Coming to work in France when you are Moroccan: steps and tips for finding a job

Why work in France?

If many foreign workers have chosen France, it's because finding a job in this country has numerous advantages. Among others:

• The guaranteed minimum wage, the minimum gross pay, set by the government. Whatever the sector, a worker cannot earn a lower salary.

• The 35 hour weeks, which allow workers to retain time for leisure, while having sufficient pay for living.

• Paid leave, because each month worked offers a little over 2 days. In a year, someone working 35 hours per week thus has the right to 5 weeks of paid leave.

• The country benefits from a very favourable economic situation, as it has the fifth largest economy in the world. It is home to cutting-edge industries, notably in the luxury, agri-food, automotive, aeronautics and electronic sectors.

• The right to work offers protection and job security, especially for workers who have signed an open-ended contract. A dismissal can only be carried out for precise reasons established by law. Furthermore, a worker who is dismissed may also benefit from unemployment benefits.

• France is known worldwide for its way of life. Its gastronomy, its culture and the diversity of its landscapes make it a very attractive destination for tourists and workers.

Ultimately, if you are from a country where French teaching is advanced, you won't have to deal with the language barrier. This is the case for people from Morocco who have chosen to come and work in France.

Which visa for coming to work in France from Morocco?

Are you Moroccan and do you wish to come and work in France? To do so, you must obtain a visa. The conditions for receiving this permit vary depending on your situation.

We have listed the 4 most common situations. However, it must be noted that the procedures are indicative and are likely to be modified. 

You are Moroccan and have already found an employment contract in France

In the majority of cases, you will need a work permit to obtain your visa. It is your future employer who must request it, and it is for this reason that most often you must already have found an employment contract in France before leaving Morocco. Once you have found an employer, they must request your work permit at least one month before you take the position, on the dedicated platform. 

However, before making this request, the job offer must first be posted for 3 weeks on the job centre or Apec websites. Why? Because in France, the employment situation is opposed to foreign workers in principle; that is, the authorities may refuse to issue your work permit if the unemployment rate for the targeted post is too high. This step will allow your future employer to prove the absence of a candidate already present on French soil

Note: For jobs "under strain" (jobs for which it is difficult to recruit), there can be no opposition from the employment situation.

The demand for work permits is then carried out in several steps:

1. Your employer makes their request online, on the dedicated portal.

2. They receive an email confirmation of the request being filed.

3. In case of favourable response, your employer and you receive the work permit by email.

Once obtained, you can prepare your visa request. To work in France, you must request a long-stay visa equivalent to a residence permit (VLS-TS), which will bear the word "employee" or "temporary worker". Its validity period will be from 3 to 12 months; at the end of this period, if you wish to extend your stay in France, you must obtain a residence permit.

To obtain your VLS-TS, you will need the following documents:

• A passport of at least 10 years, and which will still be valid at least 3 months after the end of your visa.

• A long-stay visa request form, completed and dated (Cerfa form 14571*05). This form must also be signed by France-visas, and you must attach the delivery receipt issued by this body for your request.

• 3 identity photographs compliant with the rules in effect in France.

• Your work permit, which justifies your visa request.

You can process your visa request at the TLS centre closest to you. In Morocco, you will have the choice between these different cities:

• Agadir

• Casablanca

• Fez

• Marrakesh

• Oujda

• Rabat

• Tangier

Having obtained your visa and when you have arrived in France, you must register online in order to validate your VLS-TS within the 3 months following your arrival.

You are Moroccan and have not yet found an employment contract in France

While it is most often necessary to have found a job to obtain your visa, there are some exceptions. This is notably the case if your spouse goes to work in France thanks to a talent passport. You will therefore be able to benefit from the simplified "Accompanying family" procedure, and come with them to France, even if you have not yet found a job.

To obtain your residence permit, you will also need to contact your closest TLS centre. The documents to provide will be the following:

• A passport of at least 10 years, and which will still be valid at least 3 months after the end of your visa.

• A long-stay visa request form, completed and dated (Cerfa form 14571*05). This form must also be signed by France-visas, and you must attach the delivery receipt issued by this body for your request.

• 3 identity photographs compliant with the rules in effect in France.

• A copy of the marriage certificate between you and your spouse.

• The multi-year residence permit of your spouse, issued by the French authorities.

You have studied in France and wish to work there after your studies

If you have studied in France and wish to find a job there at the end of your studies, it is possible under certain conditions which depend on your level of studies.

If you have completed a Baccalaureate+2 or a standard degree, you must have signed an employment contract or  obtained a promise to hire letter to obtain a temporary work permit or employee residence permit. You may request this permit in the 2 months before the end of your student residence permit.

Note: For jobs where the employment situation opposes you, the French administration may refuse to grant you a work permit. 

If you have validated a professional degree or master's degree, 3 possibilities are offered to you:

• The job search or business creation residence permit, if you have not found a job at the end of the validity period of your student residence permit.

• The employee or temporary worker residence permit, if you have found a job in the 2 months before the expiration of your student residence permit. The only conditions for obtaining it without the employment situation opposing you: your gross monthly remuneration must be equal to at least €2,518.42, and your job must have a direct link with your studies.

• The talent passport, if you have a gross annual remuneration of under €40,295 in 2022 (twice the minimum wage), and your employment contract in France having a minimum duration of 3 months.

You have double nationality and wish to come to work in France

If you have French-Moroccan double nationality, your rights are the same as those of all other French employees. There is no need to carry out any administrative procedure: your identity card or your passport will be sufficient for moving to the company and applying for a job.

How to find a job in France from Morocco? 

To find an employment contract in France from Morocco, the internet will be of great use. You can search for the most interesting offers on websites such as:

• Pôle Emploi

• Apec

• Welcome to the Jungle

• Cadre Emploi

• Meteo Job

• Indeed 

• Job Teaser

• Hellowork

• Monster

How to find an employment contract in France from Morocco?

When you have identified the offers that interest you the most, or you have defined the sectors in which you would like to work, it will be time to make your applications. So how can you have the best chance of finding a job in France?

• Update your CV, and adapt it to the company each time before sending it.

• Build you professional network, and take care of your reputation online. For example, you can create content on LinkedIn to show your expertise, and attract potential recruiters.

• Learn about the companies at which you apply; this will show that you are serious and committed.

• Contact recruiters again if necessary; but also make sure not to be too insistent!

• If you are already in the location, go to job fairs organised in your region. Some job fairs are also organised online, which may help you to find an employment contract in France from Morocco.

• Consider spontaneous applications! Find out about companies that interest you the most, and submit a personalised application. If they don't need anyone at that moment, they will more easily think of you when they have to recruit.

Other steps to take into account

Have you found a job and obtained your visa and the necessary authorisations to come to work in France? Congratulations! Before leaving Morocco, you can take other steps to facilitate your move:

• Finding accommodation in France. When you arrive on French soil, you will need a place to stay. To find your accommodation, you can contact a relocation agency, a property agency, or even search directly on sites such as seloger.com, Le Bon Coin or ParuVendu.

• Opening a bank account in France will also be essential, notably for receiving your wages, and for paying your rent and different bills.

• Before leaving Morocco, you must ask your local health insurance to establish form E 104. When you arrive in France, you must submit this form to the health insurance agency in your place of residence. This will allow you to be covered by health insurance from when you start to work in France.

Are you coming to work in France, and wish to obtain more information on local life? Visit our blog, where you will find several practical guides!

This article has been provided for informational purposes. It may not be considered as legal or financial advice. If you require financial or legal advice, consult an advisor or specialised lawyer.