Complete guide on how to find and start a job 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)

All companies must offer health insurance (group coverage) to employees. The insurance must cover:

• All co-payments
• Daily hospitalization rates
• Dental expenses up to 125% of standard rates
• Vision expenses up to €100 (or €150 for complex corrections) every two years

You can refuse to subscribe under the following conditions:

• If you have already have additional coverage
• If you already have group coverage from elsewhere
• If you have a fixed term contract (CDD) that is shorter than 3 months
• If you are part time

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.