Guide to finding a job and working in France

The Working Holiday Visa is not very well known in France and most recruiters have likely never encountered a WHV candidate. You may have to explain your visa and emphasize that holders of this visa have open work authorization. Read our complete dossier on employment formalities for WHV holders.

Social security number

Since most employers have not encountered candidates with a WHV, it is likely that they will instinctively ask you for your numéro de sécurité sociale, but you do not have one and DO NOT NEED one in order to work legally, since your WHV also serves as an open work permit. You may need to patiently explain this, since you are likely to have more knowledge about your rights than your employer does.

Health insurance (la mutuelle)

Companies must offer complementary health insurance (la mutuelle) to employees. This type of insurance covers the 30% of medical costs that are not reimbursed by public health insurance (which covers up to 70%).

However, as a WHV holder, you probably cannot sign up for complementary health insurance. This is because registration requires a French social security number, which you do not have. You can explain this to your employer.

Labour Court (Le prud’hommes)

The Labour Court (CPH, le conseil de prud’hommes) is the only relevant court for disputes between employee and employer. Workers have options for legal recourse in conflicts relating but not limited to dismissal, disciplinary actions, payment of salary, working hours or leave days.