Eastern europe: work permit regulations as of 1 july

Work permits are no longer required for these eight states

Since 1 July 2008, nationals from these eight states can freely engage in any salaried occupation they choose, regardless of the nature and term of the work contract and the position they hold (artists, stage technicians, etc).

French employers can thus hire them directly without needing to check whether they have a valid work permit and more importantly without needing to apply to DDTEFP (local branch of the ministry for labour, employment and vocational training) for a work permit.

Nb > A circular dated 4/07/2008 issued by the immigration department provides further details on the processing of ongoing work permit applications: the department (DDTEFP, prefecture or ANAEM) that receives applications relating to periods of employment subsequent to 30 June 2008 must notify the employer and prospective employee in writing that the said applications are no longer required further to changes in work permit regulations.

Work permits still required for Romania and Bulgaria

Romanian and Bulgarian nationals are still subject to the transitional regime provided for by the accession treaties.

You are reminded that nationals from these two countries benefit from all social security rights and entitlements since 1 January 2007.

However, their access to the job market remains limited for a transitional period ending on 31 December 2013 at the latest:

• If they are hired by an employer based in France, they are still required to have a work permit.
• On the other hand, work permits are not required for nationals from these two states if their employer sends them on secondment as part of an international service contract (transfer of performance rights for a show, for instance).