The dream of working in Europe has led more and more people to seek jobs in countries across the continent. Working in France is on the agenda for many, but the immigration process and the application for a work visa in France remain one of the biggest concerns for those seeking opportunities in the French job market.
We will help you understand how the work visa process works in France. In addition, we’ll give you tips on how to create a standout professional profile to help you land a job in the European job market.
The job market in France
Taking a realistic look at the French labor market, we can say that it’s showing positive signs. Starting with the unemployment rate, which was 7.9 percentage points below expectations last year, according to data from INSEE (National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies.
Therefore, we can say that the French job market has been doing well, even with the crisis that is still a reality, not only in Europe, but throughout the world.
The way the job market works in France may be a little different from what you’re used to in other countries. Starting with the standard weekly working hours in France, which is 35 hours (this was a rule introduced by the government to raise the quality of life standards for workers).
Paid vacation of 30 days for a period of 12 months, in addition to 11 national holidays. Another interesting fact is that, in 2017, a law known as the “right to disconnect” was passed, which guaranteed that a company with more than 50 employees was prohibited from sending work emails/messages after working hours.
Another thing you should know is that, in the workplace, strong hierarchical positions are adopted; in this sense, the roles and their corresponding powers are very clear. You will likely have little personal contact with your boss and work in a very formal environment.
Annual holidays in France
French labor law stipulates that employees working full-time (35 hours per week) are entitled to a minimum of five weeks of paid leave annually. This is accumulated at a rate of 2.5 vacation days for each calendar month worked, up to a maximum of 30 vacation days.
Unless otherwise agreed in your contract with your employer, you cannot take more than 24 consecutive days of annual leave. This is equivalent to about four weeks. Your entitlement to annual leave is calculated proportionally, which may be something to consider if you work less than 35 hours per week.
Maternity/paternity leave in France
In France, pregnant women are entitled to between 8 and 16 weeks of maternity leave. If you are pregnant and already have two dependent children at home, your maternity leave increases to 26 weeks. If you are expecting twins, your maternity leave increases to 34 weeks, and you have 46 weeks of leave if you are pregnant with triplets.
For expectant fathers, the good news is that paternity leave increased from 14 to 28 days in 2021. In the case of multiple births, it rises to 32 days of leave. Remember that three days of leave are covered by the employer, the remainder are covered by social security.
Sickness benefit in France
If you become ill in France, your sick pay will come from the social security system, not your employer. You can claim sick pay from the fourth day of absence from work, provided you have a medical certificate from your doctor. You will then receive up to half of the daily wage you have been receiving for the past three months. You can continue to receive this reduced wage for up to three years.
Other forms of paid leave in France
French labor law offers other types and durations of paid leave, such as:
- Celebrating your own wedding, your child’s wedding, or a civil union;
- Mourning the death of a child, spouse/partner, or close relative;
- Time off following a child’s disability;
- Up to three months of leave to care for a relative or close friend.
Protection against discrimination in the workplace in France
French labor law makes discrimination illegal, both in the workplace and during the recruitment process. For example, this includes discrimination based on: race, sexuality, religious beliefs, disability, and union status. It also includes direct and indirect discrimination, as well as harassment. All of this is punishable by heavy fines and even imprisonment.
Online work permit service in France
Based on French labor regulations, employers wishing to hire a non-EU citizen, which now also includes British citizens, must apply for a work permit. Citizens of EU or Schengen Area countries are not required to obtain a work permit to seek employment in France.
With the recent improvements, the process has become simpler for employers regarding work permit applications. Commenting on the announcement of the online platform , in a press release, the Ministry of the Interior expressed that a new era has begun in the modernization of the application process for foreigners.
Applications will be reviewed by six inter-regional platforms created when this task was transferred to the Ministry of the Interior as part of the reform of the regional organization of the State. A seventh national platform is dedicated to processing applications for seasonal workers. Municipalities remain responsible for issuing residence permits to the foreign workers involved.Statement from the French Ministry of the Interior
Regarding authorization
A work permit in France is required for temporary and permanent employment contracts for all individuals who do not hold a passport from a European Union or Schengen Area country. Additionally, permits are necessary for seasonal work, as well as for students wishing to work in France during their studies.
Furthermore, if an individual has more than one employer, each employer must apply for a separate work permit. However, exemptions to the permit requirements include the following groups of people:
- To work at a cultural, scientific, or sporting event;
- Working at an exhibition or seminar;
- Creation and transmission of cinematographic and audiovisual works such as concerts;
- Modeling;
- Domestic workers and personal service workers, working during the stay of their private employers in the country;
- Providing expertise in management, IT, finance, insurance, architecture, and engineering, under a service contract;
- Teaching activities.
Read Also: How to Work at the United Nations – Careers, Requirements & Application Guide
How does the work visa work in France?
The need for a work visa in France depends on your residency status, your nationality, and the type of work you will be hired for.
If you are looking for work in France, also consider your finances. Wise offers a multi-currency account that allows workers to send money home and receive their salary while working abroad.
Types of work visas in France
There are four main categories of work visas in France:
- Short-term work visa;
- Temporary work visa;
- Long-term work visa;
- Work visa for special cases;
Although the registration process is similar, each has different requirements and costs, and also varies according to the validity period.
French short-term work visas
France has a short-term work visa valid for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This visa is issued for any general short-term work and business travel. You cannot renew a French short-term visa; instead, you will need to apply for a long-term visa.
Depending on your nationality and situation, a short-term work visa in France costs between €9 and €80. You will need to pay the fee in the currency specified by the Consulate or Embassy when you register.
Temporary French work visas
We understand that some jobs require a longer stay in the country, needing to remain in the country for more than 90 days. If this is the case, you can apply for a temporary worker visa (travailleur temporaire). This visa includes a temporary residence permit (visa de long séjour valent titre de séjour – VLS-TS). It is valid for three months to one year, with the exception of seasonal workers, who can only work for six months during a year.
There are several temporary work visas available in France, including:
- Young professionals (jeune professionnel), aged 18 to 35, doing temporary work during a cultural exchange visit;
- Employed workers transferred to a French subsidiary of an international company;
- Language teachers and teaching assistants;
- Models, modeling assistants, or employees of modeling agencies;
- Seasonal workers;
A temporary work visa in France costs €80, plus an additional €225 for a residence permit.
French long-term work visas
If your work contract lasts for more than one year, you will need a long-term work visa for France. These are generally valid for one year, with some exceptions. For example, the Au Pair permit is valid for one to two years, the international transfer visa for three years, and the talent passport for four years. In all cases, the long-term visa is renewable.
Long-term work visas in France are issued for:
- Highly skilled workers, academics or innovators (talent passport);
- Senior management employees transferred from abroad to a French subsidiary of international companies (salarié détaché ICT);
- Au pairs, aged 18 to 30, who go to live with a family in France to study French;
- Medical professionals;
- Other permanent employees.
A long-term work visa in France costs €99, plus an additional €225 for the residence permit. You will also need to pay your fee with tax stamps when you apply.
Work visas for special cases
Work visas in France for special cases apply to the following situations:
- Volunteer visa;
- Work experience and internships;
- Working holiday visa.
Remember that for each type of work visa in France, you must prove to the French authorities that you meet all the necessary requirements to be eligible for the requested visa. Just as with the volunteer visa application, you will need to provide evidence, such as an official letter of acceptance or an invitation from the organization. If you are successful, you will receive a long-term VLS-T visa for the duration of your placement.
Who can get a work visa in France?
People who do not hold European citizenship and wish to work professionally in the French market will need a specific work visa for France. This type of visa can be requested by any professional who has an official job offer in the country.
We previously detailed the types of work visas in France, their costs, and how to apply.
Tips on how to get a work visa in France.
The process of obtaining a work visa in France is divided into three stages: the main requirement for applying for the visa is having a guaranteed job offer, and below we detail how the work visa application process works in France.
First steps
First, you will need to secure a pre-existing job offer, and then your prospective employer will have to apply for a work permit. After that, you can apply for your work visa in France.
After receiving the job offer, the French employer can apply for a work permit at the Regional Directorate for Economy, Employment, Labour and Solidarity (DREETS).
Next, you will need to schedule an appointment at the visa application center in your home country no later than two weeks before your travel date to finalize your work visa application process for France.
Required documentation
After receiving your work permit, you can apply for your work visa in France. You can do this by submitting an application with supporting documentation online. Typically, you will need to provide:
- Valid passport or photo ID;
- Two recent passport photos;
- Evidence of your job offer/business trip (e.g., work permit, employment contract, or invitation to a business event);
- Proof that you have sufficient means of subsistence to support yourself in France (e.g., bank statements);
- Details of the accommodation plans that cover your stay;
- Proof of health insurance.
Agencies for work visas in France
Anyone wishing to apply for a work visa in France can do so through any office of the French Consulate in their origin country. The French Embassy in your country can also be used to apply for the visa.
As the French Embassy itself advises, applicants should be cautious about trusting any type of unofficial communication, whether from websites or companies claiming to provide assistance in obtaining a work visa in France.
In the words of the French Embassy: “It is strongly recommended not to use these websites as intermediaries, even if their title suggests they are government-related.” Be vigilant and, when in doubt, always consult the official website of the French authorities.
So, is it really worth working in France?
France has one of the strongest economies in the world, mainly due to its thriving tourism industry. However, this is not the only sector that makes this country one of the world’s leading economies. There are many other industries that contribute to France’s GDP and overall economic growth.
Aerospace, automotive, pharmaceutical, beauty products, skincare, luxury goods, telecommunications, and hospitality: all play a significant role in keeping the French economy running successfully. In addition, other factors listed below are some of the reasons that make France a great country to work and live in.
- Employee benefits;
- Holidays and Working Hours;
- Daily travel allowance;
- Health insurance plan;
- Unemployment insurance.
These are just some of the reasons we’ve listed for you. Labor laws and quality of life are taken very seriously in France, and this respect for working time leads many workers to choose France as the most favorable place to work.
Minimum wage amount in France
Since January 1, 2026, the French minimum wage has been adjustedand the gross minimum wage per hour is €12.02, which gives a monthly minimum of €1,823.03, based on a 35-hour week.
This amount should be the basis for calculating all proof of means of subsistence required by the French authorities. This information is essential, especially for those applying for a visa to France.
Areas with the best job opportunities in France
The sectors that contribute most to the French economy are: tourism, agriculture, energy, manufacturing, transport, and technology. The country is also well known for its luxury goods, fashion, and cosmetics industries.
Many large and multinational companies are headquartered in France, among them we can mention:
The areas with the greatest job opportunities in France are:
- Languages;
- Information Technology;
- Web Development;
- Data Analysis;
- Medicine/Nursing;
- Foreign trade;
- Project Management;
- Shopping;
- Social Media Management;
- Marketing.
Also noteworthy is the tourism sector, a vital part of the French economy, where seasonal jobs are very common. For example, in campsites or ski resorts, and there are also opportunities to teach English as a foreign language.
Tips for finding a job in France
If you want to succeed in your search for your dream job in France, you should pay attention to a few steps. These steps will make your professional profile more attractive during the HR screening process at many companies.
Speak more than one language.
If you want to get a job, you will usually need to speak French at a good standard. Even if a job requires you to speak your native language, they will likely still require some proficiency in French. Some jobs may require you to prove your French language skills or take a language test.
Even if you work for a multinational company in France where English is the spoken language, you will increase your career prospects by learning French. If your French is not very good, you could consider a job as an English teacher while studying French at a language school in France.
Become a professional.
Focus on your field or, if applicable, begin your career transition. France has policies aimed at attracting highly qualified professionals, so you can enhance your resume beyond your professional experience. Look for specialization courses in your area of work. Currently, there are many course options available, especially in the technology sector.
Understanding your current professional stage and the steps you need to take to achieve your goal of working in France are the key points that will guide you towards preparing yourself to reach the level of qualification required by French companies.
Don’t be shy.
One of the most sought-after qualities in today’s job market is ease of interpersonal relationships and communication. There are many positions in which professionals will need to speak in public, present results in meetings with executives, or even present a business plan to a partner company.
In this case, shyness won’t help you at all; on the contrary, it could cause you to miss the opportunity to get the job. If you have difficulty speaking in public and communicating clearly and objectively, it’s essential that you look for a public speaking course or even a theater course. They will help you loosen up more, feel more comfortable when speaking and presenting in public.
Create a LinkedIn profile.
Many opportunities arise for large French companies when you have a LinkedIn profile, as they often choose to search for professionals on that platform. Therefore, it’s important to create and update your profile on the professional social network. Making your professional profile available in another language, such as English or French, can make it more attractive and easier for headhunters to find.
Following the profiles of companies you’ve researched and/or are interested in working for will also help you know when they have open recruitment processes.
Study visa in France
Furthermore, international students studying in France have been able to submit digital copies of their supporting documents needed to complete the online visa application. This feature will only be available to applicants for long-term student visas in France.
Visit the website of the French Ministry of the Interior and see how to obtain a work permit for a foreign employee in the European country online.
Read Also: Top 10 Fully Funded Scholarships in Germany for International Students
Final considerations
France is a beautiful country with many cultural opportunities and a great lifestyle. If you are interested in food, fashion, art, history, or music, you will find it in France. So, if you want to live and work in a beautiful, dynamic, and culturally rich country, we are sure that France will be an excellent option for you to develop and fulfill yourself, both personally and professionally!
