If the candidate that you wish to recruit is European, it is important to keep in mind that citizens of the member states of the European Union (with the exception of Bulgaria and Romania), Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland, Andorra, Monaco, and San Marino may work in France without a work permit. They simply need a passport or identification card proving their citizenship. Bulgarian and Romanian nationals remain required to hold a work permit for the 7-year transition period that started on January 1, 2007, but they benefit from special procedures, especially concerning the list of so-called shortage occupations, for which the employment situation in France is not applicable.

Non-European applicants are all required to hold a work permit. The various procedures established attempt to account for a wide range of situations, so as to make recruiting as efficient and flexible as possible. There are many criteria involved. Therefore, the area of activity or the type of activity for which you plan to recruit may be a decisive factor. The duration of the labour contract proposed also has an influence. The applicant's skills or salary level also influence the selection of procedures. Lastly, there are provisions that specifically target youth in training or at the start of their professional careers.