How to Find a Job in France in 2025: Beyond the Croissant
France is a country known for its rich history, delicious food, and great work-life balance. It is also a rapidly developing economic powerhouse with a growing need for qualified workers. 2025 will be a great year for people who want to work in the Hexagon, especially in new and growing fields. But it is important to know the ins and outs of the French employment market, such as what jobs are in high demand, what visas are needed, and how culture affects work.
A Look at the French Job Market: What to Expect in 2025
The French economy is still strong, and by 2025, there will be almost 18.1 million jobs available. 55% of these jobs are expected to be in high-skilled, non-manual fields, which shows that there is a considerable demand for specialist workers. To make it easier to hire and regularize foreign workers in fields that are having a hard time finding workers, the French government has even modified its “shortage occupation list” for 2025.
Important Roles and Sectors That Are In Demand:
France is having a lot of trouble finding workers in several fields, which is a great chance for international workers.
Technology and IT: This field is growing quickly, and there is a lot of need for:
Software engineers and developers are important for many fields as digital revolution proceeds.
AI and machine learning experts are important for coming up with new ideas and making decisions based on data.
Data Scientists and Analysts: To get information from large amounts of data.
IT security experts: To fight the growing threat of cyberattacks.
Network Engineers and IT Project Managers: To build strong infrastructure and get projects done on time.
The IT services market in France is expected to grow a lot, and a big part of that growth will come from IT outsourcing.
Healthcare & Home Care: France’s strong healthcare system always needs professionals:
Doctors and nurses are needed to meet the increased need for medical care and the aging population.
Caregivers & Healthcare Assistants: Especially for long-term care needs.
Physiotherapists and early childhood educators are helping to build a whole-person approach to health.
The Digital Health business is growing, which makes the demand for more workers in this field even more clear.
Engineering: A field that is always in demand, especially for:
Civil and mechanical engineers work on building infrastructure and industrial projects.
Electrical and electronic engineers are making progress in many areas of technology.
Renewable energy engineers and technicians are very important for France’s commitment to sustainable development.
Welders and boilermakers are skilled workers that are in high demand in the construction and manufacturing industries.
Construction and Building Trades: This field has room for growth in areas like sustainability and building new infrastructure.
There are a lot of specialized manual jobs that are in high demand, such as carpenters, plumbers, electricians, roofers, heavy equipment operators, site managers, and masons.
Hospitality and Food Services: France is a major tourist destination, thus it is always looking for people with skills in this field. The hospitality industry alone will need 336,000 people by 2025, and almost half of those jobs will be hard to fill.
There are many different jobs in the kitchen, including chefs, kitchen assistants, hotel staff, restaurant servers, bakers, pastry makers, butchers, and fishmongers.
Farming and forestry:
Agricultural laborers, horticulturists, livestock farmers, viticulturists, arboriculturists, and forestry workers are all important to France’s robust agricultural economy.
Transport and Logistics: This field is still growing.
Truck drivers, bus drivers, tram operators, logistics handlers, and packaging workers are all needed to keep products and people moving smoothly.
Industry and Manufacturing:
Machine operators, maintenance mechanics, metal processing technicians, industrial quality technicians, assemblers, and sheet metal workers are all very important for making things in factories.
Other skilled trades:
Surveyors, refrigeration technicians, automotive repairers, elevator installers, cement plant operators, and glass workers.
Professional Services: There is also a steady need for experts in sales and business development, marketing, finance (financial analysts and managers), and human resources (HR managers, healthcare assistants, and administration managers).
Knowing how much money you make and how much it costs to live
It is important to know the average wage range and the cost of living in France, even when the pay is good.
Average Gross Annual Salaries in France:
Recent research shows that the average gross annual pay in France is about €39,800. But this changes a lot depending on the person’s experience, education, location, job, and field of work.
Minimum Wage (SMIC): The gross minimum wage (SMIC) in France is €11.88 per hour as of November 1, 2024. This means that a regular 35-hour workday will pay you €1,801.80 per month. The net monthly salary is about €1,426.
By Industry/Role (Average Annual Gross – 2025 estimates):
Software Developers: €45,000 to €75,000 or more
AI and machine learning experts: €50,000 to €90,000 or more
Data scientists make between €45,000 and €80,000 or more.
Nurses make between €38,000 and €55,000.
Doctors, from general practitioners to specialists, can make anything from €45,000 to €150,000 or more.
Civil Engineers: €42,000 to €72,000 or more
€30,000 to €45,000 for hotel and restaurant managers
Drivers of trucks: €25,000 to €40,000
Senior Managers and Executives: €80,000 to €150,000 or more
By Level of Experience (Average Annual Gross):
Junior Level: Between €35,000 and €42,000
In the middle of your career, you may expect to make between €45,000 and €59,000.
Senior Level: About €60,000 to €65,000 or more
By Level of Education (Average Annual Gross):
A bachelor’s degree costs about €35,000.
Master’s Degree: About €45,000
PhD: About €50,000 or more
By Location (Average Gross Income per Year):
Paris: €54,100
Marseille: €53,600
Lyon, Toulouse, and Strasbourg: About €50,600 to €50,800
Nice: 50,000 euros
Bordeaux/Lille: About €44,200 to €44,500
How much it costs to live:
Depending on the city and lifestyle, the cost of living in France might be very different. It is often thought to be more expensive than some other European countries, yet it might be a fantastic deal outside of Paris.
Average monthly costs (not including rent, 2025 estimates):
For one individual, it is from €948 to €1,500.
For a family of four, it is between €3,367 to €4,400.
Rent (monthly) for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center:
Paris: Prices might be anything from €1,200 to €2,200.
Lyon/Marseille: About €770 to €1,300.
In smaller cities and rural locations, prices might be anywhere from €500 to €900.
Groceries: A single person might spend between €250 and €300 a month, while a family of four might spend about €1,000.
Utilities (monthly): For a basic flat, this includes electricity, heating, cooling, water, and trash service. It costs about €150–€200.
Transportation: A monthly pass for local transportation costs about €65.
Requirements for Non-EU Citizens to Get a Visa and Work Permit
Getting the right work permit is very important for people who are not from the EU. If you work without the right papers, you could face serious repercussions, such as deportation and fines.
Important Requirements and Types of Visas:
Job Offer: The first and most important step is to get a job offer from a French company that is willing to help you get a visa and work permit.
Long-Stay (Type D) Visa: This is the most frequent visa for people who have a job and plan to stay for more than 90 days. This visa generally turns into a residence permit when you arrive in France.
Work Permit (Autorisation de Travail): Most of the time, the employer gets the work permit for the employee through the Ministry of the Interior’s online portal. Employers must often show that no local (EU/EEA) candidates were available for the job before they can apply for a work visa for a non-EU citizen. They do this by posting the job on a public employment agency website (like France Travail or Apec) for at least three weeks.
The Talent Passport (Passeport Talent) is a great alternative for highly skilled workers, academics, artists, and entrepreneurs. It lets them stay for up to four years and can be renewed. It makes things easier for some types of experts.
To be a “Qualified Employee,” you must earn at least twice the statutory national minimum wage (SMIC), which is about €43,243 per year as of January 1, 2025. It also usually needs a permanent or fixed-term contract for at least three months and a qualification that is equal to a master’s degree (or five years of similar work experience).
To get an EU Blue Card, you need to have a university or specialized college degree of at least three years (or five years of relevant professional experience) and a gross annual salary of at least €53,836.50 (as of January 1, 2025). This permission lets you move about more in the EU.
Different Types of Visas:
Seasonal Worker Visa: This visa lets people work in agriculture or tourism for up to six months over a 12-month period.
Temporary Worker Visa (Travailleur Temporaire): For contracts that last a set amount of time or secondments.
ICT Permit (Intra-firm Transfer): For moving managers or professionals around inside a multinational firm group.
Job Seeker Visa (Post-Study): For people who have just graduated from a French university and are looking for their first job.
The Entrepreneur/Startup Visa is for people who want to start a new business in France.
Required Documents (General): A valid passport (valid for at least three months after planned departure), a signed work contract with a French employer, proof of qualifications/degrees, proof of accommodation in France (rental contract, property ownership, or host invitation), a completed visa application form, recent passport-sized photographs, and visa fees (about €99 for most categories). Most of the time, you also need a clean criminal background and full health insurance.
Language fluency: French language fluency (at least B1 level for some professions) is not generally required for visa acceptance, but it makes it much easier to get a job and fit in, especially if you do not work for a very international company.
Timeline: The time it takes to process a visa can range from 15 to 45 business days, but it can take longer if the paperwork is not complete or there are a lot of applications. Planning ahead is really important.
Good ways to look for a job
To get a job in France, you need to plan ahead and know how things work there.
Job boards on the internet:
France Travail (previously Pôle Emploi): This is the national public employment service. It is great for finding local jobs, and companies often need it to sponsor international workers.
Indeed.fr: A huge company that is well-known in France.
Monster.fr: A site that expats like since it has job listings and career advice.
Apec is an expert in hiring executives, managers, and highly trained professionals.
LinkedIn: Important for networking, job opportunities, and getting in touch with companies directly. Add important keywords to your profile and make it available in more than one language.
Glassdoor: Shows job openings and reviews of companies.
Jobteaser: Helps companies find students and recent graduates to work for them.
Hellowork (previously RegionsJob): Focuses on hiring people from all over France.
EnglishJobs.fr: For employment that need people who can speak English.
EURES (The European Job Mobility Portal): This is a helpful site for EU nationals and anyone who wants to learn more about working in Europe.
Agencies like Adecco, Manpower, Randstad, and Hays are well-known in France and can help you find jobs that are not advertised. There are agencies that only work with certain fields, like IT, finance, and healthcare.
Networking: Going to industry conferences, seminars, and joining professional groups might help you find employment openings that are not well known. LinkedIn is a great way to meet people who work in your field. Get involved in local expat groups and professional meetups.
Direct Company Applications: A lot of businesses post job openings directly on their websites. If you have a list of companies you want to work for, check their careers pages often.
Make Your Application Unique: Always change your CV (Curriculum Vitae) and cover letter (lettre de motivation) for each job.
CV: In France, CVs are normally one page (or two pages max for senior posts), employ a reverse-chronological structure, and often include a professional photo. Highlight your most recent and relevant experiences, quantifying successes if possible. Ensure your abilities correspond with the job description.
Cover Letter: This is vital in France. It should describe why you are interested in that specific organization and that specific function, demonstrating your awareness of their needs and how your talents and experience may assist.
Language Skills: Some foreign jobs may require you to know English, however it is highly advised that you learn French. Having a basic understanding of French (even A2-B1) will make it much easier for you to get a job, go to interviews, and fit in with your daily life. When you get there, think about signing up for intense language classes.
Things to think about when working in France
To make the transfer go well and have a successful career, you need to know how French workplaces work.
Formality and Hierarchy: Workplaces in France are usually more formal and hierarchical than those in several Anglo-Saxon countries. Use “Monsieur” or “Madame” followed by their last name when talking to coworkers and bosses until they tell you to use their first name. Follow the chain of command and know that decisions usually come from the top.
Being on time for meetings is a must and a display of respect. Try to get there a few minutes early.
Work-Life Balance (L’équilibre vie pro/vie perso): France puts a lot of stress on having a good work-life balance. The usual workweek in France is 35 hours, and workers there enjoy their free time, vacations, and long lunch breaks. People usually leave work right at the end of the day, and the “always-on” work ethic is less widespread. Have fun on your five weeks of vacation!
Communication Style: French corporate communication can be straightforward, rational, and well-organized. In formal situations, there is not much small talk, but conversations can be very dynamic and thought-provoking. Be ready to explain your ideas in a clear and short way.
Lunch breaks: Lunch is often a big social event, and coworkers could eat together for an hour or more. This is a great time to make new friends and network.
Dress Code: Professional clothing is important. Different industries have different rules about what to wear, but in general, elegant and polished clothes are expected.
Building Relationships: Spend time getting to know your coworkers well. French coworkers are forthright at work, yet they frequently like open conversations and building trust over time.
Living the French Dream
Moving to France for work is an exciting idea because it will help you improve professionally and provide you a chance to learn about a new culture. Even while it takes a lot of work to get a visa and learn about the employment market in the area, the prospects, quality of living, and lively culture make it all worth it. If you plan carefully, personalize your job search, and are open to adapting to the way things are done in French workplaces, your career in France can be a very rewarding trip.
