17 Ways To Get Paid To Move To France!

“Go where you’re celebrated, not just tolerated.”

For many, France isn’t just a dream destination, it’s a chance to start over in a place rich with culture, cuisine, and charm. But what if moving to France didn’t cost you money… what if it paid you instead?

Believe it or not, several regions and programs across France actively offer financial incentives to attract new residents, whether to boost local economies, fill skill gaps, or revive rural communities. From relocation grants to paid teaching programs and artist residencies, there are legitimate ways to make your move to France affordable and profitable.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through 17 creative and practical ways you can get paid to move to France—no scams, just real opportunities.

17 Ways To Get Paid To Move To France

1. Join a Rural Relocation Program

France’s picturesque countryside is not just for vacation postcards, it’s also home to many small towns eager to welcome new residents. Due to population decline in rural areas, local governments have launched relocation programs that offer financial incentives to attract newcomers, especially young professionals, remote workers, and families.

Some towns provide grants, low-interest loans, or even free land or housing assistance as part of their revitalization efforts. A notable example is Callac, a village in Brittany, which made international headlines for planning a pilot program to repopulate its town with government-supported families.

To qualify, you typically need to:

• Commit to living in the town for a set period (often 1–5 years),
• Contribute economically or socially (by starting a business, working remotely, or joining local initiatives),
• And sometimes meet language or residency conditions.

It’s a win-win: the town gains new life, and you gain a beautiful new home with financial help to get started.

2. Apply for a Job Through the French Talent Passport Program

If you have specialized skills or professional experience, France wants you, and they’re willing to help pay for your move. The French Talent Passport is a long-stay visa designed to attract highly qualified workers from around the world in areas like tech, science, arts, sports, and entrepreneurship.

What makes this program attractive is that it’s employer-sponsored and can include relocation support, including:

• Moving allowances or settling-in bonuses,
• Fast-tracked residency for you and your family,
• Access to public services and social benefits.

Eligible professions include IT engineers, researchers, business executives, artists, and startup founders. Many French companies also offer relocation packages that can cover flights, housing support, and even language training.

With the Talent Passport, you’re not just moving to France, you’re building a long-term career with full legal backing and perks to ease your transition.

3. Enroll in a Teaching Program (TAPIF)

If you’re a native English speaker with a passion for culture and education, the Teaching Assistant Program in France (TAPIF) is a fantastic way to get paid to live in France for up to 12 months.

TAPIF places young adults (ages 20–35) in French public schools, where they assist English teachers and help students improve their conversational skills. In return, you receive:

• A monthly stipend of approximately €1,010,
• Health insurance,
• A work visa, and
• The chance to explore France with ample time off during school holidays.

You don’t need a teaching degree just some college education and a basic level of French. Many participants use TAPIF as a stepping stone into long-term careers in education, international relations, or as a launching pad for staying in France permanently.

It’s an ideal choice for recent graduates or gap year adventurers who want to experience French life while earning and gaining work experience.

4. Get Sponsored by a French Company

One of the most direct ways to get paid to move to France is through company sponsorship. Many French employers, especially in sectors facing skill shortages, are eager to hire international talent and often provide comprehensive relocation packages.

These packages can include:

• Paid relocation costs (flights, shipping, visa fees),
• Temporary housing or housing allowance,
• Language training, and
• Legal support for visas and residency.

Industries with high demand include:

• Tech and software development,
• Engineering and construction,
• Healthcare (especially nursing and caregiving),
• Hospitality and tourism.

Once hired, you may also be eligible for the Talent Passport visa, which makes long-term stay and work much easier. If you have in-demand skills, this route not only covers your move it also sets you up with a stable job and employer support from day one.

5. Apply for Remote Work Grants

With remote work on the rise, several French regions are embracing the digital nomad lifestyle and offering grants and incentives to remote workers who relocate. These programs are designed to breathe new life into smaller towns by attracting professionals who can work from anywhere.

Some local governments and coworking networks offer:

• Cash grants or relocation bonuses,
• Subsidized coworking or co-living spaces,
• Help with bureaucratic paperwork and visa support.

An example is “La French Tech”, which supports remote tech workers and entrepreneurs through networks of innovation hubs across France. Some rural towns also run competitions or pilot programs to select remote workers willing to relocate for 6–12 months.

If you’re already earning online and dream of croissants and castles, this option pays you to bring your laptop and your lifestyle to France.

6. Participate in Agricultural Relocation Projects

France has a deep agricultural heritage, and many farming regions are struggling to find people to take over abandoned farms and rural businesses. In response, some local governments and cooperatives are offering financial support and land incentives to attract new residents with an interest in sustainable agriculture or rural enterprise.

These incentives may include:

• Low-cost land or property leases,
• Startup grants for agricultural projects,
• Training programs in organic farming or viticulture,
• Assistance with business setup and integration into the community.

For example, regions like Occitanie and Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes have promoted relocation initiatives to revive small-scale farming and boost local food production.

This is an ideal path if you’re passionate about nature, sustainability, or simply want to trade the city grind for a slower, purpose-driven life with government support to make it possible.

7. Take Advantage of Startup Relocation Support

France has become a hotspot for entrepreneurs, and the government actively supports innovation through generous relocation incentives for startups. If you have a scalable business idea, you might qualify for funding, visa assistance, and even housing support.

Key programs include:

• French Tech Visa – a fast-track residence permit for startup founders, investors, and tech talent.
• French Tech Tremplin – supports entrepreneurs from underrepresented backgrounds with financial grants, mentoring, and workspace.
• Incubator and accelerator programs – many cities offer free coworking spaces, seed funding, and relocation aid for selected startups.

Cities like Paris, Lyon, and Montpellier have thriving startup ecosystems with built-in support for international founders. If you’re driven, innovative, and ready to build something from scratch, France might just pay you to make your dream a reality right from its tech hubs.

8. Study in France and Receive a Stipend

France is home to some of the world’s top universities, and many of them offer fully funded degree programs for international students, especially at the master’s and doctoral levels. If you’re looking to further your education and get paid to live in France, this is one of the most rewarding paths.

Several scholarship options include:

• Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program – offers a monthly stipend, tuition coverage, travel expenses, and health insurance.
• Erasmus+ – supports international students studying in France as part of EU exchange or joint degree programs.
• University-specific scholarships – many French institutions offer housing aid, food subsidies, and academic grants.

Most programs are taught in French or English, and students often enjoy student housing discounts, transportation subsidies, and access to public healthcare.

So, whether you’re pursuing international relations in Paris or environmental science in Lyon, you can turn your education into a funded adventure in France.

9. Move with a Research Grant

If you’re a researcher or academic, France offers a range of research grants and funding opportunities to attract global talent in fields such as science, technology, medicine, and the humanities.

Research institutions like CNRS (National Centre for Scientific Research), INRAE (National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment), and Université Paris-Saclay regularly offer funding programs, including:

• Research assistantships,
• Postdoctoral fellowships, and
• Long-term grants for projects that align with France’s innovation goals.

Many grants include:

• Relocation allowances,
• Stipends to cover living expenses,
• Visa sponsorship for researchers and their families.

France’s focus on innovation and knowledge transfer means that research opportunities are not only well-funded but also supported by a robust network of universities, labs, and industry partnerships.

For academics seeking to collaborate on cutting-edge projects in a country that values intellectual growth, this is an excellent opportunity to get paid while contributing to France’s academic landscape.

10. Artist-in-Residence Programs

France has long been a haven for creatives, and today, the country continues to attract artists, writers, musicians, and performers through artist-in-residence programs. These programs are designed to provide financial support, living accommodations, and professional opportunities in exchange for the artist’s work and cultural contributions.

Key benefits of artist residencies in France include:

• Stipends to cover living and project costs,
• Free or subsidized accommodation (often in scenic rural areas or cultural hubs),
• Opportunities for exhibitions, performances, and public engagement with local communities.

Well-known residencies, such as those in Paris, Normandy, and Provence, offer international artists a chance to immerse themselves in French culture while creating new work. These programs are open to a wide range of disciplines, from visual arts to performing arts, literature, and more.

For creatives seeking both inspiration and practical support, an artist residency in France can provide the perfect balance a chance to be paid to live and work in one of the world’s most culturally rich nations.

11. Work as an Au Pair in France

If you’re a young adult looking for a cultural experience and a way to live in France affordably, becoming an au pair is a classic and rewarding option. While it’s not a high-paying job, the perks and support you receive make it a financially viable way to live in France.

As an au pair, you’ll:

• Live with a French host family,
• Receive free room and board,
• Get a monthly stipend (typically €320–€450),
• Have access to language courses and health insurance,
• Get assistance with your visa and paperwork.

In return, you’ll help with light childcare duties and language exchange (usually in English). Most au pair positions run for 6 to 12 months, giving you the freedom to explore France while being supported financially.

It’s a great way to immerse yourself in French culture, improve your language skills, and enjoy a structured, supported relocation, without worrying about high living costs.

12. Join the European Voluntary Service (EVS)

The European Voluntary Service (EVS) now part of the European Solidarity Corps—offers young people (ages 18–30) the chance to volunteer abroad in exchange for financial support, including in various regions of France.

While it’s technically a volunteer role, participants receive:

• Free accommodation and meals,
• Monthly pocket money,
• Travel reimbursement,
• Health insurance,
• Language training and integration support.

Volunteer placements can last from 2 to 12 months and cover a wide range of causes: education, environment, culture, youth programs, and social work. It’s a great option for those passionate about community service who also want a structured, cost-covered experience living in France.

This route lets you give back while receiving full financial and logistical support to enjoy life in a new country—making it one of the most fulfilling ways to get paid to move to France.

13. Receive Relocation Aid as a Healthcare Professional

France, like many countries, faces shortages in its healthcare system, especially in rural or underserved areas. To address this, regional health agencies and local governments offer financial incentives to attract foreign healthcare professionals, including nurses, doctors, physiotherapists, and caregivers.

Benefits may include:

• Relocation bonuses or settling-in grants,
• Help with licensing and credential recognition,
• Housing assistance or subsidized rent,
• Fast-track visa processing under the Talent Passport scheme.

Some towns even offer salary boosts or tax breaks for medical workers who commit to serving in rural areas for a set period.

If you’re licensed (or willing to meet French registration requirements), this is not only a chance to practice your profession in a new country but also a financially supported transition into French life with a secure and respected role.

14. Get Paid to Work in Hospitality or Seasonal Tourism

France’s booming tourism industry, especially in regions like the French Riviera, the Alps, and wine country, creates seasonal job opportunities that often come with relocation assistance, housing, and meals.

Common roles include:

• Hotel staff,
• Restaurant servers or chefs,
• Ski resort workers,
• Tour guides, and
• Vineyard harvest assistants.

Employers frequently offer:

• Free or subsidized accommodation,
• Transportation reimbursements,
• End-of-season bonuses, and
• Short-term work contracts (with the possibility to return each season).

Jobs are often available to EU citizens, but many employers also hire non-EU nationals and help with visa arrangements. It’s a great short-term way to live in beautiful parts of France, earn money, and have much of your living costs covered all while soaking in the culture.

15. Apply for Grants to Restore Historic Homes

France is dotted with charming but aging homes in rural villages, many of which need serious renovation. To preserve this cultural heritage, some local councils offer grants and subsidies to foreigners willing to move in and restore these properties.

You could be eligible for:

• Renovation grants covering part of the construction or repair costs,
• Low-interest loans for restoration,
• Property tax reductions,
• Incentives tied to relocating full-time to the area.

These programs are especially active in regions like Normandy, Brittany, and Occitanie, where villages are eager to attract new residents. Some homes are sold for a symbolic price (as low as €1) under the condition that the buyer commits to renovating and living in it.

If you love the idea of owning a French countryside home while being financially supported to bring it back to life, this option offers both a lifestyle upgrade and long-term investment.

16. Use France’s Housing Assistance Programs (CAF)

Once you move to France, whether as a student, worker, or entrepreneur, you may qualify for housing assistance through CAF (Caisse d’Allocations Familiales), a French government agency that helps residents with rent support.

CAF offers:

• Monthly housing subsidies based on your income and rent amount,
• Support whether you live in a private apartment, shared housing, or a student residence,
• No citizenship requirement as long as you’re legally residing in France with a visa or permit.

This benefit can significantly reduce your cost of living, sometimes covering hundreds of euros per month. Many expats and international students rely on CAF to make life in France more affordable.

So while it’s not “getting paid to move” in the direct sense, this support effectively puts cash back in your pocket every month making your relocation far more manageable.

17. Move to France as a Language Assistant (TAPIF Program)

If you’re a native English speaker aged 20 to 35, you can apply to the TAPIF program (Teaching Assistant Program in France) and get paid to live and work in France for 7 months while helping French students improve their English.

Key benefits include:

• A monthly stipend (~€800/month),
• Health insurance,
• Opportunities for visa support,
• Plenty of free time to travel, study, or explore France.

You’ll typically work 12 hours per week in public schools (primary or secondary), often in smaller towns where your presence makes a difference. Many assistants also receive housing assistance or help finding accommodation.

This program is perfect for recent graduates, future educators, or anyone wanting a structured, semi-funded cultural exchange experience in France, plus it looks great on a resume!

Bonus Tips for Getting Paid to Move to France

If you’re serious about relocating to France and getting financial support to do so, here are some extra tips to boost your chances:

• Learn Basic French Early: While many programs are open to non-French speakers, having some language skills makes you a stronger candidate and helps with integration.
• Target Underserved Regions: Smaller towns and rural areas often offer better incentives than big cities. Research departments like Creuse, Cantal, or Aveyron, where population decline drives more attractive offers.
• Use Official Portals: Visit government websites like Welcome to France, Campus France, or La French Tech to find verified relocation programs and application details.
• Prepare a Solid Application: Whether you’re applying for a grant, visa, or residency, having a clear plan, financial resources, and documentation will help your case stand out.
• Talk to Expats: Join forums or social groups like Expats in France (Facebook) or Internations to hear real experiences from people who’ve made the move successfully, with support.

Why France?

France is not just a top travel destination but an exceptional place to live and work. Known for its rich culture, world-class healthcare, and high quality of life, it’s no surprise that many dream of calling France home. From the charming countryside and stunning coastal views to vibrant cities like Paris, France offers a unique blend of opportunities.

With a high standard of living, excellent social benefits like healthcare, education, and retirement plans, it provides a well-rounded environment for residents. The country’s diverse landscapes from the Alps to the Mediterranean, along with its rich cultural heritage, make it an attractive place for both relaxation and professional growth.

France is also home to numerous financial incentives and relocation programs, making it easier for newcomers to settle in. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful rural life, a thriving career, or simply want to immerse yourself in one of the world’s most influential cultures, France provides the ideal setting for a fresh start.

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