euros and experiencing the culture of France even without permanent sponsorship You aren not alone The demand for France Seasonal Work Visa 2025 information is booming especially among non EU nationals seeking seasonal jobs France visa sponsorship

The good news is that France relies heavily on temporary foreign workers to fill critical gaps in its agricultural and tourism sectors The pathway to securing your French work authorization seasonal permit is clearer than many realize provided you understand the specific legal requirements

This guide, updated for 2025 prospects, provides the definitive step by step process for obtaining the vital Titre de sejour travailleur saisonnier and helps you target the highest paying seasonal roles

1. The Legal Pathway: Understanding the Seasonal Worker Visa

For non EEA citizens gaining permission to work temporarily in France requires obtaining a Long stay visa France Visa D for seasonal work This is then followed by a mandatory permit application once you arrive

Key Visa Terminology E A T Compliance

To demonstrate the required expertise and authority its essential to use the correct French legal terms

Titre de sejour travailleur saisonnier: This is the actual residence permit issued by the Prefecture once you are in France validating your stay
Contrat de travail saisonnier: The specific seasonal worker contract signed by your French employer It must state the exact duration of the work
Cerfa 15187*01: This is the key application form your employer uses to request authorization for your employment from the French labor ministry Without a validated Cerfa form you cannot apply for the visa

France Seasonal Work Visa Duration: The 6 Month Rule

The permit is specifically designed for seasonal needs

It permits you to work for a maximum of 6 months per calendar year
The contract cannot be continuous it must be interrupted by periods when you return to your country of residence or another non Schengen area
The permit can be renewed locally for up to five years provided you leave France between each seasonal contract

Top Jobs for Seasonal Work in France 2025

Most opportunities for a French work permit for non EU seasonal workers fall into two main areas where there is a severe shortage of workers:

A. Farming and Harvest Jobs

This is the most common way to get a visa especially during the late summer and autumn harvest seasons:

France Vineyard Jobs Visa: The yearly Vendanges (grape harvest) is a huge operation. Its essential to target the wine regions to find these jobs
Grape Picking Jobs France Visa Sponsorship: These roles are widely available in areas like Bordeaux and Burgundy
France Agriculture Visa 2025: Besides grapes this visa also covers harvesting fruits and vegetables particularly in the Provence region

B. Tourism and Hospitality

Seasonal jobs are available in tourist areas during both the summer and winter seasons

French Alps Ski Season Jobs 2025: Roles such as chalet staff kitchen assistants and hotel workers are available from November to April
Summer Seasonal Jobs France 2025: Coastal regions and large tourist areas often hire temporary staff for hotels restaurants and camping sites

3. Where to Look: High Demand Regions

Targeting the correct area Geographic Focus greatly improves your chances because the French labor ministry approves work permits based on local needs

Bordeaux Vineyard Jobs Visa: This region is the heart of French wine production and offers periods of intensive hard work
French Alps Ski Season Jobs 2025: Look in the areas near Grenoble Chamonix and other large ski resorts
South of France Seasonal Work Visa: This includes Provence and the Côte dAzur where there is work in tourism and fruit picking during the summer

Note on Paris: While Paris seasonal jobs exist especially in logistics or tourism agricultural regions have a more specific dedicated and easier streamlined process for seasonal visas

4. Main Rules and Salary Information

Before you can apply for the visa you must have a signed and approved Seasonal Worker Contract from France

Money and Contract Rules

Salary SMIC: You will be paid the France Minimum Wage for Seasonal Workers which is updated regularly Currently as of late 2024 the gross hourly rate is usually around €11.88. This ensures you receive fair pay
Housing Requirements: The contract often includes necessary details about how your place to stay accommodation will be provided or paid for during your time in France
Age Limit: Although there is no strict age restriction for the French seasonal visa applicants must be over 18 years old

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Get Your Visa

Step 1: Secure an Offer Your employer in France must complete the official form Cerfa 15187*01 and submit it to the Regional Labor Office DREETS
Step 2: Wait for Approval DREETS reviews the application Once approved they send the official verified document back to your employer. This approval acts as your formal French Seasonal Work Permission.
Step 3: Apply for the Visa D Your employer sends the approved contract to you You then take that contract and apply for the Long Stay Visa Visa D at your local French consulate or VFS center
Step 4: Validate on Arrival As soon as you arrive in France you must complete the OFII validation process This is required to receive your final Residence Permit Titre de sejour

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What is the salary for seasonal jobs in France 2025?

Answer: You are guaranteed the minimum wage SMIC which is usually paid by the hour While the exact rates for 2025 still need to be confirmed, you should expect to earn roughly €9.50 to €10.00 net per hour (this is the amount you take home after taxes and contributions are removed

Question: How long does the France seasonal work visa process take?

Answer: The visa process is usually split into two parts:

Work Permission (Employers part): 2 to 3 weeks
Visa Application Your part: 2 to 4 weeks (this depends on the consulate and whether you have all your documents ready

Question: Can I bring my family on a France seasonal visa?

Answer: No. The Seasonal Worker Residence Permit Titre de sejour travailleur saisonnier is strictly for one individual and does not allow you to bring family members like a spouse or children) on a dependent visa

Question: How can I find employers who offer sponsorship for grape picking jobs in France?

Answer: Focus your search on large agricultural agencies known as agences d intérim that specialize in farming areas Also contact big vineyards domaines or cooperative groups directly in regions like Bordeaux or the Rhone Valley