22nd August 2008
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Working in France

money figuresUnless you're retired you need an income so where do you start when it comes to jobs in France?
If you're after paid employment in France take a look at our guide to the French job market which includes information on employment law including contracts. We can also help you put together your CV and prepare for an interview.
For many of those arriving in France, being self-employed is a big part of the dream. But whether you plan to have a gite, a shop or a web-design business you need careful preparation. Read our series of articles which are a step-by-step guide to setting up a business in France, beginning with starting a business in France. We also have advice on registering your business in France as well as on business tax, social security and insurance.
For professional advice and information on grants and other monies available, take a look at our list of helpful French organisations.
Also, do read our tips on writing a business plan.
For stories of those who have already done it, see our many real life stories

How to use chèques d'emplois

cleaning washing machine
In France if you want to legally employ someone - or be employed - on a temporary basis, whether personally or professionally, you will need to use the chéque d'emploi system. Here's how it worksmore...

Comparative qualifications

The French do tend to like everything clearly spelled out so it might be worth obtaining a direct comparison between your qualifications and those recognised in France via the French branch of the National Academic Recognition Information Centre (NARIC). Visit: NARIC website

Employment contracts in France

Contracts : where to find out more - Worldbiz has a website with information on French contracts, labour relations, trade regulations, taxation and other employment matters in France(NB: Subscription only, from $95):
Worldbiz
Or follow this link to read the explanations on EMIRE’s site: EMIRE

Abbreviation Dictionary

question marks
Many French admistrative organisations are known by their abbreviations. Here's a translated list of the most common ones more...

What's in FrenchEntrée Living?

What's FrenchEntrée Living all about? Well, here you can discover how to join the French health system, facts on French education or being self-employed, including advice on starting up a business in France.

In Retiring to France we have information from the practical including looking after your investments, to the emotional issues of moving away from friends and family.

We also can steer you through day-to-day practicalities, from personal finance including opening a French bank account and getting a French mortgage or loan; to insuring your car; registering for gas and electricity; and sorting out your French driving licence. For all you need to know about French insurance go to Insurance in France

For technical information take a look at one of three different zones - for everything to do with television in France see UK TV in France, satellite including Sky, and information on French TV.
Find out about getting cheap phone calls in France at Telephone, mobiles, Skype and VOIP
To go on-line in France, with information on connecting to the internet, ADSL Broadband and staying safe, see Computers and internet in France

For help with the French language, we have vocabulary for everyday situations plus information on French courses and learning aids.

To help you enjoy your new life, we have the inside track on French food and wine and French culture.

If you're renovating your house, then make sure you take a look at Renovate & Decorate in France, and for advice and tips for when you're in your garden see Gardening in France. For those of you wanting to raise a few animals, A Smallholding in France is a must-read.

Finally, if you’re in need of inspiration read our many Real Life stories - amusing, interesting and uplifting tales from those who are already here. Enjoy!

WORKING IN FRANCE

If you're looking for work in France, then read our comprehensive guide. We've got everything from advice on finding a job plus CV and interview tips, as well as detailed information on being self-employed and real life stories. And if you're struggling to understand the edifice that is URSSAF - let us help!

Property Finder network launched across France

Graham DownieSummer 2008 sees the launch of France’s first ever national network of property finders. FrenchEntrée Property Finders are looking for property finder partners in over 50 locations throughout France and have already sent out formal contracts to agents in the Alps, Dordogne, Deux Sevres, Brittany, Lot and Languedoc. more...

The French job market

office illustrationIf you want to get a paid job in France, get a head start with our guide to the employment situation, from the different workplace customs to contracts and wages more...

How do I find a job?

job adA guide to finding work in France including information about using local contacts, advertising, temping, job centres, the demand for certain skills and some hot tips before you leave for France! more...

Running a Chambres d' Hotes

Chambres d' HotesIn order to protect the consumer and other holiday accommodation professionals a law of 15th April 2006 and a decree of 3rd August 2007, have been inserted in the Tourism Code, this type of activity has been defined and made subject to conditions... more...

From CV to Interview

shaking handsThe French are particular about their CVs so here's how to make sure yours looks good and reads well. Made it to the interview? Great! Read out tips to give yourself the best chance of success

more...

What is it like to work in France? Read our survey results

working in franceIf you need to work when you come to France how easy will it be to find a job? If you want to self-employed can you make a living? FrenchEntrée asked its working readers to fill in a survey on what it is like to work in France. Here are the results more...

Life, love and ethics in the French workplace

computer and rosesWork in a French company and it might come as a shock when you realise that the structures of most businesses are conceived to maintain a clear distinction between different ... more...

Understanding URSSAF

urssaf formsWhether you’re seeking a job, setting up a business, or just signing on as unemployed you’re bound to come up against that monumentally inert edifice which is French administration... more...

Become a FrenchEntrée Property Finder

Earn 60-90,000 euros p.a. living and working in France

FrenchEntrée is launching its independent Property Finder network across France. If you already live in France and are looking for a new business opportunity or planning a move to France why not consider becoming one of our Property Finders? It's a proven model where we provide an exclusive licence, your own territory, full training, website and marketing support. If you are business-minded, interested in French property and enjoy meeting people this could be for you! more...

***BEING SELF-EMPLOYED IN FRANCE***

If you're planning to start your own business in France make sure you read our guides to being self-employed. They cover everything from getting registered to dealing with red tape with advice on how to make your finances work

Preparing a business plan

outdoor cafePutting together a business plan is a great way to focus your mind on exactly what your enterprise is going to be - and whether it is viable.... more...

***REAL LIVES***

In need of inspiration? Read stories of those who have successfully started up their own businesses in France

'How a life-threatening illness led to a successful business in France!'

mervyn and sallySally Stone and her husband, Mervyn, planned to have a holiday home in France. Then he was diagnosed with cancer and, a little later, she was made redundant, and they were forced to completely changed their plans. Here's their story more...

'A 12-week business plan course plus a two year wait to be registered - but I got there!

sarah andrews tile chickensSarah Andrews had been an artisan tiler in the UK but it took her a lot of time and patience to become registered in France.... more...

'We knew the Brits would love our sausages but the French do too!"

oli and aliAfter finishing university in the UK, Oliver Jenner and Amy Jones decided that the best place to start their sausage-making and pork business was France. It has become a huge success...more...

'We work harder than we've ever done before - but we still love it in France"

la peche abstractLinette and Stuart Smith had never run a restaurant until they moved to Brittany. Over the past year they have learned the hard way what makes a restaurant work - but they have no regretsmore...

'My profit grows every year'

stephen fishlock abstractDespite having to battle red tape and high charges, builder Stephen Fishlock's business is growing fast - as is his turnover and ultimately the money he makes more...

'Mixing different types of business is financially tough'

Roger and Julia moss abstractAfter 20 years of running his own photography and writing business in the UK, Roger Moss thought he would do the same in France, giving him and his wife Julia a better standard of living. But it has not worked out that way more...

'When we couldn't find any cards we liked, we decided to make our own.'

kiss cardsBest friends Sarah Peacock and Carol Moss lost touch with each other until a chance meeting in the Tarn area of France 20 years later brought them together again. Now they run a successful business called 'French Kiss Cards' more...

Keeping cool in the kitchen

archibald coupleKeith and Helen Archibald have been running a successful bed & breakfast and gîte business for many years. Throughout the main holiday season, they serve their guests breakfast every morning - and most evenings, they also produce a gourmet four-course supper. Keith tells us how they do it
more...
Thomas Green's British grocery stores
Thomas Green LogoThomas Green’s, the major international retail franchise business is looking for entrepreneurs who want to run their own British grocery store in France selling to the British and the French. Find out more.
Les Bons Voisins
LBVWe are extending our successful network of franchised Property managers across France. A proven framework and support – if you have the right skill set, why not come and join us?
Removals

Book choice

Starting a business in France
Starting a Business in France
by Andre de Vries
Price: £12.95 + postage
Buy it here
Letting French Property Successfully by Charles Parkinson and Stephen Smith
Our price: £14.25 + postage
Buy it here
Starting and Running a B&B in France How to make money, and have fun running your own chambre d'hote
by Deborah Hunt
Price: £14.99 + postage
Buy it here

Information resources

Other general information about employment in France can be found on these sites:
Going Global

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