How to Find Jobs in France?

Thinking about moving to France for work? France isn’t just about wine, cheese, and charming cafés, it’s also a country with a strong demand for foreign workers, thanks to an aging population and labour shortages in key sectors. If you’re serious about building a career here, this guide breaks down everything you need to know.

Key Takeaways

• Career opportunities in France offer strong job options across technology, engineering, finance and hospitality, giving professionals meaningful growth in an internationally competitive environment.
• Many roles in France are opening within renewable energy, healthcare and research, creating steady demand for skilled workers seeking stable long term career paths.
• Flexible careers through freelancing, teaching and remote work are becoming more common in France, supporting students and professionals aiming for adaptable work lifestyles.

High Demand Job Industries in France

France needs around 300,000 foreign workers every year to sustain its economy. Certain industries are consistently short of staff, which opens doors for international talent:

• Construction and Skilled Trades: Electricians, plumbers, bricklayers, welders, and boilermakers are always in demand. Infrastructure projects across the country need qualified hands.
• Healthcare and Social Care: Nurses, midwives, caregivers, and elderly support workers are urgently needed due to an ageing population and shortage of trained staff in hospitals and care homes.
• Hospitality and Tourism: Chefs, waiters, bartenders, hotel receptionists, and seasonal workers for ski resorts and summer tourism hotspots.
• Manufacturing and Food Processing: Butchers, packers, machine operators, and quality control staff, especially in regions with strong agri-food industries.
• Agriculture and Seasonal Work: Fruit pickers, vineyard workers, and farmhands, seasonal contracts are common but plentiful.
• Technology and IT: Software developers, AI engineers, data analysts, web developers, cybersecurity experts, and cloud computing specialists are sought after by both start-ups and large firms.
• Engineering and Industry: Aerospace technicians, renewable energy engineers, mechanical engineers, and automation specialists. France’s aerospace and green energy sectors are rapidly expanding.
• Education: Language teachers (especially English), STEM subject teachers, and international school staff are increasingly recruited, especially in urban centres.
• Transport and Logistics: Truck drivers, delivery personnel, warehouse operators, and supply chain managers are needed as e-commerce continues to grow.

If you fall into one of these categories, your chances of landing a job (and visa) are much higher.

Work Visas and Permits

Unless you’re from the EU/EEA or Switzerland, you’ll need both a job offer and a visa. Here are the main options:

• Talent Passport (Passeport Talent): For highly skilled workers, entrepreneurs, researchers. Valid for up to 4 years.
• EU Blue Card: Requires a Master’s degree (or equivalent experience) and a minimum salary of around €54,000.
• Healthcare Route: Doctors and pharmacists can now apply for a renewable 4-year permit with a lower salary threshold (~€41,000).
• Seasonal Work Visa: For jobs in agriculture or tourism; valid up to 6 months.
• Employee Visa or Intra-Company Transfer: For those with job offers from French employers or multinational companies.

Pro tip: If your profession is on the official “shortage list,” you can often skip the labour market test, making the process faster.

How to Find a Job in France

• Online Platforms: Use France Travail (formerly Pôle emploi), APEC (for executives), LinkedIn, and Indeed.
• French CV Standards: Keep it concise (1 page is standard), formal, and tailored. A cover letter in French can make a huge difference.
• Networking: Referrals and local connections matter a lot in France. If possible, attend industry events or connect with professional groups.
• Language Skills: Some jobs (especially in tech) accept English, but conversational French makes life and work much smoother.

The Process Step by Step

1. Secure a job offer from a French employer.
2. Employer applies for work authorisation with DREETS/DIRECCTE.
3. Apply for your visa via the France-Visas portal.
4. Submit documents: contract, qualifications, proof of accommodation, financials, clean record.
5. Visa interview and biometrics at a French consulate.
6. Validate your visa with OFII (immigration office) once in France.
7. Register for social security and get your tax ID.

Work Culture in France

• 35-Hour Work Week: Overtime is tightly regulated, and holidays are sacred.
• Work-Life Balance: The “right to disconnect” law protects employees from after-hours emails in companies with 50+ staff.
• Contracts: CDI (permanent contracts) offer stability; CDD (fixed-term) are common but less secure.
• Office Culture: Formality is the norm, especially in language and dress. Relationships matter.

The Bigger Picture

France is attracting heavy investment. Amazon, Pfizer, and Morgan Stanley are among the companies expanding operations here. If you’re in healthcare, construction, IT, logistics, or skilled trades, the country is actively seeking your skills.

Final Thoughts

France can be a great place to build a career, but preparation is everything. If you align your skills with shortage areas, prepare a French-standard CV, and understand the visa system, you’ll be well-placed to land a role. The opportunities are real, it’s just about knowing where to look and how to move through the system.