Salarié (Employee Visa): Timeline for Nigerians ₦679,064
Processing time for the Salarié (Employee Visa) for Nigerian applicants is 2-4 months. Below is what to expect at each stage, plus the verified fees you pay along the way.
Salarié (Employee Visa) fees — verified breakdown
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Visa application feeSource: france-visas.gouv.fr, checked 7 Oct 2026 | ₦149,727 (~$111 USD) |
| Proof of funds (your own savings)Not required | ₦0 (~$0 USD) |
| Health surcharge or insurance | ₦0 (~$0 USD) |
| Language test | ₦0 (~$0 USD) |
| Credential evaluation | ₦0 (~$0 USD) |
| Other government feesSource: service-public.gouv.fr, checked 8 Oct 2026 | ₦529,337 (~$393 USD) |
| Total upfront costs | ₦679,064 (~$505 USD) |
Priced at the Central Bank of Nigeria’s exchange rates of a year ago, these fees would have come to about ₦760,000: ₦80,000 more than today (CBN rates as of 2 Nov 2026). Every country, then and now.
Verified against official immigration authority schedule. Exchange rates as of 5 November 2026. Proof of funds is your own money — you do not pay it to the government.
What each fee covers
The ₦679,064 total is made up of several distinct charges. Here is what you are actually paying for:
- Visa application fee — ₦149,727: Paid to the France immigration authority when you submit your application. Non-refundable regardless of the outcome.
- Other government fees — ₦529,337: Includes residence permit issuance, VFS Global service charge, or biometric enrolment fees where applicable.
Processing timeline
Total processing time: 2-4 months
- 1
Confirm eligibility
Check that you meet the Salarié (Employee Visa) requirements before paying any fees.
- 2
Prepare documents
Passport, qualification certificates.
- 3
Pay fees
Pay ₦679,064 in upfront costs.
- 4
Submit application
Submit online or through the relevant embassy.
- 5
Wait for decision
Processing time: 2-4 months.
Expert tip
Salarié (Employee Visa)
Requires a French employer to sponsor you. The employer handles most of the process including the work permit application. The first residence card costs €350 since 1 May 2026. French employers must prove they couldn't fill the position with an EU candidate — STEM and healthcare roles have the easiest approvals.
Where Nigerians settle in France
Once your Salarié (Employee Visa) is approved, most Nigerians head to Paris or Lyon. Here is what to budget for your first year:
- Paris: 1-bedroom rent ₦1,861,754/month · Lagos–Paris flights from ~$700 · Nigerian community: Medium
- Lyon: 1-bedroom rent ₦1,042,038/month · Lagos–Lyon flights from ~$750 · Nigerian community: Small
- Toulouse: 1-bedroom rent ₦1,040,525/month · Lagos–Toulouse flights from ~$780 · Nigerian community: Small
Life in Paris
Paris is expensive — expect about €2,035/month total for a single person (rent €1,231, Numbeo's blended 1-bed average + food €300 + Navigo transport pass €91 + utilities €183 + health €30 + misc €200). The Navigo monthly pass covers all zones of the Île-de-France region for €91 (January 2026 price). To save on rent, look outside the périphérique in suburbs like Saint-Denis, Montreuil, or Créteil where rent is 30-40% cheaper and RER trains connect to central Paris in 20-30 minutes. The Nigerian community is concentrated in areas like Château d'Eau and Château Rouge in the 10th and 18th arrondissements.
46% of Nigerians who use Japa Calculator choose France as their destination. Average Japa Score: 6.5/10. Most common salary expectation among applicants: ₦500K–₦1M.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does the Salarié (Employee Visa) cost for Nigerians moving to France?
- Upfront costs for the Salarié (Employee Visa) come to ₦679,064 (about $505). This covers the visa application fee, and any other applicable government charges.
- How long does Salarié (Employee Visa) processing take from Nigeria?
- Processing time for the Salarié (Employee Visa) is 2-4 months. Apply from the France High Commission in Abuja or the Consulate in Lagos — book your appointment slot as early as possible, as backlogs frequently add 2–4 weeks beyond the official window.
- What documents do I need to apply for the Salarié (Employee Visa) from Nigeria?
- You will need a valid Nigerian international passport (at least 6 months validity beyond your intended travel date), completed application form, recent passport photographs, and supporting evidence of eligibility.
- Where do most Nigerians settle after relocating to France?
- Paris is the most popular destination for Nigerians relocating to France. Average 1-bedroom rent is ₦1,861,754 per month. The Nigerian community in Paris is smaller but active; diaspora associations and online groups help new arrivals settle quickly.
Related guides
Sibling variants of this visa route and other ways into France.
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Start Free CalculatorData methodology: Visa fees sourced from official immigration authority schedules. Naira conversions use live exchange rates from open.er-api.com (last updated 5 November 2026). All fees are subject to change with policy updates — verify with the official immigration website before applying. Last reviewed: 8 Oct 2026