How to Get a Company to Sponsor Your Move to France (Step-by-Step)
Corporate sponsorship is the fastest way to a visa and a job offer. Here’s exactly how to qualify — and why French companies are actively looking for U.S. talent.
If you're a highly skilled American professional looking to work in France, getting sponsored by a company is one of the most efficient pathways to making the move. Sponsorship can fast-track your visa process, open doors to high-level positions, and allow you to legally live and work in France with your family.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to get sponsored to work in France, which types of companies sponsor Americans, what qualifications help, and how to increase your chances of landing that crucial offer.
What Does Sponsorship Mean in France?
In the French context, "sponsorship" usually refers to an employer offering you a job contract that enables a work visa. This is most commonly done through one of the following pathways:
- Standard Work Visa (for regular job offers)
- French Tech Visa (for tech roles, scaleups, and startups)
- Intra-Company Transfer Visa (for multinational company moves)
For high-skilled tech and management professionals, the French Tech Visa is the most relevant and streamlined.
Why French Companies Sponsor Americans
French firms—especially those in the Parisian high-tech ecosystem—are expanding internationally and actively seeking global talent to help scale. They sponsor foreign professionals because they:
- Need specialized tech or management skills not always available locally
- Want to grow in the U.S. or English-speaking markets
- Operate in English-first environments
- Value experience from Silicon Valley and other mature tech ecosystems
Qualifications That Increase Your Chances
If you want to be sponsored by a French employer, these are the traits that make you stand out:
- Master’s degree or higher (Bac+5)
- 5–10+ years of experience in tech, product, or management
- Experience working in or with U.S. companies
- Ability to scale teams and systems
- Certifications in AI, machine learning, or cloud systems
- A solid GitHub, portfolio, or LinkedIn presence
How to Find Sponsored Jobs in France
Use These Job Boards
Search Keywords That Help:
- "Working language: English"
- "Relocation assistance"
- "Visa sponsorship available"
- "French Tech Visa eligible company"
Talk to Recruiters Who Specialize in International Talent:
- Approach People
- Blue Search Conseil
- Robert Walters France
How the Sponsorship Process Works
- Apply and Interview: Focus on roles clearly open to international candidates.
- Get a Job Offer: Ensure the contract meets salary and role requirements.
- Company Applies for a Work Authorization: Usually handled by HR.
- Submit Visa Application: Often through the French consulate in the U.S.
- Receive Approval and Move to France: Once approved, you’re good to go!
Pro Tip: Most sponsored roles offer help with relocation, housing, and even spousal work permits.
Fast-Track Option: The French Tech Visa
The French Tech Visa is specifically designed to attract global tech talent. Benefits include:
- No quota system
- Renewable 4-year residence permit
- Family can come and work/study
- Simplified application process
To qualify, you need:
- A job offer from a "French Tech Visa" eligible company
- A role in tech, product, engineering, or leadership
- A salary above ~40K–60K EUR/year (depends on role)
Check the list of eligible companies here: La French Tech Visa Directory
Final Thoughts
Getting sponsored to work in France is very possible—especially if you bring in-demand experience and an international outlook. French companies are eager for American talent that can help them grow fast, think globally, and build smarter tech.
Need help getting started?
- Learn more about tech visas in France
- Get in touch with relocation experts or recruiters
- Start networking with Paris-based tech professionals on LinkedIn
The right job in France could be closer than you think.
Top Sectors Hiring English SpeakersAI, cybersecurity, and SaaS companies targeting international marketsStartups with global clients or investorsMultinational tech firms headquartered or expanding in ParisMany French companies actively seek English-speaking employees for roles where English is the working language, such as:France’s high-tech ecosystem, particularly in Paris, is scaling rapidly. With an influx of venture capital, government support for innovation (like the French Tech Visa), and the global expansion of French startups and scaleups, there is a growing need for professionals who bring international expertise—especially from Silicon Valley.Why France Needs English-Speaking Professionals
1. Tech and Engineering
From full-stack developers to DevOps engineers, many French companies now operate in English-first environments. Especially in startups and scaleups, the coding language and tech stack matter more than your fluency in French.
2. AI & Machine Learning
France is heavily investing in artificial intelligence and is home to several research labs, unicorns, and specialized startups. Roles in AI, NLP, and machine learning often don’t require French, especially in R&D or product-heavy teams.
3. Product Management
Senior product managers and product owners with experience in the U.S. market are in high demand to help French firms scale globally.
4. Business Development & Strategy
If you have a background in international strategy, scaling tech businesses, or entering the U.S. market, many French firms want your insights.
5. Executive and Senior Management
Companies are actively hiring for leadership roles that require an international mindset—especially those with experience in Silicon Valley, global tech firms, or scaling startups.
Types of Roles Commonly Open to Americans
| Role | Industry | Language Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Software Engineer | SaaS, AI, FinTech | English-only or B1 French |
| Product Manager | Tech, EdTech, HealthTech | Often English-only |
| CTO / VP Engineering | Scaleups, Startups | English-first teams |
| AI/ML Researcher | AI Labs, Research Institutes | English-only |
| Business Strategy Lead | Enterprise Tech, SaaS | English essential |
Where to Find English-Speaking Jobs in France
French Tech Job Boards
International Job Platforms
Recruitment Agencies Specializing in International Hires
- Globalization Partners
- Blue Search Conseil
- Approach People
Do You Need to Speak French?
Not necessarily. While it helps in daily life, many tech roles operate fully in English—especially in Paris or remote-friendly startups. Still, learning basic French will boost your social life and make integration smoother.
Pro Tip: Look for job listings that mention "working language: English," or use filters like "langue de travail: anglais."
The Fast Track: The French Tech Visa
France offers a special fast-track visa for highly skilled international professionals. The French Tech Visa is ideal for American tech workers and offers:
- 4-year renewable residency
- Family relocation included
- No quota system
To qualify, you need a job offer from an eligible company and a salary above a certain threshold (usually around 40K–60K EUR/year, depending on the role).
Tips to Land the Job
- Tailor Your Resume to the French Market (format matters)
- Highlight International Experience
- Showcase Tech Credentials and Certifications
- Use Keywords like "Bac+5," "international experience," and "scaling teams"
- Network Actively in Paris tech meetups, Slack groups, and LinkedIn
Final Thoughts
The doors to France’s tech ecosystem are open wider than ever for skilled Americans. With the right approach, you can land a high-impact, English-speaking role in one of Europe’s most dynamic markets—and enjoy the French lifestyle while you’re at it.
Ready to take the next step?
- Learn more about the French Tech Visa here.
- Need help preparing your French CV or finding recruiters? Get in touch with our relocation support team.
