Guides for France

Practical guides checked against official sources. Filter by topic to find what you need next.

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EmploymentBecoming self-employed in France as a micro-entrepreneurHow the micro-entrepreneur (auto-entrepreneur) regime works in 2026: whether you are allowed to use it, how to register for free online, the turnover limits, URSSAF contribution rates, income tax options, VAT exemption thresholds and the ACRE start-up relief.About an hour to register online; your identification numbers usually follow within days to a few weeks
EmploymentGetting your foreign qualifications recognised in FranceHow foreign diplomas and professional qualifications are recognised in France: the ENIC-NARIC comparability certificate for unregulated jobs (€120), the authorisation procedures for regulated professions such as doctors and nurses, university admission, and validating experience through VAE.A few weeks to several months for a comparability certificate; often a year or more for regulated health professions with non-EU diplomas
EmploymentRegistering with France Travail and claiming unemployment benefit (ARE)Who can get the French unemployment benefit (allocation d'aide au retour à l'emploi, ARE), how to register with France Travail, what documents you need, how the amount and duration are worked out and what you must do each month.About 30 to 60 minutes to register online, then a first appointment and a short monthly update
EmploymentYour rights as an employee in France: contract, pay, hours, leave and leaving a jobThe core rules of French employment law in plain English: written information and contract types, the 2026 minimum wage (SMIC), working time, paid leave, sick pay, probation, notice periods, mutual termination (rupture conventionnelle) and where to get help.About 20 minutes to read; keep it at hand when you sign a contract or if a problem arises.