Living and working in France
Can you think of France without picturing the Eiffel Tower, croissants, sunny Nice, wineries as well as fashion and sports enthusiasts? Neither can we. But what more does daily life in France have to offer?
Here we will try to give you a deeper insight in this vibrant and diverse country.
Click below to read more about:
Latest available jobs in France
Currency
The Euro (€) has been the official currency in France since 2002
Famous people
Some famous French people are Marie Curie, Claude Monet, Coco Chanel and Kylian Mbappé
Population
France has ~67.8 million, residents, many living in Paris and Marseille
Typical food
Croissant, baguette, onion soup, escargots de Bourgogne (snails), ratatouille (thick stew of vegetables), macarons, profiterole, pain au chocolat
Avg. working week
France has an average of 35 hour work week, 7 hours daily, 5 days a week
Location
France is the largest country in Western Europe and borders Germany, Belgium, Spain and the Atlantic Ocean. The capital of France is Paris
Languages
The official language is French, and their alphabet is Latin script
Healthcare
Healthcare is mandatory in France, and the costs are covered by the state and patient contributions (not free). The French healthcare system is one of the best
What you need to know about living and working in France
The work culture in France is hierarchical and characterised by tradition, and attention to detail. They tend to be analytical and bureaucratic, which can make the process slow, but they do it to make sure everything is working properly.
It is quite common to work in France as a foreigner, because there is a very welcoming attitude towards expats, housing approximately 2,4 million EU migrants.
Taxes in France
As a European citizen we recommend you to register your residency, even if it’s not legally required to stay and work in France. You need to register in the tax office, filling the form 2043 to get a tax ID. You can find more information about how to fill in this form and this way it will be easier for you to pay taxes in the long run. The taxes are progressive between 11% and 45% for income rates over €10.225.
What you need to fix when you start living and working in France
There are a couple of important steps you need to take in order to start living and working in France:
- Get your social security number; critical for healthcare, salary and administration
- Register with tax authorities; via Direction Générale des Finances Publiques
- Open a French bank account; needed for salary payments, rent, utilities
- Register with French healthcare system;
- Get a French SIM card
Popular cities in France
Speak to one of our recruiters
Linda
Life in France
France has a strong emphasis on work-life balance, with laws and cultural norms that prioritise leisure time and personal well-being. They have a 35-hour workweek, which aims to ensure that employees have enough time for leisure, family, and personal pursuits. Additionally, France has a generous number of public holidays and vacation days, providing opportunities for individuals to relax and enjoy their personal lives. Overall, the work-life balance in France is highly valued and supported by the culture and legal framework
Cultural traits in France you need to know
Family is valued highly in French culture, and it’s common to see family gatherings on weekends and going for a coffee during the day with a brother or sister. The motto of the French community is “Liberty, Equity and Fraternity” resembling their most important values: to see each other as family, and keeping the rights of everyone to do what they want to as long as they don’t disturb others. French people value sophistication and artistic traits til the point that is not only part of their architecture but also it is part of their way of life, their way to talk, walk, eat and their existence.
French cuisine: The unique gastronomy
The gastronomy in France is known for its variety and diversity of flavours as a result of centuries of cuisine evolution between their many villages. Each village has unique traditions and tastes, which has composed what is today a patrimony of humanity since UNESCO listed the French gastronomy in the intangible heritage of humanity in 2010.
This is possible thanks to the cultural traditions in the French families and sharing this ancestral information to the little ones. This goes for everything from seasoning, the order of which each plate must be served, how to put the different cutlery, fold the towel, and to know the use of each glass.
Finding accommodation in France
The difficulty of and recommendations to finding a place to live in France will depend on the city you will be working in. Use your employer, rental websites or social media to find accommodation in France. You can expect this about the average rental costs in France:
- 1-bedroom apartment in the city center: €1,200-€2,000 in Paris, €650-€800 outside Paris
- 1-bedroom apartment outside the city center: €700-€1,000 in Paris, €500-€650 outside Paris
- Room in a shared apartment: ~€700 in Paris, €350-€700 outside Paris
Cost of living in France
We list you the most important costs of living in France for expats:
- Groceries: €300-€420 a month
- Basic meal in a restaurant: €10-€25
- Coffee in a café: €2-€5
- 0.5L beer in a bar: €4-€8
- Gym membership: €20-€60 a month
- Cinema ticket: €8-€15
Still not convinced about France?
A French lifestyle includes celebrating joie de vivre, enjoying the simple pleasures of life. From lively café conversations to the joy of sharing a bottle of wine with friends, you’ll find yourself deep insided a culture that appreciates connections and meaningful experiences.
The French savoir-faire extends to fashion, where Paris is considered the global fashion capital. Immerse yourself in the glamorous world of haute couture, stroll along the fashionable Champs-Élysées, and embrace the effortless elegance that permeates the French lifestyle.
Furthermore, France is home to the largest number of UNESCO World Heritage sites? From the historic beauty of Mont Saint-Michel to the breathtaking palace of Versailles, you’ll be surrounded by centuries of history and architectural wonders. Additionally, exploring the French Riviera, visiting historic castles in the Loire Valley, and enjoying the art and culture of cities like Lyon and Bordeaux are also highly recommended.
FAQ
No, if you are an EU/EEA citizen you do not need a work permit. And if you are from another country outside of EU and you plan to work in France for less than three months (in the sporting cultural, artistic, or scientific field) you also do not need a work permit. You can read more here.
While French is the official language of France, English is also commonly understood and spoken to some extent, particularly in major tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants. In larger cities like Paris, Lyon, and Nice, many people, especially those working in the tourism industry, have a basic understanding of English and can communicate with visitors. However, outside of these areas, particularly in more rural or remote regions, English proficiency may be more limited. It’s always helpful to learn a few basic French phrases and greetings to show respect and make communication easier.
In general France has nice and mild/warm summers and cool winters. In the Mediterranean (southern France) it becomes hot during summer, and the northern parts of France are colder during winter.
France is generally considered a safe country to visit and live in. Like any destination, there are some areas that may have higher crime rates or specific safety considerations, but overall, France has effective law enforcement and security measures in place to ensure public safety. It’s always advisable to take common-sense precautions such as being aware of your surroundings, keeping an eye on personal belongings, and avoiding isolated or poorly lit areas at night. It’s also a good idea to stay informed about any travel advisories or warnings issued by your home country’s government.
France has good infrastructure and they often use trains. Their network of fast trains (TGV) covers big distances and the intercity trains (Intercites) are also well-functioning in the big cities. You can buy tickets for trains at the station using machines.
Yes, the French healthcare system is considered one of the best globally.Healthcare is mandatory in France, and the costs are covered by the state and patient contributions. Healthcare is not free.