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Work permit renewal in St. Barthélemy

Written from published rules on 27 August 2026. Not monitored for changes since. A starting point, not official advice — confirm anything that matters with Direction de l'Économie, de l'Emploi, du Travail et des Solidarités (DEETS) (Directorate of Economy, Employment, Labor and Solidarity). Rules here vary, so check carefully.

Renewing a work permit in St. Barthélemy generally involves submitting an application to the Direction de l'Économie, de l'Emploi, du Travail et des Solidarités (DEETS) (Directorate of Economy, Employment, Labor and Solidarity) well in advance of the current permit's expiry. The process requires documentation from both the employer and the employee, and the application is reviewed by the local authorities.

Your timing

It is advisable for employers and employees to initiate the work permit renewal process several months before the current permit's expiration date. This allows sufficient time for gathering all required documents, submitting the application, and for the DEETS to process the request. Delays can occur due to incomplete applications or processing backlogs.

Start 90 days ahead

This lead time accounts for the time needed to collect necessary documents, submit the application, and for the administrative processing period by the DEETS. Starting early helps avoid complications if additional information or documents are requested.

The process

  1. 1Gather all required documents from both the employer and the employee. This typically includes existing permit details, identification, proof of employment, and company registration.
  2. 2The employer, often in conjunction with the employee, completes the work permit renewal application form provided by the DEETS.
  3. 3Submit the complete application file, including all supporting documents, to the DEETS office in St. Martin (which serves St. Barthélemy).
  4. 4Await review and processing by the DEETS. The authorities may request additional information or documents if the file is incomplete.
  5. 5Receive notification of the decision regarding the work permit renewal.

What to bring

  • Copy of the current work permit (titre de séjour with mention 'salarié' or equivalent, or authorization de travail)
  • Copy of the employee's valid passport or national identity card
  • Proof of legal residence (if applicable, e.g., titre de séjour)
  • Employment contract or attestation of employment
  • Employer's Kbis extract (company registration document, less than 3 months old)
  • Proof of payment of administrative fees (timbre fiscal), if required
  • Any other documents specific to the type of profession or employer, as requested by DEETS

Who handles it

Direction de l'Économie, de l'Emploi, du Travail et des Solidarités (DEETS) (Directorate of Economy, Employment, Labor and Solidarity)

https://deets.gouv.fr/deets-de-saint-barthelemy-et-de-saint-martin-a681.html

Administrative fees (droits de timbre) for work permit applications, including renewals, are generally required. The exact amount and method of payment (e.g., 'timbres fiscaux électroniques') should be confirmed directly with the DEETS or the relevant local administration.

What commonly goes wrong

  • Ensure all application forms are fully completed and signed by both the employer and the employee.
  • Verify that all supporting documents are valid, up-to-date, and presented in the correct format (e.g., original or certified copies).
  • Be aware that the DEETS for St. Barthélemy is located in St. Martin, so applications must be submitted there or via appropriate channels as advised by the DEETS.
  • Start the renewal process well before the current permit expires to avoid any period of unauthorized employment.

Sources

Other documents in St. Barthélemy

Work permit renewal in other countries

Often renewed together

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