Working in France

As an EU citizen you can work in France without a work permit and without a mandatory residence permit, on the same terms as French nationals.

• You need a valid ID card or passport.
• Ask for a written employment contract and check which collective agreement applies to your sector.
• Rights and formalities are explained on Service-Public, the official portal of the French administration.

1. Open a bank account: you need it for your salary and rent.
2. Get a social security number and join the health insurance fund (Assurance Maladie, on ameli.fr).
3. Choose a regular doctor (médecin traitant) and declare them to Assurance Maladie.

The French ENIC-NARIC centre, part of France Éducation international, issues comparability statements for diplomas earned abroad. For regulated professions, recognition is granted by the authority competent for that profession.

• Find out whether your profession is regulated in France.
• Prepare your diplomas, transcripts and the translations required.
• Check fees and timing on the ENIC-NARIC France website or with the competent authority.

In France, income tax is usually withheld directly from your salary (prélèvement à la source), and social contributions are also deducted by your employer. An annual income tax return is still required in many situations.

• Create an account on impots.gouv.fr to see your withholding rate and your returns.
• Rates and deadlines are only on impots.gouv.fr.
• If you also have income in Romania, check where you are tax resident.

When you work in France you are insured through Assurance Maladie. You get a health insurance card (carte Vitale) that you use at the doctor and the pharmacy. Many employers also offer complementary insurance (mutuelle).

• The steps to register and get your carte Vitale are on ameli.fr.
• The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) only covers temporary stays.

Landlords usually ask for a file with identity documents and proof of income. Depending on your situation, you may be entitled to housing aid from the Caisse d'allocations familiales (CAF).

• Check the deposit (dépôt de garantie) and the move-in inventory (état des lieux) in the contract.
• Use the simulator on caf.fr to see whether you can get housing aid.
• Never send money for a home you have not seen.

Costs differ a lot between Paris, other big cities and the rest of the country. Compare the net salary with rent and transport in the city you want to move to.

• Look at your net salary after contributions and withheld tax.
• Budget for the rental deposit and the first months.
• Up-to-date information is available on EURES.

Romania has an embassy in Paris and consulates in other French cities. They can help with identity documents, civil status documents and emergencies.

• Current contact details are on the embassy website and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs list of missions.
• The Department for Romanians Abroad has information and programmes for the diaspora.

EURES lists jobs in France and gives you access to advisers who answer questions about moving. France's public employment service is France Travail.