Working in US for a French Company

I am discussing working as a senior executive and part equity owner of a startup company in France. My job would be primarily based in the US as a client manager but I would travel often to France and Europe to promote the company and oversee certain operations. Company is registered in France. What type of work permit would I need? We don't want to set up a French subsidiary for US if it is not needed.

You can't get a work permit if you are not living in France.
You already have the right to travel to the EU visa-free for business and pleasure.

Ximon wrote: ↑

Tue Apr 02, 2019 4:24 pm

I am discussing working as a senior executive and part equity owner of a startup company in France. My job would be primarily based in the US as a client manager but I would travel often to France and Europe to promote the company and oversee certain operations. Company is registered in France. What type of work permit would I need? We don't want to set up a French subsidiary for US if it is not needed.

Thanks but I am only allowed to visit France visa free for 90 days and, as I understand it, to "attend or participate in trade fairs, seminars or conferences related to your professional activity". Perhaps there is a longer term work visa I can get?

You'd have to live in France.
If you are willing to move, live, and work in France, yes there is another visa you can get.

Basically here it how it goes:

There are two main categories. Short stay (up to 90 days within a 180 day period) or long stay (longer than 180 days in a year).

You already get to visit France for business or pleasure for stays up to 90 days within a 180 day period.

If you want more than that, you have to get a long stay visa and actually live in the country. Living in the country means you can not be away for longer than 90 days in a year and you'd have to be in-country for 9 months out of 12 minimum.

Anyway let me ask you, are you seriously going to be travelling for over 180 days in a calendar year for business in the Schengen area alone? Because I highly doubt that.

Ximon wrote: ↑

Thu Apr 04, 2019 11:19 pm

Thanks but I am only allowed to visit France visa free for 90 days and, as I understand it, to "attend or participate in trade fairs, seminars or conferences related to your professional activity". Perhaps there is a longer term work visa I can get?

No, I doubt I will need to visit the Schengen (outside of France) for more than a few months a year. My problem is that I may want to return to the US for more than 90 days each year. That's the nature of the job - working for a French company but traveling to USA quite often. Also, as I stated, it appears that my business in France may be limited to fairs, meetings and conferences rather than actual work. So perhaps my only option is to get a long-term resident visa along with a work permit?