Can I change employers before completing 2 years on the job in France?

My Answer

As per the Décret n° 2021-360 published on 31st Match 2021, the two-year job change limit for people with a resident permit in France doesn’t exist anymore. So, you can change your employer at any time in France. Of course, you have to serve the relevant notice period duration.

However, there are certain conditions to fulfill based on your type of resident permit.

Case A: Resident Permit Restriction

• If your resident permit is attached to your current employer, you cannot work with a different employer.
• So, you cannot start a new job until you obtain a new work permit (if applicable) and a resident permit.
• For example, A person with a “Passeport Talent Salarié en mission” resident permit is attached to the current employer.
• If your new job is satisfying the requirements of your current resident permit, then you don’t have to do anything until it’s time for the renewal.

Case B: Work Permit Restriction

• If your resident permit requires a work permit, every new job contract requires the employer to apply for a new work permit known as “autorisation de travail”.
• Until this new application is approved, you cannot start on the new job.
• For example: For a person with a Carte de Séjour Salarié ou Travailleur Temporaire, a new work permit is mandatory for every new job contract.
• This is applicable even if you stay with the same employer but sign a new contract.

Case C: Salary and Other Restrictions

• The new job must meet all the minimum criteria required by your existing resident permit.
• If not, you must apply for a status change to the relevant resident permit.
• For example: If you have a Passeport Talent Carte Bleue Européenne (EU Blue Card) and will be joining another job with a salary less than 53.8k€, you must change your resident permit to a lower category such as “Carte de Séjour Salarié”. If the new salary is above the minimum requirement, then you can continue with your current resident permit.

Some relevant articles,

• French Work permit – Everything to know
• What are the online attestations of French Resident Permits?
• Travel with a French Resident Permit which is expiring soon or has expired