Working in France: Moving, work culture and job opportunities

Moving to France can be an exciting career step that offers new professional opportunities and a high quality of life. This article is aimed at anyone wishing to emigrate to work in France and highlights key aspects such as work culture, current job opportunities, legal framework and starting your own business. Use this guide to prepare optimally for your move to the land of lifestyle and culinary excellence.

French work culture is known for its appreciation of professionalism, efficiency and a strong emphasis on work-life balance. Those who want to work in France will quickly discover that the work environment is characterised by clear hierarchies, a high regard for education and respectful interaction. This balanced way of working creates an environment in which employees can work with dedication without sacrificing their leisure time. Understanding this working style and being willing to adapt are crucial for a successful start to working in France and for a long-term career.

An outstanding feature of French work culture is the clear distinction between professional and private life. The statutory 35-hour working week is a special feature of France – it is either 35 hours per week or 1,607 hours per year. Overtime above the 35-hour week is compensated with a surcharge of 25% (for the first 8 hours) and 50% (beyond that). Many companies offer flexible working models such as part-time work and home office options. Employees also have a statutory minimum holiday entitlement of 30 working days (5 weeks) per full year worked, which corresponds to 2.5 days per month worked. The reference period for annual leave is from 1 June of the previous year to 31 May of the current year.

French work culture places great importance on punctuality, politeness and respectful interaction. Communication in the workplace is generally formal and more direct than in Germany, with the formal "vous" used towards superiors and colleagues as the norm.

 

Other important aspects of workplace etiquette:

 

– GREETING AND BEHAVIOUR: A firm handshake with direct eye contact is common in the workplace – for greeting and farewell. Punctuality is a sign of respect. Greeting with a simple "Bonjour" is mandatory, even in larger groups. Among colleagues and acquaintances, cheek kisses ("la bise") are also common depending on the region and closeness of the relationship.

 

– DRESS CODE: Dress code depends on the industry but tends towards neat, often classic business attire. In creative industries, the dress code is often more casual. In Paris and the major metropolises, more emphasis is placed on stylish clothing than in more rural regions.

 

– WORKLOAD: Commitment is appreciated, but you are not expected to work excessive overtime. Compliance with the 35-hour week is legally anchored. It is quite common for lunch breaks to be extended – one to two-hour breaks are the norm in many companies.

 

– LANGUAGE: French is the official business language. Good French language skills are generally essential to integrate into the work environment. In international companies and in Paris, English is often the working language.

France ranks among the largest and most stable economies in Europe. With its central location, highly skilled workforce and modern infrastructure, the country is an attractive location for international companies and skilled professionals. Skilled workers are particularly in demand in sectors such as technology (AI, cybersecurity, cloud computing with locations in Paris, Lyon and Toulouse), renewable energies, healthcare and pharmaceuticals. Agriculture, the hotel and catering industry, and the construction sector are also continuously seeking qualified workers. Thanks to EU freedom of movement for workers, access to the French labour market is extremely easy for Germans. As German citizens, you can enter visa‑free, stay and take up any job without a work permit. Permanent employment only requires registration with the prefecture of your place of residence.

The salary level in France is attractive, with salaries in Paris and the Île‑de‑France region being significantly higher than in the rest of the country. The statutory minimum wage (SMIC)from January 2026 is €12.02 gross per hour or €1,823.03 gross per month based on a 35-hour week (equivalent to about €1,443 net). The average annual salary in France is around €41,000 gross, with the range varying greatly by sector and region. The cost of living is highest in Paris, especially rents, while it is more moderate in cities such as Lyon, Toulouse or Bordeaux.

For those planning to emigrate to France and work as freelancers or entrepreneurs, the country offers a modern but regulatory demanding environment with fast digital formation procedures. France has significantly simplified entrepreneurship through the single business formalities desk (Guichet unique des formalités des entreprises), where you can register your company online

Starting a company brings some bureaucratic challenges. It is crucial to understand the legal framework and meet the requirements for self-employment. Support is available from the regional chambers of commerce and industry (Chambres de Commerce et d'Industrie – CCI) for commercial and industrial businesses, the chambers of trades (Chambres de Métiers et de l'Artisanat – CMA) for craft businesses, France Initiative (a network to support start-up founders), and the Agence France Entrepreneur.

If you wish to work as a freelancer in France, you should arrange a SIRET number (after registration) early on. The micro‑enterprise is the ideal entry point for freelancers with low start-up costs and simplified accounting. For higher incomes (over €70,000 in turnover), the legal forms EURL or SASU are tax‑advantageous because you can deduct higher operating expenses. A business plan and realistic financing are essential for long‑term success. The average hourly rate for freelancers in France in 2026 is between €35 and €80 net, depending on the sector.

France offers German skilled professionals excellent career opportunities, attractive salaries and a high quality of life. Thanks to EU freedom of movement, access to the labour market is extremely easy. The work culture convinces with a statutory 35‑hour week, generous holiday entitlements and a balanced work‑life balance. Whether as an employee in one of the sought‑after sectors or as a self‑employed entrepreneur – those willing to adapt to the French language and the more formal work culture will find an ideal environment for professional and personal success in France. KOCH Moving Logistics stands by your side as a reliable partner and ensures that your move to France runs smoothly – so you can focus entirely on starting your career.