Moving to France on a Visa Conjoint Expatrié: A World of New Beginnings
When Ana arrived in Paris from Brazil, it wasn’t for a job offer or a grand professional project, it was to follow her husband, transferred to the French headquarters of his company. Like thousands of expat partners each year, Ana held a visa conjoint expatrié. But what she didn’t know yet was that this visa could open doors she never imagined.
According to research by McNulty (2012), only 36% of expatriate spouses are able to continue their host‑country career during their partner’s posting, with many facing visa and work‑permit obstacles. But what are the concrete rights attached to this visa? And how can you seize professional opportunities in France?
Let’s dive into the essential answers.
Is the Visa Conjoint Expatrié a Gateway or a Barrier?
Many expat partners wonder:”Do I have the right to work with a visa conjoint expatrié?”
The answer is: Yes. Absolutely.
But while the legal door is open, the journey is not always easy.
From Isolation to Uncertainty
For many expat partners, arriving in France is a cocktail of excitement and loneliness. Ana shared:
“The first months were hard. I didn’t know the local job market, I was unsure about my French level, and I kept asking: is anyone even going to hire me?”
This struggle is reflected in the data: according to a 2015 InterNations report, 39% of trailing spouses end up working part‑time, compared to just 14% of expats overall.
The visa conjoint expatrié gives you the right to work in France without needing an additional work permit. But knowing your rights doesn’t mean finding a job overnight. The real challenge lies in overcoming the language barrier, understanding the French job culture, and building a new professional network from scratch.
5 Practical Details You Must Know
1. You Can Work Freely – But You Must Mention It in Your Residence Permit
Your visa conjoint expatrié often includes the mention “autorise son titulaire à travailler” (authorizes the holder to work).
✅ Practical Tip: Check this mention on your residence card. If it’s missing, you may need to update your status at the Préfecture. You can:
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Apply for any type of job (CDI, CDD, internship)
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Work full-time or part-time
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Be employed by a French or international company
2. You Can Create Your Own Business – No Additional Authorization Required
If you want to become a freelancer (auto-entrepreneur) or start a company in France, your visa gives you this freedom.
✅ Practical Tip: To register, go to autoentrepreneur.urssaf.fr and create your profile. You will need:
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A French address
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A French bank account (preferably professional)
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Your valid residence permit
You can also contact Chambres de Commerce et d’Industrie (CCI) for free workshops on entrepreneurship.
3. You Can Access Free Professional Training – Via France Trvail or CPF
Once you are legally allowed to work, you can:
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Register at France Travail , formerly Pôle Emploi, as a job seeker
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Apply for French language courses, job search workshops, or technical training fully covered by the French government
✅ Practical Tip: If you previously worked in France, you may also access the Compte Personnel de Formation (CPF) to fund training. Check your CPF account at Mon Compte Formation.
4. You Can Benefit from French Social Protection – Even Before Employment
If you have a residence permit that allows work, you can apply for:
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A French social security number (via your local CPAM office)
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Free or reimbursed healthcare under the French system
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Family benefits via CAF (if eligible)
✅ Practical Tip: Even if you are not working, you can apply for the Protection Universelle Maladie (PUMA) to access health coverage as a resident.
5. You Can Get Your Diplomas Recognized – Through Campus France or ENIC-NARIC
Some professions in France require diploma recognition (teaching, engineering, healthcare, etc.).
✅ Practical Tip:
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Submit your diploma equivalence request via ENIC-NARIC France: enic-naric.net
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For regulated professions, contact the relevant professional bodies for validation.
For many international companies, official recognition is not mandatory but can make your profile more competitive.
Building the Right Network
Ana’s story changed the day she joined a local expat partner program.
“That’s where I met people like me, where I discovered public speaking workshops, and where I finally believed I could restart my career.”
Organizations like Absolutely French offer specialized courses for expat partners, including language immersion and soft skills development like public speaking courses.
Learn more about Yulia’s journey as an expat spouse in Paris on Absolutely French’s blog!
From Invisible to Empowered
After volunteering in a local NGO to improve her French, Ana applied for a position in an international company, and got the job. Her visa conjoint expatrié became a springboard to a new life.
Key Resources to Boost Your Career in France
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Campus France – Diploma Recognition
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ENIC-NARIC France – Equivalence Request
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France Travail – Job Search Support
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Absolutely French – Public Speaking for Expat Partners
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Service-Public – Work Authorization for Spouses of Expatriates
Conclusion: You Have the Right to Thrive
Holding a visa conjoint expatrié is not just about following your partner, it’s about discovering your own place in France.
With the right information, local resources, and supportive networks, you can build a new professional life that matches your ambitions.
Your visa is more than just a piece of paper, it’s your passport to new opportunities.
So, what’s your first step?
Absolutely French – Who We Are – Companies Services
Absolutely French is the first French language school entirely dedicated to expat partners and expatriates.
Our mission:
To support dual careers in expat families by helping partners integrate quickly and confidently into French life.
Our method:
Fun, friendly, and innovative French courses that guarantee results — and help build a local network.
Looking for French classes tailored for expat partners? Want to register your employee’s spouse for a high-quality program?
Let’s connect!
Email: contact@absolutely-french.eu
Phone: +33 (0)1 83 73 98 49
Address: 4, rue Faraday, 75017 Paris