France is aiming to attract skilled foreign workers to fill vacancies in different sectors.
There is increasing demand for professionals in areas like IT, healthcare, and engineering, offering good job opportunities for those seeking work.
The country is focusing on bringing in skilled labour to tackle shortages in important industries.
As various sectors have difficulty finding qualified employees, skilled workers are likely to secure jobs and obtain work permits to help boost the economy.
What to know
TravelBiz reports that France’s job vacancy rate is 2.4% in 2023, showing the need for skilled workers. The European Labor Authority (EURES) points out the sectors with the highest demand, including:
- Manufacturing
- IT
- Healthcare
- Engineering
- Agriculture
These sectors are essential for France’s economic stability, and the current labour shortfall offers opportunities for skilled foreign workers to find employment.
Top jobs in demand
Details note the EURES report, lists specific jobs that are hard to fill, making them appealing for skilled professionals. Some of the top jobs in demand in France are:
- Accounting and Finance Professionals
- Nursing Professionals
- Software Developers
- Mechanical Engineers
- Sales Managers
With this high demand, skilled professionals in these areas are more likely to secure work permits and successfully integrate into the French workforce, reports inform.
A way forward
The high demand for skilled workers opens opportunities for foreign nationals who want to work in France. Skilled individuals have a better chance of getting work permits, which enables them to contribute to France’s economy while furthering their careers.
TravelBiz informs that France provides various visa pathways for skilled foreign workers. Key options include:
- Talent Passport Visa: For highly skilled professionals, this visa allows for long-term residency and aims to attract top talent.
- EU Blue Card: This visa is designed for highly qualified non-EU professionals and provides a route to work in high-demand sectors.
- Seasonal Work Visa: This option is for short-term, seasonal employment in industries like agriculture and tourism.
- Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) Visa: This visa is for employees transferring to a French branch of their company.
- Other Visa Options: These include short-stay and long-stay visas, catering to various job durations and skill levels.
Requirements for non-EU nationals
EU and EEA citizens can work in France without a visa, but reports say that non-EU nationals need a work visa. The process begins by getting a job offer from a French employer. Non-EU applicants must meet certain requirements, including:
Job Offer: Obtain a valid offer from a French employer willing to sponsor the visa.
Employment Contract: Provide a contract approved by the French Ministry of Labor.
Proof of Qualifications: Submit relevant educational and professional qualifications.
Financial Stability: Show proof of sufficient financial resources for the stay.
Health Insurance: Obtain insurance that covers the duration of employment.
Valid Passport: Have a passport that is valid beyond the visa period.
Visa Application Form: Complete and submit the work visa application with all necessary documents.
Background Check: Provide a police clearance certificate.
Steps to apply for a work visa
To apply for a French work visa, interested candidates should follow these steps:
- Complete the online application on the France-Visas website.
- Submit the application receipt.
- Schedule an appointment at a French consulate or visa centre.
- Present required documents and biometrics during the appointment.
- Pay the visa processing fee.
- Wait for the visa processing to be completed.
- Validate the work visa within three months of arrival in France.