Welcome to this guide! Are you planning to settle and work in France? You’ve come to the right place!
Here is what you need to know to get settled successfully:
1. Getting a work visa
First of all, if you are a citizen of the European Union, you won’t need a visa to work in France. However, for non-EU nationals, getting a work visa is an essential step. If this is the case for you, be aware that the translation of required documents, such as the work contract, must be carried out by a sworn translator (to find out more about sworn translators, see this article). For this reason, make sure that the translations of your documents are certified by a sworn translator recognized in France.
2. Job search and validation of employment contract
Next, you can look for a job in France via online platforms (LinkedIn, Indeed, etc.), specialized agencies, or directly with companies. Once you’ve landed your job (congratulations!), you need to have your employment contract validated by the DREETS. Once again, a sworn translation of your employment contract is a strict requirement, since it guarantees its validity in the eyes of the law and the Direction Générale des Etrangers in France.
3. Visa application
After this, you need to be aware that the body supervising the issuance of work visas is the Direction Générale des Etrangers in France. In order to meet its requirements, sworn translations of supporting documents, such as the employment contract and proof of accommodation, are essential. A sworn translator must produce these translations for them to be recognized. For example, he or she will be responsible for converting foreign currency amounts into euros, as this is one of the requirements of this organization.
4. Social Security registration
You’re almost there! Once you have arrived and settled in France, another important milestone is to register with the French social security system. Once again, to facilitate the registration process, all necessary documents (birth certificates, marriage certificates, etc.) must be translated by a sworn translator.
5. Opening a bank account and other administrative formalities
Finally, to organize your day-to-day financial management, you’ll need to open a bank account in France. Make sure that your bank statements, rental contracts and other documents are also sworn translations, so that they can be accepted by French institutions in accordance with current requirements.
6. Last step
…welcome to France!
In short, the sworn translation of official documents is crucial to the process of settling in France, as is the affixing of an apostille. At ApexTra, we are used to facilitating the visa application process with our sworn, certified translation service. This way, you can be sure that your documents won’t be returned, which will speed up your administrative procedures considerably. We look forward to assisting you in this process!