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Employment and studies
Employment and education are key aspects of integration in France. Here you can find information on job search, recognition of diplomas, French courses and educational opportunities.
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Loss of employment: documents, France Travail, unemployment and residence permit
At the end of the contract, collect a work certificate, employer's certificate for France Travail, balance of any account and latest bulletins. Sign up without undue delay, without considering the ARE as automatic. Refresh the Caf and health coverage; if your title depends on employment, quickly check the effect on its specific category and on the next renewal.
France Travail: registration and services
France Travail, formerly a Pôle Emploi, helps you find a job, be accompanied and not lose your rights after a contract end. Registration is free and usually takes less than an hour. Here's what to prepare for, how to register and why the monthly update counts as much. It's a normal process, not a painful control.
ENIC-NARIC: Certificate of comparability of a foreign diploma
The ENIC-NARIC France centre may issue a certificate of comparability which places a foreign diploma in relation to the French framework of levels. It is a notice of expertise, not of a French diploma, automatic equivalence or authorisation to practise a regulated profession. The employer, establishment or professional authority shall make the final decision.
How to write a French CV
A French CV should be concise. Recruiters scan it quickly, so structure, clarity and a simple presentation matter. One page is often enough, and a spelling mistake can create a poor impression. Here is how to write a clear CV and navigate the unwritten expectations.
CDI, CDD, acting: types of contracts
In France, the type of contract changes a lot. The CDI is usually the permanent contract, the CDD is a limited-term contract with a specific reason, and the temporary work agency is used. Here's how to see the difference quickly and what to check before signing to avoid bad surprises. Checking 10 minutes can avoid a lot of problems afterwards.
Resignation and notice
To leave your job, follow the notice of the contract or collective agreement. Letter dated, executed or exempted, employer certificate and registration France Travail: the usual steps.
Conventional CDI Outage: Key Steps
The conventional break can end a mutually agreed CDI. An agreement is signed and approved by the DREETS. This procedure may qualify for unemployment benefit under the terms of France Travail.
Dismissal: the basis for the employee
A dismissal must be based on a real and serious cause and must follow a strict procedure. The classic sequence includes convocation, pre-interview and then the reasoned letter. Checking your end-of-contract documents quickly is essential.
SASU and choice of contractor status
The micro-enterprise is ideal to start up, but when turnover rises and charges become more serious, many choose SASU, EURL or EI. SASU often attracts consultants, IT profiles and founders who want a separate company and more flexibility to pay themselves. Here's how to make the difference and what to prepare before registering society. We then change the level: this is no longer fair to open a status, we have to structure the activity.
Students: Campus France, Visa and Scholarships
If you come to study in France from outside the EU, the route often passes through Campus France: filing of the file, decision of the institution, student visa then validation after arrival. It's a normal procedure, but deadlines matter. Here's how to follow it without wasting time or scattering you between several sites. The goal is simple: keep the file legible and do not miss any delay.
This section helps you if you...
- Those looking for employment in the region
- Professionals in need of recognition of foreign degrees
- Students and those wishing to continue their studies in France
- Anyone wishing to improve their French
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The steps to be taken not to delay or forget.
Unauthorised work: work without title and risks
Foreigners outside the EU/Schengen must have a work permit to legally practise in France. Working without permission is an offence for both parties: the employer risks up to 225 000 € fine, the worker a ban of territory, cancellation of the title and difficulties of regularization. Here is who needs authorization, what exceptions exist, and what to do in case of undocumented forced labour.
Open GuideARE (unemployment benefit): conditions and application
I-I-I ARE (re-employment assistance allowance) is paid by France Travail after involuntary loss of employment. It does not replace the entire salary but supports job search. Registration and request on francetravail.fr.
Open GuideCDI, CDD, acting: types of contracts
In France, the type of contract changes a lot. The CDI is usually the permanent contract, the CDD is a limited-term contract with a specific reason, and the temporary work agency is used. Here's how to see the difference quickly and what to check before signing to avoid bad surprises. Checking 10 minutes can avoid a lot of problems afterwards.
Open GuideENIC-NARIC: Certificate of comparability of a foreign diploma
The ENIC-NARIC France centre may issue a certificate of comparability which places a foreign diploma in relation to the French framework of levels. It is a notice of expertise, not of a French diploma, automatic equivalence or authorisation to practise a regulated profession. The employer, establishment or professional authority shall make the final decision.
Open GuideFrance Travail: registration and services
France Travail, formerly a Pôle Emploi, helps you find a job, be accompanied and not lose your rights after a contract end. Registration is free and usually takes less than an hour. Here's what to prepare for, how to register and why the monthly update counts as much. It's a normal process, not a painful control.
Open GuideHow to write a French CV
A French CV should be concise. Recruiters scan it quickly, so structure, clarity and a simple presentation matter. One page is often enough, and a spelling mistake can create a poor impression. Here is how to write a clear CV and navigate the unwritten expectations.
Open GuideJob interview: preparation
The job interview is used to see if the job, the company and your profile go together. In France, we often expect a simple presentation, structured answers and a few questions at the end. It's not a trap, but it's better to get ready. Here's how to do it without unnecessary stress and without turning around the pot.
Open GuideMotivation letter: structure and example
The cover letter is used to explain why you are applying for this position. In France, it remains important, and it must not repeat the CV. The most useful is to open up quickly, show the link with the company and end up on your concrete input. Here is how to write a simple, useful letter without hollow sentences.
Open GuideStudents: Campus France, Visa and Scholarships
If you come to study in France from outside the EU, the route often passes through Campus France: filing of the file, decision of the institution, student visa then validation after arrival. It's a normal procedure, but deadlines matter. Here's how to follow it without wasting time or scattering you between several sites. The goal is simple: keep the file legible and do not miss any delay.
Open GuideNext steps
Useful procedures to continue your process.
Apprenticeship contract: study and work in alternation
The apprenticeship contract is a contract whereby you work in a company while receiving training (CFA, high school, school) and receive a salary while obtaining a diploma. Open to 16–29 years (no limit for certain categories). The salary increases with the year of study. Here is who it suits, how to find a place and your apprenticeship rights.
Open GuideEducational parental leave: leave to raise a child
Educational parental leave is unpaid leave to raise a child up to the age of 3, with the right to return to employment. Open to each parent who has one year of seniority at the employer's place of birth. This is not maternity/paternity leave (they are compensated). Here's who it is open to, how to ask it and what about employment after.
Open GuideVAE: a diploma through professional experience
The VAE (Validation of the Acquis of Experience) allows you to obtain an official French diploma without training, based on your professional experience. With at least 1 an activity in the field of diploma (1 607 hours on the last 10 years), you can file a file and pass before a jury. Precious for experienced foreigners without a local diploma. Here's who it suits, how to drop off and what to expect.
Open GuideActing CDI: the contract for an indefinite period via an agency
The acting CDI (CDI-I) is an indeterminate contract between an employee and an acting agency, providing for a series of missions with different clients. Between missions, you remain employed by the agency with the right to make available or compensation. Recent form (law 2025), it combines the flexibility of the interim and the stability of the CDI. This is how it works, to whom it suits and your rights.
Open GuideBurn-out: Professional exhaustion and your rights
Burn-out is a state of physical and emotional exhaustion caused by chronic occupational stress. In France, it can be recognized as a disease (professional or non-professional), giving rise to a judgment, compensation and protection against dismissal. Essential: not to undergo, to act. Here's how to recognize it, what to do and where to find help.
Open GuideConventional CDI Outage: Key Steps
The conventional break can end a mutually agreed CDI. An agreement is signed and approved by the DREETS. This procedure may qualify for unemployment benefit under the terms of France Travail.
Open GuideDismissal: the basis for the employee
A dismissal must be based on a real and serious cause and must follow a strict procedure. The classic sequence includes convocation, pre-interview and then the reasoned letter. Checking your end-of-contract documents quickly is essential.
Open GuideFinding an alternation: how to get an apprentice position
The alternance (apprenticeship or professionalisation) combines work and training: you study in CFA/school while working in company, with a salary. The most difficult thing is to find an employer (learning teacher) who will sign the contract. In a competitive market, a systematic approach is needed. Here's where to look, how to prepare and the frequent mistakes of strangers.
Open GuideInternship and alternation: what to choose and what difference
Internship and alternance (apprenticeship/professionalisation) both give an experience in business, but they are different legal forms with distinct rights, remuneration and objectives. The internship is a temporary training during the studies, with agreement and minimum gratuity. The alternation is a real wage and training contract, leading to a diploma. Here's the comparison to choose.
Open GuideLabour Inspectorate: advocacy and complaints
The labour inspectorate is the state service that monitors compliance with labour law: working hours, security, unpaid work, discrimination. If your employer violates the law (unpaid overtime, dangerous conditions, harassment), the inspection can verify, punish and force compliance. This is when to seize, how to file a complaint and what follows.
Open GuideLeave with pay: how the allowance is calculated
Paid leave is a legal right of any employee in France: 2,5 working days per month worked, that is 30 days (5 weeks) per year. However, the calculation of the allowance is not always straightforward, and the employer sometimes applies the less favourable method. Here's how much it owes you, how the allowance is calculated, and how to check the calculation.
Open GuideLetter of resignation: how to resign correctly
Resignation is when you decide to leave your job. The crucial point is that, poorly drafted, it results in the loss of the right to unemployment (ARE), as resignation is considered to be "voluntary loss of employment". But there are nuances and exceptions. Here's how to write the letter, what notice, and in which cases the resignation still gives you the right to unemployment.
Open GuideLoss of employment: documents, France Travail, unemployment and residence permit
At the end of the contract, collect a work certificate, employer's certificate for France Travail, balance of any account and latest bulletins. Sign up without undue delay, without considering the ARE as automatic. Refresh the Caf and health coverage; if your title depends on employment, quickly check the effect on its specific category and on the next renewal.
Open GuideMicro-enterprise: how to create it
Micro-enterprise, also known as a self-entrepreneur, is the easiest way to start independent activity in France. Registration is free, is done online and often takes about 30 minutes. Here's how to create the status, get your SIRET and avoid missing out on returns and thresholds. It's convenient to start, but then you have to keep up with the pace of the statements.
Open GuideRegistration to France Travail
Enrolment provides job-seeker status, support and, if the conditions are met, the return to employment assistance allowance. It alone does not create a right to compensation.
Open GuideResignation and notice
To leave your job, follow the notice of the contract or collective agreement. Letter dated, executed or exempted, employer certificate and registration France Travail: the usual steps.
Open GuideSASU and choice of contractor status
The micro-enterprise is ideal to start up, but when turnover rises and charges become more serious, many choose SASU, EURL or EI. SASU often attracts consultants, IT profiles and founders who want a separate company and more flexibility to pay themselves. Here's how to make the difference and what to prepare before registering society. We then change the level: this is no longer fair to open a status, we have to structure the activity.
Open GuideTest period: test and how to get out
The trial period is the initial phase of the contract during which both the employer and the employee can break the contract without the usual dismissal procedure: without reason and quickly. But strict rules apply — duration, renewal, notice. Understanding them protects them from lost unemployment and compromised status. This is what the law says, how to formalize the breach and what to verify in the contract.
Open GuideThe Labour Court and how to file a complaint
The Conseil de Pruds hommes is the court specialized in labour disputes between employees and employers: unpaid, irregular dismissal, harassment, non-performance of the contract. This is often the last step after attempts at amicable resolution. The procedure is formal but accessible: you can defend yourself alone, and legal aid helps for costs. Here's when to grab, how and what to expect.
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Important remark
Labour law and education systems can evolve. For specific situations (recognition of a diploma in a regulated profession), consultation with the relevant professional bodies or a lawyer is recommended.
