Work France

To work in France, citizens of countries not included in the European Union (EU) need to obtain a work permit.

 

 

 

Job offer: Before applying for a work permit, you must have a job offer from a French employer. The employer must apply for the work permit through the online portal of the Ministry of the Interior of France. Before this, the vacancy must be published on public employment platforms, such as Pôle Emploi, for a minimum of three weeks to prove that no suitable candidates have been found for the position among EU citizens.

 

 

 

Application review: Once the application is submitted, it is reviewed by competent authorities who assess the employment level in the region, the qualification and experience of the foreign worker, as well as the employer's compliance with labor legislation and social security.

 

 

 

Obtaining a work permit: If the work permit is approved, both the employer and the worker receive it via email. This permit must be attached to the visa and/or residence permit application.

 

 

 

Obtaining a visa: After the work permit is approved, the foreign worker applies for a visa at the French consulate in their country. The visa allows living and working in France for a period from one to three years, depending on the conditions of the employment contract. The visa can be extended if the employment relationship continues.

 

 

 

There are various types of visas for working in France:

 

Long-Stay Visa (VLS-TS): For workers planning to work in France for more than a year. The visa requires mandatory validation at the Immigration and Integration Office upon arrival.

 

Temporary Worker Visa: For workers with short-term contracts from 3 to 12 months.

 

"Talent Passport" Visa: For highly skilled professionals, researchers, and entrepreneurs. This visa is issued for up to four years and allows working without the need to obtain a separate work permit.

 

 

 

 

 

The following documents are required for a work permit application:

 

- Passport and copy of all pages.

 

- Signed employment contract.

 

- Proof of qualification (diplomas, certificates).

 

- Medical certificate.

 

- Proof of residence (rental agreement or utility bill).

 

- Financial documents proving sufficient funds for living.

 

 

 

Additional types of work permits

 

EU Blue Card: Suitable for highly qualified specialists. Requires higher education and confirmation of high qualification. A work contract with a minimum salary set for this card must also be provided.

 

 

 

It is recommended to seek advice from specialists or use official resources such as Welcome to France and Service-Public.fr.

Employment for EU citizens

 

Citizens of the European Union, the European Economic Area, and Switzerland have the right to live and work in France without needing a visa or work permit. However, if you plan to stay in France for more than three months, it is recommended to register at the local town hall. Employees from EU countries must also pay taxes and contributions to the social security system, which includes health insurance, pension contributions, and unemployment benefits.

 

For long-term residence and work, you can apply for a resident card after five years of continuous residence in France.

 

 

 

Employment for non-EU citizens

 

Citizens of countries not in the EU require a visa and a work permit to be employed in France.

Preparing documents: Make sure you have a well-prepared resume (CV) and a cover letter in French. These documents should meet French standards. Also, prepare copies of your diplomas and certificates translated into French.

 

 

 

Learning the language: Knowledge of French significantly increases your chances of successful employment. Many employers prefer candidates who are fluent in French, especially for positions involving communication with clients or teamwork.

 

 

 

Job Search

 

Online Platforms:

 

Pôle Emploi – a state employment agency that offers a wide range of job vacancies.

 

APEC – an agency for employing professionals and managers.

 

International websites such as Indeed, Monster, LinkedIn, Glassdoor also offer numerous vacancies in France.

 

 

 

Networking: Building and using professional networks in France can significantly speed up the job search process. Join professional associations and attend events organized for specialists in your field. Online platforms such as LinkedIn and Viadeo can help you establish useful contacts.

 

 

 

Speculative Applications: In France, submitting speculative applications to companies is welcomed, even if they do not have open vacancies. This shows your initiative and willingness to work in a specific company.

 

 

 

Working through Employment Agencies: Contact employment agencies that can help you find a job. It is recommended to register with several agencies at once to increase your chances of success.

 

 

 

Popular Job Sectors

 

 

 

Teaching English: The demand for English teachers in France remains high. Private language schools, international schools, and even private tutoring can offer many vacancies. Having a TEFL qualification or similar will be an advantage.

 

 

 

Hospitality and Catering: This sector is actively hiring, especially in tourist regions and large cities. Work experience and basic knowledge of French will be useful for employment in this field.

 

 

 

IT and Technology: The information technology sector is actively developing, and the demand for specialists in this field is high. Jobs can be found both in large companies and startups. Proficiency in English is a big plus, especially in international companies.

French Language

 

Knowledge of the French language is an important factor for most jobs in France. While in some international companies and certain positions English may suffice, having French at a B1 level or higher significantly increases your chances of employment and integration into the work team.

 

For some types of visas and residence permits, such as a long-term visa (VLS-TS), knowledge of the French language at an A1 or A2 level may also be required.

 

 

 

Education

 

A higher education diploma is often required for most skilled positions. For example, English teachers need a bachelor's degree, preferably in education or linguistics, as well as a TEFL or TESOL certificate.

 

For highly skilled professionals, such as engineers, doctors, and researchers, relevant diplomas and certificates confirming their qualifications are necessary.

 

 

 

Work Experience

 

Work experience in the relevant field also plays an important role. French employers often prefer candidates with proven work experience, especially for mid-level and senior positions.

The labor market in France shows significant growth in several key sectors.

 

 

 

Information Technology: The IT sector remains one of the most rapidly developing. Key positions include:

 

- Programmers;

 

- Data Analysts;

 

- Cybersecurity Specialists;

 

- Web Application Developers.

 

 

 

Healthcare: Both nurses and doctors, as well as administrative staff in the healthcare sector, are in demand. Main positions:

 

- Nurses;

 

- General Practitioners;

 

- Medical Administrators.

 

 

 

Environmental Technologies and Sustainable Development: Increased focus on environmental issues and sustainable development has created a high demand for specialists in this field. In particular, the following are in demand:

 

- Sustainable Development Managers;

 

- Renewable Energy Specialists;

 

- Environmental Engineers.

 

 

 

Education and Childcare: The demand for teachers and childcare specialists remains high, with in-demand positions including:

 

- Teachers;

 

- Kindergarten educators;

 

- English language teachers.

 

 

 

Trade and customer service: The trade and customer service sector continues to evolve, especially with the increase in consumption, sought after positions include:

 

- Sales managers;

 

- Customer service specialists;

 

- Travel agents.

 

 

 

Financial services: The financial sector is also actively recruiting specialists, particularly in demand are:

 

- Financial analysts;

 

- Risk management specialists;

 

- Accountants.

 

 

 

Manufacturing and engineering: Manufacturing companies are looking for qualified engineers and production management specialists:

 

- Production engineers;

 

- Quality management specialists;

 

- Technologists.

 

 

 

In France, specialists in skilled trades and home services also have good employment prospects: electricians, plumbers, welders, mechanics for industrial equipment maintenance, construction industry specialists, domestic workers, and childcare specialists, etc. These professions play a key role in the economy and offer stable and well-paid jobs.

Main components of the pension system

 

 

 

State basic pension: The system is based on the principle of redistributing contributions from working citizens to current pensioners. To receive a full pension, one must work a minimum of 43 years or reach the age of 67.

 

 

 

Additional pension schemes: For workers, there is a system that acts as an additional pension. Contributions to this scheme depend on salary and length of service. The system is based on the accrual of points, which are later converted into pension payments.

 

 

 

Special and autonomous schemes: Some professional groups, such as railway workers, seamen, and miners, have special pension schemes. There are also autonomous schemes for self-employed professionals like doctors, lawyers, and accountants.

 

 

 

Taxation of pensions

 

Pension payments in France are subject to income tax. Amounts exceeding the non-taxable minimum are taxed on a progressive scale, up to 45% for high incomes. Joint tax returns are filed for households, allowing for consideration of marital status and the number of children.

 

 

 

Additional pension plans

 

Besides the state pension, many workers also have access to private pension plans offered by insurance companies, banks, or employers. These plans may include individual savings or corporate programs with fixed terms and contributions.

Medical insurance

 

Mandatory medical insurance: All residents of France are required to have medical insurance, which covers most medical expenses, including doctor consultations, hospitalization, medication, tests, and rehabilitation. Medical insurance contributions are paid by both employers and employees through the social security contribution system.

 

Supplementary medical insurance: Supplementary insurance covers expenses not included in mandatory medical insurance, such as dentistry, optics, and some types of specialized care. Most workers receive supplementary insurance through their employers.

 

 

 

Pension insurance

 

State pension;

 

Additional pension schemes.

 

 

 

Insurance against accidents at work and occupational diseases

 

Covers medical expenses and provides compensation in case of an accident at work or occupational disease. Payments include compensation for temporary or permanent disability, as well as pensions for relatives in case of employee death.

 

 

 

Unemployment insurance

 

Managed by the Employment Service; provides payments to unemployed citizens who have registered with the system and are actively seeking work. The amount and duration of payments depend on previous salary and work experience.

 

 

 

Family Benefits

 

Include payments for children, housing benefits, assistance for school expenses, and other types of support for families with children.

 

 

 

System Financing

 

The social security system in France is financed by mandatory social contributions paid by employers and employees. Part of the funding also comes from taxes on tobacco, alcohol, and the pharmaceutical industry.

Dismissal

 

 

 

Grounds for dismissal: Dismissal is possible for personal reasons (e.g., misconduct or poor performance) and economic reasons (e.g., financial difficulties, technological changes, or reorganization). The legislation establishes strict procedures that the employer must follow, including prior notice and holding a meeting with the employee.

 

 

 

Dismissal procedure: The procedure starts with a preliminary meeting where the employee can express their objections. After this, the employer must send an official dismissal letter, indicating the reasons and the start date of the notice period. The employer is obliged to provide a severance payment and compensation for unused leave if stipulated in the contract or collective agreement.

 

 

 

Protected categories of employees: Pregnant women, young fathers, and employees on sick leave have additional protection from dismissal. The dismissal of such employees is possible only in cases of serious misconduct or the inability to continue the employment contract.

 

 

 

Leave

 

 

 

Annual paid leave: Employees in France are entitled to 30 working days of paid leave per year. This leave accrues at a rate of 2.5 days per month worked. Additional days may be granted according to collective agreements or arrangements with the employer.

 

 

 

Maternity leave: The minimum duration of maternity leave is 16 weeks (6 weeks before and 10 weeks after childbirth). For the birth of a third child, the leave extends to 26 weeks. During this time, employees receive benefits from the social security system, which may be supplemented by the employer.

 

 

 

Paternity leave: Fathers are entitled to 3 days of leave for the birth of a child and 25 days of paternity leave, extendable to 32 days in the case of multiple births. This leave is paid by the social security system.

 

 

 

Adoption: In the case of adoption, employees are entitled to leave ranging from 16 to 22 weeks depending on the number of adopted children and the presence of other children in the family. Benefits are paid by the social security system.

 

 

 

Public holidays

 

 

 

In France, there are 11 official public holidays, including:

 

- New Year's Day (January 1)

 

- Easter Monday

 

- Labor Day (May 1)

 

- Victory Day (May 8)

 

- Bastille Day (July 14)

 

- Assumption Day (August 15)

 

- All Saints' Day (November 1)

 

- Armistice Day (November 11)

 

- Christmas (December 25)

 

 

 

Of these holidays, only Labor Day is a mandatory paid day off. Other holidays may be paid in accordance with the terms of the employment contract or collective agreement.

Confédération Générale du Travail (CGT) – one of the largest and oldest unions, actively defending workers' interests.

 

Confédération Française Démocratique du Travail (CFDT) – known for its more moderate positions and willingness to negotiate with employers.

 

Force Ouvrière (FO) – an independent union focusing on independence from political parties.

 

Union Nationale des Syndicats Autonomes (UNSA) – unites workers from various sectors, including the public sector.

 

Solidaires Unitaires Démocratiques (SUD) – a radical union actively participating in social movements.

 

 

 

Professional unions in France can assist in the following aspects:

 

 

 

Collective bargaining: Unions negotiate with employers on wages, working conditions, and social security, often achieving more favorable terms for their members.

 

Legal Protection: Unions provide legal support to their members in cases of labor disputes, dismissals, or discrimination.

 

Informational Support: Unions keep workers informed about their rights and obligations, changes in labor legislation, and social security.

 

Social Support: Unions organize mutual assistance among members, including support funds, training, and professional retraining.

 

 

 

Joining a union in France is not mandatory, but it can significantly improve working conditions and provide additional protection.

 

 

 

For more detailed information, you can visit the official union websites or local branches.

For foreign entrepreneurs, doing business in France offers numerous opportunities but requires compliance with a number of specific conditions and procedures.

 

Visas and Residence Permits:

 

Talent Passport: This is a multi-entry residence permit intended for qualified professionals, including entrepreneurs. It includes several categories, such as "startup founder" and "company director."

 

To obtain a residence permit, it is necessary to confirm the existence of an economically viable business plan, invest at least 30,000 euros, and ensure sufficient financial resources at the level of the minimum wage.

 

Opening a Bank Account: To conduct business, foreign entrepreneurs must open a bank account in a French bank. The procedure includes selecting a financial institution, submitting the necessary documents, and signing an agreement.

 

Taxation and Legal Aspects: France has a progressive income tax scale for individuals and a corporate tax rate of 25% for companies. There are also preferential tax rates for small businesses with an annual turnover of less than 10 million euros.

 

French law provides protection for entrepreneurs and their businesses from discrimination and illegal actions. In case of disputes or refusals of visas or permits, an appeal can be filed in administrative courts.

 

Support and Opportunities

 

There are various state programs supporting entrepreneurs, including subsidies, tax incentives, and advisory services. For example, the French Tech Visa program is designed to attract foreign startups and innovative projects.

 

Tourism, freight transport, restaurant business, car rental, and hotel business are among the most promising areas for foreign entrepreneurs in France.

 

Conducting business activities in France for foreigners requires a careful approach and adherence to all necessary procedures, but offers significant opportunities for the development and growth of businesses in one of the leading economies of Europe.