France · Jobs
Where to find jobs in France — major job boards, in-demand sectors, and how to apply.
AI-drafted, editorially reviewed. Confirm specifics with the official authority.
France Travail is the public employment service and official job board — it was formerly Pôle emploi, so guidance still using the old name is dated. Non-EU workers generally need a work authorisation tied to a residence permit, such as salarié or passeport talent, which means the permit and the job are linked rather than separate matters. Certain shortage occupations, the métiers en tension, can have streamlined hiring, and Service-Public sets out the rules.
France Travail (formerly Pôle emploi) is the public employment service and official job board. Non-EU workers generally need a work authorisation tied to a residence permit; some shortage occupations ("métiers en tension") have streamlined routes. Service-Public.fr explains the work-permit rules.
- France Travail (francetravail.fr) is the official public employment service and job board.
- Non-EU workers generally need a work permit linked to a residence permit (e.g. salarié, passeport talent).
- Certain shortage occupations ("métiers en tension") can have streamlined hiring.
- Service-Public.fr sets out work-permit and employment rules.
- 1
Use the current name and service
France Travail is the public employment service, formerly Pôle emploi. Guidance still using the old name is dated, which is a hint its other details may be too.
- 2
Treat permit and job as one question
Non-EU workers generally need a work authorisation tied to a residence permit. Because the two are linked, a job search that ignores the permit route tends to produce offers you cannot act on.
- 3
Identify which permit category fits
Categories such as salarié and passeport talent serve different situations. Establishing yours early narrows which employers and roles are realistically worth pursuing.
- 4
Check the métiers en tension list
Certain shortage occupations can have streamlined hiring. If your occupation appears among them, the route may be easier than the general case, so it is worth checking before targeting broadly.
- 5
Read the rules on Service-Public
Service-Public sets out the work-permit and employment rules. Going to it directly is more reliable than working from an employer's summary of what your permit allows.
- France Travail used as the official service
- Outdated references to the former name discarded
- Work authorisation route identified
- Permit category matched to your situation
- Residence-permit link understood
- Shortage-occupation list checked for your role
- Rules confirmed on Service-Public
- France Travail
Official public employment service and job board.
- Service-Public.fr
Official guide to work permits and employment.
Frequently asked questions
What happened to Pôle emploi?
It is now France Travail, the public employment service and official job board. Guidance still using the former name is dated, which is usually a hint that its other details may not be current either.
Do I need a permit before applying for jobs in France?
Non-EU workers generally need a work authorisation tied to a residence permit, such as salarié or passeport talent. Because the permit and the job are linked rather than separate, a search that ignores the permit route tends to produce offers you cannot act on.
What are métiers en tension?
Shortage occupations that can have streamlined hiring. If your occupation appears among them the route may be easier than the general case, so checking the list before targeting broadly is worth the few minutes it takes.
Government portals
- Government of France — Office of the French Prime Minister — government policies, ministers, and key legislation
- France Public Services (Service-Public) — France's unified administrative services — residence permits, taxes, social security, civil records
- French General Tax Directorate (DGFiP) — French income tax, VAT, wealth tax filing; tax residency determination; French tax number (NIF) application