Visa for domestic helpers : Simplified procedure

STAFF EMPLOYED PRIVATELY BY A FOREIGNER OR A FRENCH NATIONAL TRAVELING WITH HIS/HER EMPLOYER TO FRANCE FOR A SHORT PERIOD (LESS THAN 90 DAYS)

This visa issuance procedure for « domestic helpers » has been implemented in order to comply with article R. 341-1 of the Labour Law, stating that : « […] a foreigner who is not a national of any of the member Nations of the European Community, a Nation belonging to the European Economic Area or the Swiss Confederation […] must, to exercise a professional salaried activity in France, hold a work permit […] ».

It is advisable to start the procedure early enough before the planned departure.

1) The employer should:

a) fill out the Cerfa form 13647*02 « demande d’autorisation de travail pour un salarié détaché » [request for temporary work permit A.P.T.]. The form can be downloaded from our website or from the website www.immigration.gouv.fr. This form must be signed by both the employer and the employee and mentioning the planned duration of stay in France; (here a filled out form for your help).

b) send the form via e-mail (or mail) to the local labour department (email addresses can be found here, postal addresses can be found on DDTEFP websites), as an attached document to a message stating:
 as "subject": Demande d’APT pour du personnel de maison,
 if the temporary work permit APT, is requested for 1 year validity (for a maximum stay of 90 days per period of 6 month),
 the address of the main place of stay in France.

c) sign a sworn affidavit to register with the designated URSSAF office (organization which collects social security and family allowance payments) (click here for the contact address) .

2) The local DDTEFP should:

a) stamp and sign the form Cerfa 13647*02 which will then be valid as temporary working permit (APT),

b) return the form, within 8 days, to the Consulate or to the employer via e-mail,

c) send the original of the temporary work permit (APT) to the address of the main place of stay in France.

3) The employee should:

a) apply for the visa with the following supporting documents:

 The form Cerfa 13647*02 stamped and signed by the DDTEFP,
 Financial guarantee (in form of a letter) from the employer to take full responsibility for travel expenses,
 A copy of the sworn affidavit to register with the URSSAF signed by the employer,
 A travel insurance.

Please note:

 This type of visa allows to travel all over the Schengen area but does not allow to work in any of the Schengen member states apart from France.
 This type of visa is required even for very short stays.
 The employee’s salary cannot be lower than the SMIC [minimum wage], amounting to a gross hourly rate of 8,86 euros as of 1st January 2010 (1343,80 euros monthly on the basis of 151,67 hours of work).
 The case arising, the DDTEFP may request photocopies of previous salary slips and/or proof of URSSAF tax payment.

Useful information:

 Contact of Strasbourg URSSAF office, designated tax registering office for this specific temporary work permit
 Information leafletformulaire Cerfa 13647*02 (in French only).
 Annex 2 form Cerfa 13647*02.
 Annex 3 form Cerfa 13647*02.

The complete visa application must contain the following supporting documents:

 A visa form duly filled;
 1 colour ID pictures (white background);

and

Copy and original of:
 Valid passport (3 month validity considering your return date in Hong Kong);
 Hong Kong / Macau ID;
 Hong Kong / Macau visa (3 month validity considering your return date in Hong Kong / Macau);
 Form Cerfa 13647*02 stamped and signed by the DDTEFP;
 Financial guarantee from the employer to take full responsibility for travel expenses (along with bank statements);
 Airline reservation with detailed itinerary (return ticket);
 Travel insurance (healthcare / emergency hospitalization / repatriation);
 Sworn affidavit to register with URSSAF;
 Return control form signed by the employer and the employee.