Do foreigners need to work in France during the pandemic?

France had a significant need for labor prior to the coronavirus pandemic in 2020. The economy was booming and the unemployment rate in 2019 reached record lows in the last decade. Nevertheless, like many other nations, France suffered negative consequences from the COVID-19 crisis. Unlike the United States, which suspended the issuance of certain types of work visas, France has focused on a "passport-talent" program that offers benefits to skilled professionals and investors seeking to relocate to the country. In addition, in early spring 2020, President Emmanuel Macron announced a desire to transform France into a "startup nation," which includes allocating 4 billion euros to attract foreign professionals.

Undoubtedly, there is a high demand for labor in France, especially in sectors that require physical work. However, foreign citizens from post-Soviet countries such as Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus will have to compete with migrants from French-speaking countries in Africa and Asia, who are already in France and have certain advantages.

Searching for work in France

How can one find a suitable job in France? The answer to this question is not as simple as it may seem. It is important to consider that the highest number of job openings is concentrated in large cities, as confirmed by statistical data:

• The most lucrative job offers can be found in Paris.
• Lyon also offers many job opportunities.

However, analysts recommend paying attention to smaller cities as well, where the number of job vacancies is lower, but the cost of living is significantly cheaper, making life there more affordable. Among the cities that are becoming increasingly popular for employment, we can highlight:

• Besançon
• Orleans
• Saint-Étienne

The choice of city should be based on your professional qualifications and the field in which you plan to work.

Who can find a job in France?

Which foreigners can expect to find successful employment in France? First of all, it ishighly qualified specialistsThose with significant experience and knowledge in their field can expect to obtain a blue card. However, the main challenge is attracting the employer's attention, which can be difficult since it requires them to gather all the necessary documents.

The employer needs to convince government authorities that you are a unique specialist and that there is no one among the other candidates in France and Europe who could replace you. It will also be necessary to prove that job searches through local employment agencies have not yielded results. It is also important to remember that the salary of a foreign worker must be at least 50% higher than the established minimum, which is at least2200 euros per monthThis is quite a decent income that local residents might agree to, which complicates the task for foreign specialists.

Demand for IT and technical specialists

The labor market is actively interested in specialists from technical and information fields, which today are among the most in-demand professions. For such specialists, obtaining the necessary permits and visas is a quite feasible process, provided they have the required qualifications and professional experience.

Thus, it can be stated that there are indeed chances for successful employment in France; however, competition in the job market is high. It is important to take the job search process seriously and to consider that your success will depend not only on your professional skills but also on the job market situation and your persistence in achieving your goals.

List of in-demand professions

Since 2008, there have been no changes in the list of popular professions in France, which can be studied at any local employment center. This list includes about thirty specialties, with particular emphasis on specialists in the construction sector, mechanical engineering, as well as in metal processing and manufacturing.

It is important to note that we are talking about highly qualified workers. This circumstance provides a significant advantage – for such specialists, there are no strict requirements for a minimum salary that must exceed the generally accepted norms in the country, and employers are not required to provide arguments to attract foreign employees over local authorities.

Employment conditions for researchers

This situation significantly simplifies employment in the country. For scientists holding a degree of at least a master's level, there is an opportunity to work in France as researchers or teachers in higher education institutions. In this case, the employer must be an educational or research institution.

To start working, it is necessary to sign a contract with the candidate and register with the relevant local authorities. After completing these procedures, the employee can obtain a long-term visa.“welcome protocol”, valid for one year.

Au pair program

There are also international programs such asau pair...that provide the opportunity to work as a household assistant in French families. Young people aged 18 to 30 can participate in such a program.

Nevertheless, in this case, the work often resembles comfortable living rather than a full-fledged job. The foreign participant of the program lives with a family, providing assistance in:

• Childcare
• Doing chores
• Cooking simple dishes
• Washing or shopping

The number of working hours should not exceed 30 per week. It should be emphasized that caring for children late in the evening is not a common practice. In exchange for help, the family provides the participant with accommodation, meals, and a small allowance, which amounts to approximately 80-100 euros per week.

The duration of this "internship" varies from 6 to 18 months. One of the main conditions for participation is mandatory attendance at French language courses with a minimum of 10 hours per week. Based on this fact, a separate long-term visa is also issued.

Difficulties for low-skilled workers

Nevertheless, there are certain issues with the employment of low-skilled and temporary workers who lack specialized knowledge. Such employees can expect a minimum wage or face difficult physical working conditions in French companies.

However, despite this, such an experience presents a great opportunity to get used to life in a new place, improve French language skills (which, as mentioned, is mandatory), and make valuable connections that can help in deciding whether to stay in France or not.

Job search in France

There are many opportunities to search for job offers online. The country has a large number of reliable websites for finding job vacancies.

One of the most famous is"employment center"which is considered the main organization in the field of employment. Its platform features over half a million job postings from various employers, making this resource indispensable for job seekers.

The ability to find job vacancies has become much more convenient thanks to filters that help select job offers in a specific region, aligned with the chosen specialty, work schedule, and deadlines. One of the effective resources for this is the Apec agency, which is focused on assisting highly qualified specialists in finding the right position.

Additional platforms for job searching

There are plenty of additional online services that make job searching easier. Among them, we can highlight platforms such as:

• qapa
• a-zoon
• monster
• indeed
• leboncoin
• keljob
• cadremploi
• paruvendu.fr

These websites are diverse in their content and offer a wide range of job vacancies. One should not forget about regional resources, such as regionsjob and lesparticuliers, which can significantly assist in the job search process. For Russian-speaking users, there are specific websites, such as:

• 24ru.com.
• eurabota
• trud.com
• jooble

Specialized job vacancy websites

There are specialized platforms tailored to specific job groups. For example,the studentprovides job opportunities for students and recent graduates in their professional fields. Alsoagriculture-recruitsoffers a wide range of job opportunities in the agricultural sector, which is particularly appealing for those planning seasonal positions in France.

Moreover,l'hotellerie restaurationIt serves as an excellent source for job opportunities in the service sector, covering areas such as restaurants and hotels, providing vacancies for every taste. If your field is IT, a very useful resource will be...technojobsFor those looking for a job in the horeca sector, it is worth paying attention togroupeflo.

Printed publications

Local print publications can also be considered, as they typically contain job listings. However, with the growing popularity of specialized online resources, interest in such sources is becoming less relevant. For example, in 2020, newspapers like...Le ParisienandOuest-Francethey were still running ads from employers.

Employment agency services

If you want to avoid spending time on your own job search, you might consider reaching out to employment agencies. A complete list of such institutions can be found on the website.yellow pagesIf you are interested in working in the food service industry, it is worth noting that well-known chains are actively operating in France, such as:

• Bistro Romain
• Oh!.. Pepper
• Pomme de Pain
• Pizza Hut

These companies are constantly hiring new employees. If you plan to come to France, be sure to pay attention to these establishments and visit their official websites to look for current job openings. For those who want to work with children and enjoy the outdoors, job opportunities in the park would be suitable.Asterix.

Internship in France

An internship in France is a great opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the culture, lifestyle, and characteristics of the working environment in the country. However, only certain groups of citizens are eligible to participate in the internship, including:

• local students for whom internships are a mandatory part of the educational process;
• foreigners studying hospitality (hotel and restaurant business, tourism, etc.);
• specialists whose internships are organized by their employers.

When applying for an internship, you will need to sign a contract known asinternship agreementwhich will be certified by the appropriate authoritiesd.i.r.e.c.c.t.

Key points for employment in France

To successfully pursue your career aspirations in France, there are several key points to consider. The first thing you need to do is establish contact with the local labor inspection office. If you belong to a specific category, the paperwork process usually goes smoothly.

There are internship programs that can offer you a stipend from 500 euros per month and provide you with accommodation and meals for the duration of your stay. These internships usually last at least three months.

Working with agencies

If you are planning to contact an agency to arrange the necessary documents and find a company that will welcome you, pay attention to the cost of such services, which ranges from 1700 to 2000 euros, excluding the cost of airfare. Students studying in other fields can try to find internships in France through platforms like goabroad.

Current information and opportunities

Interesting opportunities in the spheres of real estate, immigration and investment are discussed in a specialized Telegram channel, to which you can subscribe to keep abreast of all the latest news.

Requirements for foreign workers

• Knowledge of the language:Proficiency in French is a mandatory requirement if you are aiming for a well-paying job. While it is certainly possible to get a position in an international company, it should be noted that such vacancies make up only 4-5% of the total job market.
• Harvesting:Harvest workers from May to October, as well as cleaners and general laborers, can often do without a thorough knowledge of French.
• Diploma confirmation:For certain professions that require higher education and close interaction with local laws, diploma verification becomes a mandatory procedure. It is recommended to visit the official website of the French Ministry of Education for more detailed information.

Qualities needed when searching for a job

Among the essential qualities to consider when job hunting are patience and attention to detail. French business culture is characterized by strict norms, which should be taken into account when submitting a resume.

• Summary Structure:Your resume should be well-structured: it should not exceed 1-2 pages in length, and the photo should be of good quality and without heavy makeup.
• Interview:During an interview, it's important to maintain a formal style of communication.

Job search on-site

It is important to remember that the job search process in France can take quite a bit of time. Before using online platforms, it would be wise to travel to the city where you plan to work.

In France, there are many types of visas intended for employment, which can be classified into short-term and long-term categories. Short-term options, such as temporary contracts, may not guarantee stable employment for an extended period. One of the most well-known types of employment contract is the CDD (Contrat à Durée Déterminée), which is concluded for a specific period and can be converted into a CDI (Contrat à Durée Indéterminée) after 6-12 months. Transitioning to a CDI is important as it provides much more stable conditions for employees.

After the contract approval process is completed, all necessary documents are submitted to various government agencies, including the local Ministry of Labor and the Office for Immigration and Integration (OFII). Once all permits are obtained, the document packages are sent to the French consulate located in your country to process the work visa. If everything goes well and the visa is granted, upon arrival in France, you will need to register with OFII. Remember that if you stay for more than three months, you will need to apply for a residence permit (VLS).

One of the mandatory conditions for obtaining a residence permit is the presence of a signed reception and integration contract (CAI). This contract implies the necessity of completing specialized courses in French language study and familiarization with the cultural peculiarities of life in France.

Types of visas for labor activity

As for visas that allow you to work in France, their number ranges from short-term (up to 90 days) to long-term. Long-term visas are divided into several categories, and the specific choice depends on the conditions of your work and the specific position. A complete list of available visas can be found on the website of the French Consulate General in Moscow. It should be noted that not every visa grants the right to work.

• Work visa OFIIThis type of visa is issued for a period of up to one year with the possibility of extension, provided there is a contract with an employer for at least three months and the corresponding work permit.
• Au Pair program. The visa for participants of this program can be issued for a period of 6 to 18 months and cannot be extended. The visa requires a contract with the host family, proof of French language training and a document proving student or employee status.
• Student visaThe validity of this visa is at least six months, and upon completion of the study program, you can apply for an additional six-month visa to search for a job. You will need proof of enrollment in an educational institution in France. With this visa, you can work no more than 24 hours a week, which is no more than 60% of the established working time.
• Visa for research staff (hosting agreement)This visa is issued for a period of up to one year with the possibility of extension. To obtain it, you must have a contract with an employer accredited in the field of science or education.
• Visa for talents (skills and talents)The validity of this visa is up to three years with the possibility of extension. However, it should be noted that this type of visa does not allow for permanent residency and only provides temporary permission to reside.

Thus, the process of obtaining a job in France requires careful selection of the appropriate type of visa, as well as strict adherence to all stages of preparing the necessary documents and registering at the place of residence.

Obtaining a visa for creative and scientific projects

Obtaining a visa for the implementation of creative or research projects requires meeting certain criteria. This visa allows you to work solely within the specified project, which obliges the candidate to confirm the necessary qualifications. You will also need to demonstrate that you have property in your home country.

The "vacation-work" program

To participate in the "work and travel" program, a visa is issued for a period of up to four months; however, it can be extended to a year if you are employed. This type of visa is considered one of the options for long-term visas, but it only provides temporary status, and obtaining permanent residency is not possible. The main requirement is age – you must be between 18 and 30 years old.

The visa opens up opportunities for job searching in the country, studying, and working in various companies. However, there is a limit on the number of visas issued to Russian citizens – only 500 visas per year.

Blue card

The Blue Card implies a longer validity period, which ranges from one to three years and is subject to renewal. A key point is that during the first two years of employment, according to the conditions, the worker is required to work for a specific employer.

• To obtain it, you need to sign a contract with the employer for a period of at least one year.
• A qualification is required: a higher education degree or at least five years of work experience.
• A newcomer at work should earn at a level that is 50% higher than the average salary in the country.

OFII visa

Among the popular types of visas, the OFII visa stands out. To obtain it, official documents confirming employment relationships are required, which are submitted to D.I.R.E.C.C.T.E. This authority grants preliminary work authorization.

After that, the documents are sent to the OFII and the consulate of the country where you plan to go to work. The time required from the moment of signing the contract to receiving the work visa can range from two to five months.

Au Pair visa

The Au Pair visa is also in high demand, and the process of obtaining it is significantly simplified. Here, the final work permit is also issued by D.I.R.E.C.C.T.E. A short-term Schengen visa allows you to work in the country, and its application requires a contract with an employer and the corresponding approval from D.I.R.E.C.C.T.E.

The process of obtaining a short-term visa is significantly easier compared to a long-term one, but you will need to gather a number of additional documents, such as:

• Certificate from the place of work (if available).
• Documents confirming the existence of savings and property.

More detailed information about the required documents and the visa application procedure can be found on the website of the Russian consulate.

Illegal work

When it comes to illegal work, there are also specific nuances. A French employer who makes employment illegal faces serious consequences, including fines ranging from 15,000 euros to imprisonment.

On the other hand, an employee working illegally risks facing deportation and a range of penalties. Therefore, when choosing a work visa and collaborating with an employer, it is important to carefully consider all the risks and consequences associated with potential illegal activities.

In-demand professions in the job market

In 2020, there was significant interest in a number of professions in the job market. Among the most in-demand specialists were programmers, accountants, teachers, security guards, administrators, healthcare workers, and public transport drivers. According to analysts' forecasts, this situation is expected to continue for the next five years.

There are also seasonal workers, as approximately 100,000 foreigners come to the country each year to harvest crops. Their earnings range from €1200 to €2000.

Tourism industry

There are also many job openings in the tourism industry. Employers are actively looking for staff to work in:

• cafe
• junk
• hotels
• campgrounds
• ski resorts

Job seekers are often required to have knowledge of foreign languages. Salaries in such fields can range from €1500 to €3000.

Income levels in France

As for the financial aspect of life in France, the minimum wage in 2020 was €1539.4 per month, while the average income reaches €4130. This level is considered one of the highest among European Union countries.

Salaries specified in the employment contracts of foreign workers are usually fixed for a year in advance, and an additional 13th salary is provided. The standard working time is 35 hours a week, but in practice, employees of private organizations work around 40 hours.

Earnings by specialties

If we look at the income levels for various professions, then:

• Programmers:from €1500 to €4000
• Accountants:from €600 to €2000
• Secretaries-administrators:about €3300
• Teachers:approximately €1500-1600
• University lecturers:from €2000 to €3500
• Medical workers:starting at €3000
• Specialized working professions:from €2500 to €3500
• Bartenders and waiters:€1300 to €1800
• Cleaners:from €1000 to €1700
• Realtors:up to €4000

Living expenses

Despite the relatively high salaries, you should also take into account the considerable costs of living in France. For example, renting a one-room apartment in cities like Toulouse and Nice ranges from €500 to €600 per month, and in Paris - from €600 in remote areas and over €1000 in the center.

Commuting expenses are also incurred, ranging from €150 to €250, not to mention the high prices for food and catering services. In 2020, France ranked among the most expensive countries in Europe.

Taxes in France

As for the tax system, it varies from 0% to 49% depending on the amount of income. For example, there is no tax for incomes below €6000 per year, while a rate of 30% applies to incomes between €26500 and €70000.

In addition, the employer pays 15.5% for social security each month, including health and pension insurance.

Options for employment abroad

If you are considering alternative employment options, it makes sense to pay attention to countries like the UK, Canada, the USA, and Switzerland, as well as to explore immigration pathways. Thus, job searching in France is quite feasible, and there are many different ways to achieve it.

Conclusion

In conclusion, I would like to emphasize that choosing to work in France requires careful analysis of the current conditions and needs of the labor market. The pandemic has certainly made its adjustments, but opportunities still exist, especially for highly qualified specialists.“Talent Passport”The government's commitment to developing startups opens new horizons for those willing to invest their efforts and knowledge in the French economy.

However, circumstances can certainly vary by region and specialty. Large cities such asParisandLyon...offer a multitude of opportunities, but the competition is quite high there. Nevertheless, small towns like...BesançonorOrleans...can be a great alternative for those looking for more affordable living conditions with fewer job opportunities.

We should not forget the importance of knowing the French language. Being able to speak the language of the country significantly increases the chances of employment and integration into the local community. This is especially relevant for those who plan to engage in low-skilled work or participate in international programs, such asau pair.

Key points

• The government's drive to develop startups creates new opportunities.
• Large cities offer more job opportunities, but the competition is also high.
• Smaller cities offer more affordable living conditions.
• Knowledge of the French language increases job prospects.
• Participation in international programs can be beneficial.

Thus, approach the job search process in France with an open heart and a willingness to learn. By working hard and showing initiative, you will not only be able to find a job but also adapt to this multifaceted and dynamic country. After all, it is the desire for self-improvement and an active life stance that will help you successfully achieve your ambitions on French soil.