Working in France

A preeminent world power France remains one of the most culturally influencing nations on earth.

The largest country in Western Europe, France shares borders with Spain, Andorra, Monaco, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Luxembourg and Belgium, while lying south of the English Channel from the United Kingdom.

A history in recent centuries littered with revolutions, France is today regarded a unitary semi-presidential republic and is part of the European Union.

France is extremely developed at its soul in Paris and throughout its regional areas such as Burgundy and Provence. It has one of the strongest economies in Europe and is rated in the top 10 worldwide.

France’s working holiday visa program allows Australians aged between 18 and 30 to work and holiday in the European nation for up to 12 months.

Working holidaymakers are able to experience big city cosmopolitan life in Paris, spend time in famous regions such as Burgundy and Provence, or participate in a ski season in the French Alps.

To apply for a French working holiday visa, Australians must make an appointment at the French consulate in Sydney.

Booking an appointment and assembling your documents can take time and it is recommended to plan at least three months ahead.

Working Holiday visas in France are issued to Australian applicants on a first-come, first-served basis, with a quota of just 500 a year. It usually takes a minimum two weeks to be processed.

France Working Holiday visa summary

Visa: Working holiday
Age: 18 to 30
Length of stay: 12 months
Application fee: 99 euro
Processing time: Two weeks minimum

Restrictions / Eligibility:

• Be an Australian citizen with a valid passport (at least three months from expiry date)
• Be aged between 18 and 30 at time of application processing
• Must complete a long stay visa application form
• Evidence of financial resources or proof of funds (at least $5000)
• Evidence of compulsory / comprehensive one-year health insurance
• Must provide a police certificate
• Evidence of a return ticket to country of residence
• Not have previously participated in the program
• Must have no criminal record

Emergency

Emergency telephone numbers
Medical emergency          15
Police                                 17
Fire                                     18

Australian Embassy
4 Rue Jean Rey,
75015 Paris FRANCE
Telephone: (33 1) 4059 3300
Facsimile:   (33 1) 4059 3315
E-mail: consular.paris@dfat.gov.au
Website: http://www.france.embassy.gov.au

Tax System

France’s tax system outlines that a person becomes a tax resident in the country the day they arrive in France, if they intend their stay to be permanent or indefinite.

Otherwise, if one of the following points is fulfilled, an individual is liable to pay tax in France:

• France is where the main residence or home is.
• France is the principal place of abode
• A person’s principal activity is in France
• France is the country of a person’s most substantial assets.

A tax resident in France is liable to pay on their worldwide income. Income tax rates in France for 2013 are as follows:

Bank Account

Opening a bank account as an expat in France requires several pieces of documentation, including: passport or ID card, proof of residence in France, proof of earnings and a reference. Each bank account will usually include a debit card, overdraft facility, option to open a savings account and more. To save time, check online for banks that allow expats to open an account without even entering a branch.

The major banks in France include: Allianz Banque, BNP Paribas and Credit du Nord. Many foreign banks can also be located in France, such as HSBC and Barclays.

Working in France

Despite being hit by the global financial crisis like much of Europe, France still has one of the world’s top economies. To the country’s credit it has bounced back from the recession that has swept across Europe quicker than its counterparts on the continent.

The main industries in France remain machinery, chemicals, automobiles, electronics and tourism. Expats in the country may find work teaching English. Despite the language being widely taught and spoken in France there is demand for tuition, especially at a higher level.

Another industry to consider is agriculture, which would also provide a great way to see more of the country. This is ideal for exploring France, to enjoy the outdoors and to supplement your stay with a small amount of funds. Farms and wineries are operational throughout France and are looking for cheap labour.

Communication

France is well serviced by telecommunications and has several mobile phone providers for expats to choose from. The major telecommunications companies in France are:

• Orange
• SFR
• Bouygues

To sign-up for a phone contract in France, applicants will need to provide identification, such as a passport, proof of French address and proof of employment.