France’s extraordinary lifestyle continues to tempt thousands of people each year to settle – even temporarily – under its sunny skies. If you’ve dreamed of becoming a local in your favourite French town or city, working in France could turn that dream into reality. Whether it’s the buzz of Paris, the charm of a country village or the glittering Riviera, you can work in France to make that lifestyle genuinely achievable.
But before you pack your briefcase or load up your toolbox, you’ll need a clear understanding of work visas, contracts, qualifications, taxes and where you actually fit in the French job market. This guide breaks it down, step by step.
Contents
- Getting a visa to work in France
- Navigating the French job market
- Working for a UK company in France
- Setting up a business in France
- Renting your property for income
- Freelancing and online work
- Frequently asked questions
It takes effort, but it’s possible to work in France if you can navigate the bureaucracy
Getting a visa to work in France
If you’re from outside the EU – including the UK since Brexit – you’ll need a long-stay visa to legally work in France. The most relevant French visa you need is the visa de long séjour valant titre de séjour (VLS-TS), which allows you to work during your stay without having to apply for a residence permit straight away.
This visa is suitable whether you’re joining a French employer, being seconded from a non-French company, or planning to work for yourself. French authorities assess your application based on your job offer, qualifications and income. Employers often need to complete paperwork too, showing that no suitable candidate within the EU is available.
In 2025, the French government has tightened scrutiny over economic migrants, so applications are quickest when all documentation – like employment contracts and proof of accommodation – is in place before applying. Once approved, you’re free to work for up to a year, with the option to renew this visa or convert to a residency card depending on your situation.
More information is available on the official visa portal, France-Visas.gov.fr.
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Navigating the French job market
In France, the structure of employment might seem a little unfamiliar at first. Most salaried workers are hired under one of two types of contracts: the CDI (contrat à durée indéterminée), a permanent role with strong worker protections, or the CDD (contrat à durée déterminée), a fixed-term role, often used for short-term projects or seasonal work. Both provide social benefits such as healthcare, pension contributions and unemployment cover.
Job listings often end with “H/F” (homme/femme), simply indicating that the role is open to all genders – this is standard in French recruitment. Applications typically include a CV in French and a lettre de motivation (cover letter) written specifically for the position. Even if the role is for an English-speaking company, having a French version shows respect for local norms.
Your chances improve dramatically if you have good French language skills. In international corporate circles, especially in Paris or tech hubs like Lyon and Bordeaux, many companies operate bilingually – but even here, having basic French is helpful. For teachers, medical professionals or tradespeople, proving your qualifications often requires formal recognition through a process called reconnaissance des qualifications, managed by ENIC-NARIC.
To get started, try platforms like Pôle Emploi (France’s national job agency).
Working for a UK company in France
If you plan to stay in France but continue working for a UK-based employer, things get a little complex. While it’s technically possible to live in France and work remotely for a foreign company, you’ll need the right visa – and the tax implications can’t be ignored.
As a French resident, your full income is likely to be taxable in France. You’ll need to register with the French social security system, which covers healthcare, pensions and more. Your employer may need to register as a foreign entity with the French tax office to make your salary legal – the paperwork and ongoing responsibilities make this a deal-breaker for many firms.
One workaround is switching your status. Your employer might agree to work with you on a freelance basis, meaning you’re legally self-employed in France and invoice them for services. This arrangement puts you in charge of your tax and pension contributions rather than your employer.
To fully understand your obligations, speak with both a French accountant and your UK employer’s HR or legal team. Also, look at official guidance on double taxation agreements via impots.gouv.fr.
Setting up a business in France
Starting your own French business can be an exciting option, particularly for those with prior experience or a strong idea. In 2025, there are multiple pathways open to foreigners, from opening a café to running a consultancy. The most popular business types include:
- Auto-entrepreneur (micro-entrepreneur): Ideal for freelancers and sole traders with modest revenue.
- SARL or EURL: Recommended for growing companies or operations with staff.
- SCI (Société Civile Immobilière): Suited for those managing property together with family or partners.
The auto-entrepreneur model remains especially popular for newcomers, as it offers simplified tax rules and fewer accountancy obligations. But it comes with income caps – €77,700 per year for services or €188,700 for sales.
When registering your business, you’ll need a French address, banking arrangements and proof of health insurance. You may also need to join a professional body depending on your trade. And yes, all of this must be processed in French – so hiring a bilingual adviser can help you avoid costly mistakes.
Keep in mind that the French tax system supports some small business owners with early-year exemptions or reduced rates, but it varies by region and sector. Investigate benefits both nationally and locally before launching.
Renting your property for income
If self-employment or salaried roles don’t appeal, why not put your French property to work? Thousands of part-time residents generate income from short-term holiday lets or longer-term tenants, especially in popular tourist destinations or cities.
Holiday rentals, known as locations saisonnières, require registration at the local mairie and a clear set of guest rules. If you’re planning to host in a chambre d’hôtes or run a gîte, you may also need to file paperwork with the local prefecture and observe occupancy limits – usually no more than five rental rooms or 15 guests at once.
Beyond tourism, long-term rentals provide stable income and fewer logistical headaches. However, French rental law heavily protects tenants, so it’s important to comply with all legal formalities from the start. Hiring a local lettings manager can help avoid pitfalls, particularly if you’re not always in the country.
Depending on how much you earn from property rentals, you may have to register as a business and file VAT returns. To stay compliant, speak to a French accountant familiar with letting laws in your region.
Freelancing and online work
In the age of remote work, digital self-employment is an increasingly flexible way to fund your life in France. Writers, graphic designers, translators, accountants and software developers are just a few examples of expats thriving as freelancers.
Registering as an auto-entrepreneur (the simplest form of self-employment) is an accessible way to get started. You’ll receive a SIRET number, allowing you to invoice clients and declare income. Taxes and social charges are paid either monthly or quarterly, based on revenue. Once your annual income exceeds certain thresholds, you may need to adopt a more complex business framework.
Digital nomads should also keep an eye on France’s discussions around introducing a specialised visa for remote workers – currently in development as of 2025. Until then, you’ll still need a long-stay visa, even if you work entirely online and your clients aren’t French.
If your work has variable income, it’s worth speaking to a bilingual accountant about planning for VAT, pensions and retirement contributions. And while setting up is relatively straightforward, growing a reputation and securing clients remains key to success – groups like Meetup France offer great ways to network locally.
Start your journey today
Working in France is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in everyday life, meet new people and build your dream lifestyle. But it requires planning – and the right support. That’s where Your Overseas Home can help. From trusted tax advisers to bilingual property agents and legal experts, we simplify the entire process.
Ready to explore your options? Book your free consultation with one of our expert property and relocation consultants today.
Frequently asked questions about working in France
Do I need a visa to work in France as a UK citizen?
Yes. Since Brexit, UK citizens need a long-stay visa to work in France. The most common is the VLS-TS, which allows work without a separate residence permit. You’ll need a job offer, proof of income and accommodation to apply.
What types of employment contracts exist in France?
There are two main types: the CDI (permanent contract) and the CDD (fixed-term contract). Both include social security benefits such as healthcare, pension contributions and unemployment cover.
Can I work remotely in France for a UK company?
Yes, but you’ll still need a valid visa and may be subject to French income tax and social contributions. It’s important to consult both French and UK tax advisers to avoid compliance issues and double taxation.
How do I register as a freelancer in France?
You can register as an auto-entrepreneur, which is a simple self-employment model for smaller businesses. You’ll receive a SIRET number, pay social charges based on revenue, and declare your income monthly or quarterly.
Can I rent out my French property for income?
Yes. You can generate income through holiday lets (locations saisonnières) or long-term rentals. Registration at your local mairie is required, and tax obligations vary depending on rental type and income level.
