The Paris Region is a leading hub of academic excellence and innovation that attracts thousands of international students each year from some of the world’s top universities and Grandes Écoles. Thanks to internationally recognized programs in strategic and high-demand fields such as engineering, finance, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and digital marketing, these graduates represent a key talent pool for companies in France.

For employers, recruiting these highly qualified profiles is a unique opportunity: they are familiar with French and international standards, often speak multiple languages, and demonstrate strong adaptability. In today’s competitive global job market, hiring foreign graduates in France can be a real driver of business growth and innovation.

But how can companies hire them in compliance with French labor law? What are the necessary work permit and residence permit procedures? As an expert in international mobility, Executive Relocations provides the key steps for onboarding and retaining international talent in Paris Region.
 

1. Work Rights for International Students

Non-EU international students holding a student residence permit are allowed to work in France under specific conditions:

• Work hour limit: 964 hours per year (about 60% of full-time hours). This quota is recalculated at each renewal of the student permit.
• Authorized contract types: Fixed-term contracts (CDD) only – internships and professional training contracts are not subject to this limit.
• Specific authorizations: Algerian students must obtain a work permit subject to labor market testing and are subject to a different hourly limit.

If the student wishes to continue working in France after graduation, they must change their status before their student permit expires.
 

2. Hiring a Graduate on a Fixed-Term or Permanent Contract: What Residence Permits Are Available?

When an international student graduates and wishes to work in France, they must first change their residence status – essentially exchanging their student permit for a new one. Several options are available depending on their degree and employment contract:

• RECE Residence Permit – Job Search or Business Creation
  
  This permit allows holders of a Master's-level degree (Mastère Spécialisé, Master of Science, or equivalent) or a professional bachelor's degree to work without a separate work permit or to start a business for up to one year post-graduation.
   
  • Applications must be submitted before the student permit expires, either at the local prefecture or online via the "Démarches Simplifiées"
     
  • Some nationalities benefit from special bilateral agreements (e.g., Benin, Tunisia, India), which may alter eligibility conditions.
     
  Tip for employers: Ensure that the graduate has applied for the RECE permit before their student status expires.
  
   
• “Employee” Residence Permit (for fixed-term or permanent contract)
  
  If the graduate is not eligible for a “Talent” residence permit, they can apply for a one-year temporary employee residence permit. This process requires the employer to apply for a work permit via the ANEF - French Digital Administration for Foreign Nationals.
   
  • If the position is on the shortage occupation list in the Paris Region, the process is simplified.
     
  • If not, the employer must prove a prior recruitment effort by posting the job for three weeks on official platforms (France Travail, APEC, etc.).

Processing times typically range from 2 to 4 months. If the student permit expires during this period, a renewal is recommended to avoid any legal issues.

Once the permit is granted, the new employee must complete an integration process with the OFII (French Office for Immigration and Integration), which includes a medical check-up, civic training, and a language assessment.

• Talent Residence Permits – A Simplified Path for Qualified Graduates
  
  This “Talent” residence permit is the ideal solution for employers, as it waives the need for a separate work authorization and offers a multi-year residence permit (valid up to 4 years).
   

How the student can apply for a status change: :

1. Submit the application via ANEF with the employer’s attestation.
2. Estimated processing time: 2–3 months for approval and issuance of the residence permit.
    

3. Key Tips to Anticipate and Secure Your Recruitment

Planning ahead is essential for successfully hiring international graduates. Here are the key points to keep in mind:

• Start procedures 3–4 months before graduation to avoid gaps in legal status.
   
• Continuously check the validity of the student’s residence permit during the process.
   
• Check whether labor market testing applies using ANEF’s online simulator
   
• Consider bilateral agreements (e.g., with Benin, Tunisia, India) that may affect eligibility and permit duration.

A Strategic Asset for Companies

Hiring a foreign graduate from a French institution is a strategic opportunity for businesses seeking to enhance their international talent pool. With the Talent Passport and available status change mechanisms, these hires can be streamlined – provided the process is properly anticipated.

If you are an international student looking to stay in France to start your business or launch your career, feel free to contact the Paris Region ACCESS network for support with your residence permit procedures.

If you are an employer looking to secure your international hiring and simplify your administrative processes, Choose Paris Region partners with expert service providers ready to assist you. Contact us today to benefit from our expertise!