Live and work in France
Can you think of France without picturing the Eiffel Tower, croissants, sunny Nice, wineries as well as fashion and sports enthusiasts? Neither can we. But what more does daily life in France have to offer?
Here we will try to give you a deeper insight in this vibrant and diverse country.
Latest available jobs in France
Currency
The Euro (€) has been the official currency in France since 2002
Famous people
Some famous French people are Marie Curie, Claude Monet, Coco Chanel and Kylian Mbappé
Population
France has ~67.8 million, residents, many living in Paris and Marseille
Typical food
Croissant, baguette, onion soup, escargots de Bourgogne (snails), ratatouille (thick stew of vegetables), macarons, profiterole, pain au chocolat
Avg. working week
France has an average of 35 hour work week, 7 hours daily, 5 days a week
Location
France is the largest country in Western Europe and borders Germany, Belgium, Spain and the Atlantic Ocean. The capital of France is Paris
Languages
The official language is French, and their alphabet is Latin script
Healthcare
Healthcare is mandatory in France, and the costs are covered by the state and patient contributions (not free). The French healthcare system is one of the best
What you need to know about living in France
France is the country of love and one of the most touristic places in the world. They have beautiful landscapes, wide range of attractions and a variety of things that make you wonder why you didn’t go before. It’s a historical country with famous and majestic buildings and sights like the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Arc de Triomphe, and more than 40.000 castles. Their rich history is told through their buildings. France must be one of your bucket list destinations if you want to travel. It has beautiful mediterranean beaches, you can go skiing in the alps, and get different kinds of big city life in e.g. Paris and Nice.
Living in France allows you to appreciate worldwide known artists like Davinci, Picasso, Monet, Rodin and many more. Furthermore, you will live close to famous buildings, and you will eat delicious food. The famous culture of France is both external and internal, so if you like to get into deep conversations about culture, politics, economics and more, you should visit any French coffee shop, and you can find someone to discuss these queries with on a day-to-day basis.
If you’re planning to find a summer job in France or taking your gap year there to explore the entire country, we can help you! We can easily support you in recommendations, finding housing that suits your needs, and answer any question you may have – our help is completely free for you, and we will help assure a fun and safe trip.
Work in France
The work culture in France is hierarchical and characterised by tradition, and attention to detail. They tend to be analytical and bureaucratic, which can make the process slow, but they do it to make sure everything is working properly.
Being able to learn the French work ethics, their attention to details and perfectionism will help improve your skills in any field. The entire experience of living in France, including the culinary aspect, fashion, art, and way of life will be something you’ll value for the rest of your life.
It is quite common to work in France as a foreigner, because there is a very welcoming attitude towards expats,housing approximately 2,4 million EU migrants. It’s recommendable to know at least the basis of French, because many French people are hesitant about communicating in English. But it does not have to be a limiting factor if you don’t speak French, depending on the type of job. However, for work permits, or any other documentation request we recommend finding someone who speaks French fluently since most public offices don’t support any other languages.
Work in Paris
Finding a job in Paris may be challenging since the market is very competitive. Although it has some of the biggest companies, the economy has been considered stagnant. With the recent bureaucratic changes in the process to create new business, there has been a boom in startups, making Paris the second largest start-up hub in Europe.
Taxes in France
As a European citizen we recommend you to register your residency, even if it’s not legally required to stay and work in France. You need to register in the tax office, filling the form 2043 to get a tax ID. You can find more information about how to fill in this form and this way it will be easier for you to pay taxes in the long run. The taxes are progressive between 11% and 45% for income rates over €10.225
Popular cities in France
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Life in France
France has a strong emphasis on work-life balance, with laws and cultural norms that prioritise leisure time and personal well-being. They have a 35-hour workweek, which aims to ensure that employees have enough time for leisure, family, and personal pursuits. Additionally, France has a generous number of public holidays and vacation days, providing opportunities for individuals to relax and enjoy their personal lives. Overall, the work-life balance in France is highly valued and supported by the culture and legal framework
Basic facts about France
Besides the beautiful landscapes in France, and their artistic architecture, and historical heritage, France is the home of wine and champagne, and it’s known for its sophisticated cuisine. That’s an important reason why France is one of the most touristic countries in the world. French people even prefer to explore within their own country rather than going abroad during their vacation. The capital of France, Paris, is the city with the most fashion houses in the world, and it is also known for the Louvre Museum and the Eiffel tower.
Cultural traits in France you need to know
Family is valued highly in French culture, and it’s common to see family gatherings on weekends and going for a coffee during the day with a brother or sister. The motto of the French community is “Liberty, Equity and Fraternity” resembling their most important values: to see each other as family, and keeping the rights of everyone to do what they want to as long as they don’t disturb others. French people value sophistication and artistic traits til the point that is not only part of their architecture but also it is part of their way of life, their way to talk, walk, eat and their existence.
French cuisine: The unique gastronomy
The gastronomy in France is known for its variety and diversity of flavours as a result of centuries of cuisine evolution between their many villages. Each village has unique traditions and tastes, which has composed what is today a patrimony of humanity since UNESCO listed the French gastronomy in the intangible heritage of humanity in 2010.
This is possible thanks to the cultural traditions in the French families and sharing this ancestral information to the little ones. This goes for everything from seasoning, the order of which each plate must be served, how to put the different cutlery, fold the towel, and to know the use of each glass.
Finding a home in France
The difficulty of and recommendations to finding a place to live in France will depend on the city you will be working in. However there are some general tips worth knowing:
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Rent an Airbnb the first days: Airbnb is a cheaper way to rent the first days while looking for something better. While living here you have time to find the perfect area for you, and then find a good apartment to rent.
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Networking: Networking is the key to finding real opportunities. Use social media to find groups of people renting in your area, tell your coworkers that you’re looking for an apartment or a room.
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NEVER send money before: If you haven’t personally seen the apartment we strongly recommend not sending money beforehand – at least unless it’s a very safe source, and even in those cases you can get into an agreement with the proprietary to wait for your arrival before paying.
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Sign up on websites: You may find some good options looking on renting sites like leboncoin.fr, seloger.fr, pap.fr, and an extra tip, there’s an app that summarises all options of other sites, it’s called JINKA. Also, we recommend you to avoid English sites or sites that are initially in English, because these types of sites usually have higher prices because they know you’re a foreigner. So use Google translate instead!
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Prepare your documentation: It’s important to have your documents done. Landlords will ask you for a copy of your passport, your contract, and a letter from a garant. A garant is someone who compromises to pay for you in case you can’t. Landlords also ask for a French garant so keep that in mind. Also, it’s important to know that all documents, except your passport, must be in French or translated to French.
Still not convinced about France?
France is famous for its love of gastronomy, and rightfully so. Enjoy delicious croissants, velvety cheeses, exquisite wines, and delicate pastries. France offers a wide range of experiences from the iconic Eiffel Tower in Paris to the stunning lavender fields of Provence. Discover the many hidden gems as you walk through the beautiful cobblestone streets, and explore their many châteaux.
A French lifestyle includes celebrating joie de vivre, enjoying the simple pleasures of life. From lively café conversations to the joy of sharing a bottle of wine with friends, you’ll find yourself deep insided a culture that appreciates connections and meaningful experiences.
The French savoir-faire extends to fashion, where Paris is considered the global fashion capital. Immerse yourself in the glamorous world of haute couture, stroll along the fashionable Champs-Élysées, and embrace the effortless elegance that permeates the French lifestyle.
Furthermore, France is home to the largest number of UNESCO World Heritage sites? From the historic beauty of Mont Saint-Michel to the breathtaking palace of Versailles, you’ll be surrounded by centuries of history and architectural wonders. Additionally, exploring the French Riviera, visiting historic castles in the Loire Valley, and enjoying the art and culture of cities like Lyon and Bordeaux are also highly recommended.
FAQ
No, if you are an EU/EEA citizen you do not need a work permit. And if you are from another country outside of EU and you plan to work in France for less than three months (in the sporting cultural, artistic, or scientific field) you also do not need a work permit. You can read more here.
While French is the official language of France, English is also commonly understood and spoken to some extent, particularly in major tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants. In larger cities like Paris, Lyon, and Nice, many people, especially those working in the tourism industry, have a basic understanding of English and can communicate with visitors. However, outside of these areas, particularly in more rural or remote regions, English proficiency may be more limited. It’s always helpful to learn a few basic French phrases and greetings to show respect and make communication easier.
In general France has nice and mild/warm summers and cool winters. In the Mediterranean (southern France) it becomes hot during summer, and the northern parts of France are colder during winter.
France is generally considered a safe country to visit and live in. Like any destination, there are some areas that may have higher crime rates or specific safety considerations, but overall, France has effective law enforcement and security measures in place to ensure public safety. It’s always advisable to take common-sense precautions such as being aware of your surroundings, keeping an eye on personal belongings, and avoiding isolated or poorly lit areas at night. It’s also a good idea to stay informed about any travel advisories or warnings issued by your home country’s government.
France has good infrastructure and they often use trains. Their network of fast trains (TGV) covers big distances and the intercity trains (Intercites) are also well-functioning in the big cities. You can buy tickets for trains at the station using machines.
Yes, the French healthcare system is considered one of the best globally.Healthcare is mandatory in France, and the costs are covered by the state and patient contributions. Healthcare is not free.
