Working in France

The prospect of working in France holds great appeal, particularly in a post-Covid world. While many of Europe’s largest economies, including Germany, Spain and Italy, have declined considerably, France (the second-largest economy in Europe) has shown surprising resilience despite the pandemic. As such, there are still opportunities for talented international expats to find a job in France.

You may have been attracted to the French working world by its perks, which include a 35-hour workweek, plenty of holiday time, and a retirement age of 64. Finding a job in France is notoriously difficult for expats though. Most who manage to find one do so through intra-company transfers or opportunities within large multinational organisations.

Job market in France

You may be disappointed to discover that most of the job market in France isn’t concentrated in the south or even bustling, romantic Paris. The jobs available in France show strong hiring demand in regions like Auvergne, Bretagne, Limousin and Pays de la Loire. If you’re willing to move to these less glamorous destinations, you’ll find many opportunities, even though the area surrounding Paris claims one of the continent’s wealthiest and largest regional economies.

Salaries in France are on the lower end of the spectrum compared to other areas of the world that attract international workers, such as the US, the Middle East and Asia. Current unemployment rates hover around 7.5 percent, which is expected to remain relatively stable in the short term.

Finding a job in France

When looking for employment in France, you’ll benefit greatly from speaking French, as fluency is a requirement for most positions. Note that education levels are still given priority over experience and accomplishments and that the French generally prefer to do business with acquaintances and friends. Many people find employment through networking and alum organisations, so fostering connections is going to be a necessary part of your job hunt.

France’s most prominent industry sectors are hospitality, telecommunications, aerospace and defence, shipbuilding, pharmaceuticals, construction and civil engineering, chemicals, automobile production, banking and technology. Above all, the service sector dominates, representing about 78 percent of the economy. You’ll need a valid work permit if you want to work in France.

Work Permits for France 
Visas and Residence Permits for France

Useful links

• LinkedIn Jobs
• France Travail (formerly Pôle Emploi)
• Indeed France
• APEC (Association Pour l’Emploi des Cadres)

Work culture in France

You’ll find that the work culture in France tends to be hierarchical and reserved, with little socialising across hierarchical lines. In addition to this, appearances are important to the French. You’d do well to invest a little extra in your work wardrobe, as style and presentation remain highly valued in professional settings.

You’ll also need to take a flexible approach to time and punctuality. Work culture in France is heavily influenced by bureaucracy, so simple tasks may take longer than expected.

That said, you’ll also enjoy a 35-hour workweek (legally mandated since 2000) and substantial holiday time throughout the year (typically 5 weeks of paid leave plus public holidays). This free time allows you to make the most of working in the country and embrace the French way of life.

With the rise of remote work, you may find more flexibility in how and where you work, although the traditional office culture remains strong in many sectors.

Business Culture in France