FranceCompass

How to find a job in France as a foreigner

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Last verified: October 2026 — Sources: France Travail, Service-Public.fr

France has a job market with its own rules: CVs follow a different format, interviews have a particular protocol, and the type of contract you get affects almost every aspect of your administrative life. This guide gives you the key steps for finding a job as a foreigner.

Do you need a work permit?

  • EU, EEA or Swiss citizens: you do not need a work permit. You can work freely in France.
  • Non-EU nationals: you need a visa or residence permit that authorises work. Some residence permits already authorise employment and exempt the employer from applying for a separate authorisation. In other cases, the employer must obtain a work authorisation through the official online process before hiring. Check the conditions attached to your permit.

The French CV

The French CV has some distinct conventions:

  • One page (two at most for senior profiles).
  • Photo: increasingly uncommon, but some sectors still expect one.
  • No full personal details: do not include date of birth, number of children or nationality (unless directly relevant to the role).
  • Reverse chronological order: most recent experience first.
  • Language: write in French, unless the role is international or the job advert is in another language.
  • Lettre de motivation (cover letter): still common, though less often required than before. Tailor each letter to the company and the position.

Where to search for jobs

  • France Travail (francetravail.fr): the public employment portal. Jobseeker registration depends on the relevant eligibility criteria, including authorisation to work in France where required.
  • Indeed France (indeed.fr): the largest job aggregator.
  • LinkedIn: widely used in France, especially for qualified profiles.
  • APEC (apec.fr): specialised portal for cadres (qualified professionals and managers).
  • Hellowork, Cadremploi, Welcome to the Jungle: complementary job boards.
  • Temp agencies (agences d’intérim): Adecco, Manpower, Randstad. A good way to start quickly, especially in logistics, hospitality and manufacturing.

Job interviews in France

  • The tone is usually formal: use vous (formal “you”) rather than tu.
  • Punctuality matters.
  • Questions about age, family status, religion or health are illegal during an interview.
  • You will often be asked for your prétention salariale (salary expectation). Research salary ranges for your role and sector beforehand. See our guide to the minimum wage (SMIC) and our gross-to-net salary guide for reference.

Sectors with high demand

Sectors with the most vacancies in France in 2026 include healthcare, IT and technology, hospitality and catering, logistics, construction and personal services. The level of French required varies significantly by sector.

Foreign qualifications and equivalences

France does not have an automatic system for recognising foreign qualifications. For regulated professions (doctor, certain engineering titles, lawyer), you need specific recognition. For most jobs, the employer decides whether to accept your qualifications. You can request an attestation de comparabilité from France Éducation International (formerly CIEP/ENIC-NARIC).

Related guides

Official sources

This article is for information only. Job-search requirements and work-permit rules vary by nationality and personal situation. Contact France Travail or the French consulate in your country for personalised guidance.

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