French Republic Long-Stay Visa Guide for ICT Transfers

Key Takeaways

• Applicants must be non-EU employees or trainees of international companies transferring to France under specific conditions.
• A long-stay ICT visa requires a completed application, proof of employment, accommodation, translated documents, and payment of about €99.
• Family members can join and work; employee stays up to 3 years, trainees up to 12 months, no ICT renewal allowed.

Moving to the French Republic 🇫🇷 for work as part of an intra-corporate transfer is a detailed process, with important steps and details that anyone considering this route should understand. This guide explains everything you need to know about the French Republic Long-Stay Visa ICT (Intra-Corporate Transfer) for both salaried employees and trainees, often called “salarié détaché ICT” and “stagiaire ICT”. You’ll find a straightforward account of eligibility rules, document requirements, fees, step-by-step instructions, validity rules, expected time frames, and what comes after you arrive in France 🇫🇷. The aim is to help you, your employer, and any family coming with you move through the French process with confidence.

Checklist: What You Need to Have Ready

Before jumping into the step-by-step process, here’s a checklist you can use at home or at work:

• Valid passport
• Completed visa application form (CERFA)
• Recent passport-size photos
• Employment contract (for salaried employees) or internship agreement (for trainees)
• Proof of relationship (if bringing family)
• Proof of accommodation in France 🇫🇷
• Completed Form 15619*01 for employees (signed by both employers)
• Work permit from the host company in France 🇫🇷 (for employees)

Cross-check these with the online wizard on the France Visas website since requirements depend on your country and precise role.

Why the French Republic Long-Stay Visa ICT Matters

French companies play a big part in the world economy, often working together with branches in many countries. The French Republic Long-Stay Visa ICT helps international companies move their skilled staff or trainees to France 🇫🇷 for specific tasks. It keeps French businesses competitive, helps employees learn new skills, and lets families stay together during the posting. As reported by VisaVerge.com, clear steps and requirements have helped make this visa category straightforward, but small errors or missed paperwork can cause costly delays.

Who Can Apply?

The rules are clear and designed to help only the right people to enter France 🇫🇷 for work or training. They also help protect the local job market by setting clear limits.

For Salaried Employees (“Salarié détaché ICT”):

• You must be a non-EU citizen. This means you can’t use this visa if you’re already a citizen of any country in the European Union.
• You must be employed for at least three months by a company that is based outside the European Economic Area, and that company must be part of a bigger company group with an office in France 🇫🇷.
• Your job in France 🇫🇷 must involve managing others or needing a high level of skills or experience.
• You must be transferred for up to three years, but not longer.
• After the assignment, you have to return home or switch to another visa if you plan to stay for a different reason.

For Trainees (“Stagiaire ICT”):

• You need a higher education diploma—like a college or university degree.
• The transfer is for professional training within the same company group. In simple words, you’re going to France 🇫🇷 to learn on the job or through a formal training program.
• Your stay can’t exceed 12 months, and it can’t be extended in this category.

Tip: If you don’t meet these criteria, do not apply. Applying in the wrong category will lead to quick rejection and can make it harder to get a visa in the future.

Required Documents: Getting Your Papers in Order

Depending on your status (employee or trainee), check and double-check that you have everything on this list. If your family will join, gather their papers as well.

For both profiles:

• Visa application form (CERFA): Make sure all answers match your supporting documents.
• Valid passport: Must cover your entire stay in France 🇫🇷 and have enough blank pages.
• Passport photos: Must meet France’s standards (ask your consulate or use official labs).
• Proof of where you’ll live in France 🇫🇷.
• Medical insurance may be requested.
• Proof of family links (for dependents).

Extra for Salaried Employees:

• Work permit: This is granted to your employer in France 🇫🇷. Without it, you can’t apply.
• Copy of your contract between your home employer and the French group company.
• Form 15619*01: Both employers must complete and sign this to explain your work conditions.

Extra for Trainees:

• Internship agreement: Signed by you and both employers. Should set clear terms of training and supervision.

Tip: Always provide both original and photocopy. If your papers are not in French, bring an official translation.

Cost of the French Republic Long-Stay Visa ICT

Getting this visa isn’t free—but for many families, the cost is less than expected compared to other countries’ work permits.

• Application fee: About €99 for the long-stay category.
• Service center fee: Up to €40, paid at outsourced centers.
• Extra charges: Possible, depending on your city or country.

Caution: Fees are not refunded, even if your application is refused. Check with your consulate to make sure you have the right amount and the correct way to pay.

Validity and What Happens After Arrival

It’s important to know how long you’ll be allowed to stay and work or train in France 🇫🇷. This helps with planning both for your job and your family back home.

*You can’t renew in the same ICT category, but you might change your status if eligible.

Family Rights: If your spouse or kids come with you, they get a permit valid for the same period. They’re also allowed to work in France 🇫🇷 during your assignment.

How Long Does It Take? Planning Ahead

VisaVerge.com’s investigation reveals most delays happen when applicants wait too long to schedule or turn in documents. Here’s a reliable timeline to help you take control of your move:

• Start at least three months before your planned trip to France 🇫🇷.
• Processing time: About four weeks after you submit all your paperwork and have your appointment.
• Book your appointment early, as consulates may be busier during some months.
• After arrival:
  • Salaried employees must apply for a residence card within two months at the local prefecture (government office).
  • Trainees must validate their visa online within three months.

If a family joins you, they should apply either together with you or at the same time, so the length of their permit will match yours.

Step-by-Step: French Republic Long-Stay Visa ICT Process

This process is the same for both the salaried employee and trainee versions, with very small differences in the documents.

Step 1: Prepare All Required Documents

• Use the official France Visas wizard to generate a personalized document list.
• Collect originals and copies, including your passport, photos, contracts, and any family paperwork.

Tip: Organize your documents in the exact order listed in guidance notes from your consulate. Missing papers cause delays.

Step 2: Complete Online Application

• Register and fill in your details at the online application portal.
• Upload the required scanned documents. Check for typos and mistakes before sending—errors here can result in a denial.

Note: The CERFA form is completed as part of this online application.

Step 3: Book Your Appointment

• After sending your online application, pick the nearest French consulate or designated visa center for your interview.
• Choose a date at least three months before your planned departure to France 🇫🇷.
• Print your invitation or proof of appointment.

Step 4: Attend Appointment and Give Biometrics

• Bring all documents, your appointment printout, and fee payment.
• At this session, staff will review paperwork and collect your fingerprints and photos.
• Pay the visa fee and any service center charges.
• You can also ask questions or correct any last-minute issues.

Step 5: Wait for Processing and Passport Return

• Processing usually takes under a month, but busy seasons can cause longer waits.
• Your passport will be returned once a verdict is reached. If approved, your visa will be stuck inside your passport; if refused, you’ll get written reasons.

Caution: Do not book airfare or pay deposits until you have your visa.

Step 6: Formalities After Arrival

For Salaried Employees:

• Within two months, visit the local government office (prefecture) in your area in France 🇫🇷 to apply for your residence card, called the “carte de séjour pluriannuelle”.
• This card proves your right to live and work in France 🇫🇷 for your company group.

For Trainees:

• Go online and validate your long-stay visa within three months after arriving in France 🇫🇷. You’ll need your home address in France 🇫🇷 and proof of entry.

Family Members:

• Your spouse and children should apply for their permits at the same time. Their cards allow them to work legally, just like you.

Tips, Common Mistakes, and Alternative Paths

• Start early: Many people wait too long and have to rush, risking errors or missing their start date. Make a timeline and stick to it.
• Double-check documents: Small mistakes or missing signatures are a top reason for delays.
• Bring both originals and copies: Not bringing enough copies is a common pitfall.
• If denied: Look closely at the refusal letter. You might be able to fix a document and re-apply or, in very rare cases, appeal.
• Changing status: If your long-stay assignment is successful and you want to stay in France 🇫🇷 for a new reason, check French immigration rules to see if switching to a different permit is allowed.

What Happens After the Assignment Ends?

After your assignment or training, you’re expected to return home. If you want to stay in France 🇫🇷 for another reason, you need to apply for a new status. Family members’ rights will end at the same time as yours unless they start their own, separate application.

Where to Find Help and More Information

Applying for a French Republic Long-Stay Visa ICT is detailed, and rules sometimes change. Use official sources—and never trust advice from unofficial websites or forums. For official, up-to-date details on all visa and residence processes, including downloadable forms, go directly to the French government’s main visa portal.

Summary and Next Steps

Applying for the French Republic Long-Stay Visa for Intra-Corporate Transfer is a multi-step process but is very manageable with early planning. As a salaried employee or a trainee, make sure you:

• Carefully gather all required documents.
• Apply early—no later than three months before your travel.
• Follow steps for the online portal, booking, and interview.
• Finish needed arrival steps within the deadlines.
• Ensure your family’s papers are sent with yours if they’re joining you.

Now that you understand how the French Republic Long-Stay Visa ICT process works, you’re better equipped to start your journey to France 🇫🇷 for work or training in your company group. If you ever feel uncertain, contact your home employer, the host company in France 🇫🇷, or your local French consulate for extra guidance.

And remember, only trust official government links—like the France Visas portal—for your application steps and up-to-date form downloads. Stay prepared, follow the steps, and you will be well on your way to a successful move with your French Republic Long-Stay Visa ICT, whether you are a salaried employee or a trainee.

Learn Today

Intra-Corporate Transfer (ICT) → A temporary move of salaried employees or trainees from an international company to its French branch for work or training.
CERFA Form → Official French government visa application document required for all long-stay visa applicants, including ICT transfers.
Prefecture → A local French government office responsible for handling residence cards and immigration formalities upon arrival.
Carte de Séjour Pluriannuelle → A multi-year residence card issued to ICT assignees, proving the right to live and work in France.
Official Translation → A certified translation into French of documents originally written in another language, required for most visa documents.

This Article in a Nutshell

Transferring to France for work through the Intra-Corporate Transfer Long-Stay Visa is complex but rewarding. Key steps: gather all specified documents, apply at least three months early, and follow each procedural phase. Family members can work, but deadlines and eligibility are strict. Always verify requirements on the official France Visas website.
— By VisaVerge.com

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