You’re not alone if you find yourself daydreaming of life in France. Whether you picture yourself enjoying a glass of rosé right outside the Eiffel Tower or a romantic stroll through the streets of Paris, there’s so much to love about the country’s vibrant and rich culture.
Thinking about moving to France? Comme c'est magnifique! As you dream about weekends in the countryside or walks along the French Riviera, you’ll also want to think about finding a job before your big move. Although the process can seem a bit overwhelming, we’re here to help. In this article, we will cover visa requirements, skills that French employers look for, and how to find jobs in France.
Before you begin your search for gainful employment in France, consider the legal requirements for working in France. The list of requirements can easily overwhelm, so it’s helpful to speak with an expert on the subject. Browse reliable, bilingual French Advisors on Relocate and dig-deeper into your specific circumstances.
In general, here are some things to consider before applying for a job in France:
It is a lot of material to cover but well worth the research. Here, we will cover the basics to consider when applying for a job in France.
Whether you are self-employed, a part- or full-time employee, or an international student, working is a “professional activity” and requires a visa and work permit. The type of work visa and other immigration requirements depend on your specific situation — namely how long you plan to stay.
Whether you plan to stay for the short or long term, you need a work permit to work in most circumstances. If you do not already have a visa, some recruiters may choose to apply for one on your behalf. This can take up to three months, so the sooner you can get started, the better. There are exceptions to this rule: Citizens of Switzerland or the European Union (EU) do not require a work visa.
Even with a work permit, foreign nationals require a visa to enter and stay in France. With a long-stay visa and work permit, you can live and work in France for three months, maxing out at 12 months. After a year, if you wish to stay, you must apply for a residence permit. Some long-stay visas also serve as residency permits. This can prove worthwhile if you already know you want to stay long term.
Through Relocate you can submit a general inquiry, browse licensed Immigration Avocats (i.e. lawyers) in France, and receive tailored consultations to get a clear understanding of viable immigration pathways for living and working in France.
As a new arrival, you want to bring skills that are worthwhile to employers. There are several niche areas for foreign workers. Playing on your strengths and skills in these areas may improve your competitive edge and increase the number of job opportunities available to you.
Teaching jobs are an excellent way to enter the French job market and are well-respected. From teaching English in public or private schools to working with adults, many native English speakers choose to teach English as a foreign language to earn income. You can even find employment with a family teaching English to a baby or toddler. Qualifications generally include a degree from a higher learning university and Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) certification.
Other industries and in-demand skills in France include:
When most people think of France, they think of Paris. Paris is but one out of 13 regions in France, with each uniquely different from the other. Where you choose to live will have an impact on the job opportunities available to you.
Paris is home to professional organizations, business executives, and tourist attractions. It is a bustling, highly populated, urbanized region and Europe’s largest area of employment. Conversely, Nantes, in the Pays de la Loire region, is a quieter locale and has an active tourism and startup market besides more traditional industries, such as manufacturing and agriculture.
Research the regions of France and what they offer regarding business development, culture, the cost of living, job opportunities, and how those regional qualities align with your thoughts about relocating to France.
No matter where you go, communication is essential. In all 13 regions, the French language is the most widely used. And as with any country around the globe, the dialects of each region can vary.
If you do not speak French yet, you are probably wondering if that will be an issue when trying to get a job. If you only speak English, then you should search for jobs that have an English language requirement or English-speaking jobs in industries like teaching, IT, and customer service. Many companies specify language preferences in their job ads.
There are several platforms for job seekers looking for employment in France. Emploi is a popular board and the official government job posting site. There are several other boards with international job postings that work similarly to job boards in your locale. Simply upload your cover letter, resume with current work experience, respond to recruiters and job postings.
Familiarizing yourself with platforms can help you find vacancies in your niche. Some popular places to search for jobs include:
APEC is one of the largest employment sites in France. You can find management level professions and employment for recent college graduates. Match your skills and apply by visiting APEC.
If your French is weak, Jobs in Paris is just what you need. This English job board includes numerous industries such as healthcare, education, and freelance work.
Campus France offers a comprehensive guide for students looking to study abroad. Students can learn about obtaining a visa, health, and psychological assistance for students, and how to extend their stay in France after graduation.
Dig-deeper into relevant topics and browse qualified Advisors who can help address some of the most important aspects of moving to France for a job.
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