France has a 35-hour legal working week, five weeks of paid leave and a minimum wage (SMIC) of €1,867.02 gross a month since 1 June 2026. Employers find it hardest to recruit in IT, health and care, construction, industry and transport. Find out where to look for a job, how to apply in French and what to do in your first weeks.
According to EURES labour market information, French employers have the most difficulty recruiting in these fields:
The occupational groups most often in shortage include science and engineering technicians, building trades workers and metal and machinery workers. In France Travail’s annual employer survey on recruitment needs (BMO), more than 6 out of 10 employers expected recruitment difficulties in 2024.
Key figures: Eurostat (population on 1 January 2026; unemployment and employment rates 2025; minimum wages July 2026); for the United Kingdom – Office for National Statistics; for Liechtenstein – national statistics. Country information: EURES – Living and working conditions, public employment services and the official government websites listed under each country. Rules, thresholds and amounts can change – check the official sources before you move. Updated: October 2026.
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