A Guide2 Finding Work in France

Description:

If you are an EU citizen you do not need a work permit to work in France.  If you are looking for work in France you will need to register with either:

• Permanence dAccueil d'Information et d'Orientation des moins de 26 ans (PAIO) - for those aged between 16 and 26 they help jobseekers;
• Agence Nationale pour l'Emploi (ANPE) - Manual and unskilled jobs; or
• Agence pour L'Emploi de Cadres (APEC) - Professional and Executive jobs

Other options available are specialist recruitment agencies, of which there are many on the internet.

Without being able to speak and write in French, it will be more difficult to find employment.  There are normally courses available for all levels, and the ANPE or Mairie can put you in touch with local classes.  There are usually courses tailored to foreigners (Francais Langue Etrangere), and this can sometimes involve distance learning. 

Other ways of improving your language skills include, watching French TV and Listening to French Radio, talking to your French neighbours, hiring a private tutor, teaching yourself with self-study books or online.  There are also some good computer software packages, such as Rosetta Stone, where you can go from beginner to fluent speaker at your own pace.