France is well-known for its quality of life, wealth and level of healthcare and education. These factors contribute to that the French market is a leading destination for international investments.
France also offers attractive conditions for those who choose to work in the country. There are different ways you can go and different residence permits you can apply for. If you are an expert within a certain area, you should apply for the so-called "Skills and Expertise" residence permit.
This is a permit valid for three years with great potential to be granted an extension. This allows you to live and work in France as an employee or on a commercial basis due to your exceptional skills in a given area.
There is also another permit you can apply for. This is known as "Expatriate Employee" and means that staff who are sent abroad and expatriates within a company that belongs the same company have the right to work in France. This is a three-year residence permit as well.
Students and temporary workers can apply for a residence permit that is valid for a period of one year. This is called "The long stay visa" and is a visa which serves as a residence permit. If you receive this visa by the Embassy, you do not need to apply for a permit from the local authority. This law was amended as recently as 2009 which makes it easier for both students and temporary workers.
If you would want a residence permit that is valid for ten years, there are higher requirements. In order to receive a 10 year residence permit, exceptional economic contributions to the managers of foreign subsidiaries that are based in France are required. This includes the creation of 50 jobs in the country or an investment of 10 million Euro.
There are also benefits. International companies choose France because of its strategic location in the heart of Europe, the largest market in the world with 500 million consumers. Due to its membership in the Euro zone, the country also offers the advantages of one single currency in 13 countries.
With 65 million inhabitants, France is the second largest consumer market in Europe after Germany and the fifth largest economy in the world with a GDP of 2.490 billion U.S. dollars in 2009. 80 million tourists visited the country in 2008, contributing to increased business opportunities within tourism.
23 000 foreign companies currently have a base in France, employing over 2.8 million people. This is twice as many compared to ten years ago. About 250 Swedish companies are established in France, ASEA, Alfa-Laval, SKF, Atlas Copco and SEB are a few of these.
Cecilia Helland