Since our last blog in 2022 regarding the visa process, things have moved on a little. It remains the case that, if you hold a British passport, you will require a visa to allow you to work in France and, whilst the process is still time consuming, it has been slightly streamlined.

Steps 1 to 4 in our original blog remain the same….you’re fabulous at interview and get a job offer for the season and the company apply for a work permit for you. You apply for a visa, visit the embassy/TLS centre with your documents and then return to collect your passport complete with visa included, which is still currently only allocated for a period of 3 months.

Previously this was all that was required before venturing off into the mountains, but now you must also get a doctor’s appointment in the UK and get them to sign a ‘Fit to Work’ certificate (usually provided by your future employer). We’ve heard different stories about the ease of getting these approved, with some UK doctors happy to do so whilst others refusing on the basis that they don’t know how you will respond when working at altitude! It is also worth noting many doctors will ask for a fee for this certificate to be signed, so be prepared to pay. However once this is completed you are ready to go and start the season.

The benefit of having the medical certificate signed in the UK means it has negated the need for day trips to have a chest x-ray and medical examination out in France, so a bonus two days out on the mountain – yay!

The only appointment you will now need to attend out in France is to the Prefecture in Chambery to collect your Carte De Sejour Pluriannuelle (CDS), which entitles you to complete seasonal work in France for 6 months a year for 3 years. It is worth noting that some companies/chalet hosts choose not to chase up the appointment to collet this card but, in our opinion, it is worth you getting as it will make it a lot easier to do another season in France (and we’re pretty sure you’ll want to!)

Just a final reminder if you have an Irish passport (or any other EU passport) you are legally entitled to live and work in France so won’t need to go through this process, you lucky things.