The reception system for foreign researchers was relaxed by Law 2016-274 of March 7, 2016 on the law of foreigners in France.
The multi-year “talent passport” card for a period of 4 years, bearing the mention “researcher-mobility program”, is offered to researchers coming under a mobility or host program of the European Union or of a public or private body.
Higher education and research establishments, public and private research organizations or foundations, companies, after having received approval from MESRI, issue a hosting agreement.
The agreement bearing the prefecture’s stamp is sent to the researcher in his country of residence who signs it and applies for a visa. The consulate affixes its seal to it. The researcher will go to the prefecture of his place of residence in France to apply for a multi-year residence permit and present the hosting agreement.
For researchers, including doctoral students with an employment contract: the “talent passport” simplifies the installation of foreign employees. The employment contract or the installation period must be greater than 3 months and no more than 4 years.
The immediate family can accompany him and benefit from a multi-year residence permit, the spouse and the child (ren) in their 18th year will be authorized to exercise a professional activity.
It is requested from the prefecture of the domicile within 3 months of arrival.
For students, including doctoral students without an employment contract: the “student visa”: you must be over 18 years of age and be enrolled in a French higher education establishment:
- a short stay visa for training of less than 3 months;
- a long-stay visa equivalent to a residence permit, for a course longer than 3 months.
The competitions are open to foreign scientists. There are also possibilities for fixed-term (C.D.D.) or indefinite (C.D.I.) contractual recruitment. The publication of public job offers can be found on different sites:
- the sites of research organizations (CNRS, INSERM, INRAE, etc.) or universities
- the GALAXIE portal dedicated to the recruitment of teacher-researchers
- APEC dedicated to the employment of executives
- EURAXESS Jobs the European portal dedicated to research job vacancies in the EU and associated countries.
EURAXESS France has more than 42 centers which provide foreign researchers with personalized reception and support.
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