Daily LifeWorking in France

Anyone desiring to work legally in France will need a long-term visa, called a Carte de Sejour that has marked in it, 'Il Autorise Son Titulaire a Travailler.' The bearer has the right to work. For more information on visas see, Visa Information for France.

When you work in France, you will sign a contract, either a CDD (contrat à durée déterminée), a contract for a fixed period or a CDI (contrat à durée indéterminée) a permanent contract.

The French workweek is from 35 to 39 hours, depending on the type of employer; those working for employer with under 20 employees work a 39-hour week, otherwize the work week is 35 hours.
Employees who work a full year receive 5 weeks paid vacation, along with 9 paid holidays. All employees, after they have worked for 70 hours, receive full medical benefits.

The French have strong labor unions and strikes are common, especially in the public sector. Anyone is free to join a union. In France, businesses are not open or closed shops. It is up to the employee to decide whether to join a labor union or not.

For more information on working in France see, Embassy of France in the US - Working in France and Working in France.

Living and Working in France