How to Apply for France Seasonal Work Visa 2026

Yearning to spend a summer in Bordeau in the sunshine of the vineyards or a winter in the French Alps in the snow? To a good number of people, the France Seasonal Work Visa is the passport to spend and work in one of the most beautiful countries in the world.

At the beginning of 2026, the French government has already presented some changes to the Pact on the Employment of Foreigners, which is designed to solve the acute labor shortages in the fields of hospitality and agriculture. It is a guide that breaks down the exact way to go through the 2026 requirements, which include how to obtain an “Autorisation de travail” and how to pass the newly mandated civic-knowledge test.

Core Eligibility & Timing (2026 Rules)

The France Seasonal Work Visa (also mentioned: Travailleur Saisonnier), a special form of long-stay visa (VLS), is intended for non-EU citizens.

• Definition of seasonal work :Seasonal Work refers to work in industries whose workload varies depending on the time of year.
• Duration Limits: You are allowed to work not more than 6 months in any 12 consecutive months.
• The 3-Year Benefit: A successful application will allow you to have a 3-year residence permit. Nonetheless, you have to continue following the 6-month remainder of stay per year and keep your residence in a foreign country.
• Age Condition: You should have the age of 18 years.

The Mandatory Steps of the Employer (DREETS)

You are not allowed to apply to the visa until your employer does it in 2026. This is the most important phase of the application.

Work Authorisation (Autorisation de travail)

Your employer has to make an application online through the official government portal of France. The application will be checked by the DREETS (Regional Labor Authority).

The Labor Market Test

Otherwise, the employer must demonstrate that he advertised the position on France Travail a minimum of 3 weeks without identifying a local applicant, unless the position is on the Shortage Occupations List (which at present several positions in the viticulture, hospitality sectors, and cleaning are listed).

Employment Contract (CDD)

You should be given a signed Seasonal Contract (CDD) providing very clear details of your commencement and termination date, salary (it has to be adjusted to minimum wage of SMIC and work nature).

Application through France-Visas Portal

After you have your dematerialized work authorization then you have your half of the paperwork.

• France-Visas Portal: Register an account with the official site. It is the sole valid platform to kick start your application.
• Appointment Booking: You would probably have to attend a VFS Global or TLScontact center where you would be required to give your biometrics (fingerprints and photo). It is advised that at least 3 months should be booked in 2026 since the demand is high.
• Visa Fee: In 2026, the average visa fee to apply to a long-stay visa is 99 euros, which will be paid in your local currency at the application center.

Inventory of Documentation Checklist

Losing a document is no excuse to stop having a French adventure. Make sure you have the following in order:

• Copy of Dematerialized Work Authorization:]  A copy of the electronic approval your employer got.
• Valid Passpor“`t: It should be a valid passport at least 3 months after your seasonal contract.
• Presentation of Accommodation: A leasing agreement or a certification of a host.
• Medical and repatriation insurance: It is required covering at least 30000 dollars.
• Financial Means: Bank statements that demonstrate that you will be able to sustain yourself until the time of your first salary.
• Clean Criminal record: A certificate of your home country.

2026 Refrain New Civic-Knowledge Test

One of the biggest changes to be implemented by January 2026 is the implementation of an obligatory 40-question civic-knowledge test among the applicants to the multi-year residence permits.

• Noteworthy Obitonium: In case you are`1 applying the 3-year multi-annual seasonable worker card, you are required to pass this examination. It encompasses French values, institutional history and secularism. The pass mark is 32/40 (80%)

FAQs

Final Thoughts

In 2026, the process of applying to a France Seasonal Work Visa will be a patience game and demand a proactive employer. As the French government starts to pay more attention to the incorporation of foreign employees into the so-called tension areas, there has never been an opportunity to apply. Early job search, document verification and you will be savoring your croissants within a short period.

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Disclamier

This job information is provided with the sole purpose of learning and education. Note Do not apply until you have confirmed the information at the official employer or government site (France-Visas).