Working in Paris
To move to France one needs a visa and a residents permit. These can be applied for at French embassies and consulates around the world and it is important to begin this process early as it can take a while. EU citizens do not need any of these documents.
To stay in France an application for a residency permit must be lodged after being granted a long stay visa. This can be done at the local Foreigners Office or town hall. A permanent residency permit can be applied for after three years living in the country.
Getting a job in Paris can be difficult. Most people find employment through networking and alumni organisations. It can be especially tough for expats since many do not speak French. However there are a number of jobs that can be taken until the language can be learned. Foreign language speakers who teach, and au pairs can make enough money live on until their French level becomes sufficient to enter the mainstream working environment. A CV is the usual way to apply for a job in France, followed by an interview. The French expect to be pestered, so it can be useful for an expat to follow up an application with a number of calls asking when an interview will be arranged.
Paris is the most visited destination in the world, and as a result, skills in the tourism industry are well respected and in demand. For those with experience as waiters, barmen, hotel staff, and any other hospitality related industry, there will be plenty of job opportunities. Paris is also the corporate centre of France and hosts the headquarters of many of the country's and the worlds top firms. For those speaking both French and another language, Paris can be a good place to find a corporate job. Bilingualism, especially English-French is highly valued. As always the Internet provides a bounty of classified listings.
Average working day in France is 9.30am to 5.30pm but it is heavily dependent on the sector one is involved in. Those in the tourism industry will be working at different times. Contract workers can expect a fair amount of leave, and two extra cheques a year in December and June. Expect about 25 percent of income to be deducted and a tax return to have to be filed later in the year.
To stay in France an application for a residency permit must be lodged after being granted a long stay visa. This can be done at the local Foreigners Office or town hall. A permanent residency permit can be applied for after three years living in the country.Getting a job in Paris can be difficult. Most people find employment through networking and alumni organisations. It can be especially tough for expats since many do not speak French. However there are a number of jobs that can be taken until the language can be learned. Foreign language speakers who teach, and au pairs can make enough money live on until their French level becomes sufficient to enter the mainstream working environment. A CV is the usual way to apply for a job in France, followed by an interview. The French expect to be pestered, so it can be useful for an expat to follow up an application with a number of calls asking when an interview will be arranged.
Paris is the most visited destination in the world, and as a result, skills in the tourism industry are well respected and in demand. For those with experience as waiters, barmen, hotel staff, and any other hospitality related industry, there will be plenty of job opportunities. Paris is also the corporate centre of France and hosts the headquarters of many of the country's and the worlds top firms. For those speaking both French and another language, Paris can be a good place to find a corporate job. Bilingualism, especially English-French is highly valued. As always the Internet provides a bounty of classified listings.
Average working day in France is 9.30am to 5.30pm but it is heavily dependent on the sector one is involved in. Those in the tourism industry will be working at different times. Contract workers can expect a fair amount of leave, and two extra cheques a year in December and June. Expect about 25 percent of income to be deducted and a tax return to have to be filed later in the year.
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