“Where there’s a will, there’s a way.” This old adage has proven true for me time and time again and I believe that if you put your mind to something, you’ll get there. It might take a while. The path might not be linear. But you’ll get there, whatever it is. How to find a job in France and start a new life? We will give you some advise in this article.
There are a variety of job opportunities in France for most kenyan citizens. This depends on the skills and individual holds. We have flexible job opportunities too that any kenyan can perform depending on their long term or short term stay in France.
A good updated CV also is a major leverage when it comes to job seeking in France for kenyans.
Being an employee in France has plenty of benefits for kenyans. There’s a whole range of opportunities that make France an attractive place to be as an employee.
Jobs in France for Kenyans do not necessarily need an individual to speak fluent French. However, we have some fields of jobs that would require fluent French, especially big companies, more specifically ones who operate internationally and are really interested.
A kenyan citizen who secures a job in France, develops Soft skills that are often described as “personal attributes that enable someone to interact effectively with other people.”
In particular, working in France as a kenyan will help one develop your adaptability, communication, and interpersonal skills, and also help to build your resilience and self-confidence.
All these job offers and many more information based on personal expertise can be found on europa.jobs.
Necessary documents for Kenyan citizens who would like to move to France for work
Kenyan citizens travelling to France for either a visit, study or work are required to apply for a France Schengen Visa.
It’s good to keep in mind that the France Schengen Visa allows you to travel freely between 26 countries in Europe that have signed the Schengen agreement.
The business or work visa is commonly valid for stays no more than 90 days. If you will be travelling to other Schengen countries, it’s recommended to fill in the “multiple entry” gap in the application form. This way you will be able to enter and leave Schengen Zone as you please for the amount of time allowed on your visa issued.
The duration of the visa should be applied three months prior to the planned trip in order to avoid last minute hiccups or any inconveniences. The French embassy in Kenya gets back within a week (7 working days). Sometimes, proceeding time might take up to two months if there is something extraordinary about the individual case. Though in rare cases.
Visa fee in France for Kenyan citizens
For a France Business Schengen Visa, the fee is 60 Euros which is equivalent to Ksh 7,188.26.
Important documents needed before applying for the work/business visa in France from Kenya.
1. A Kenyan passport that is valid for at least three months and has at least two blank pages. If you have a previous passport that has expired or been cancelled, please carry it when submitting your application. Also, carry copies of your previous visas.
2. Copy of the reservation of the return ticket for the time intended to be travelling. It is not recommended to buy the ticket before getting the visa, if not necessary.
3. Recent passport-sized colour photographs. Please check out the photo specifications. (Size: 45mm x 35mm)
4. Copy of your travel visa insurance policy.
5. A cover letter explaining the purpose of the business visit to France.
6. A short profile of your working place (company/organisation).
7. Memorandum and Article of Association in original certified copy /or a copy of Trade Licence (first issued and present renewal)/Proprietorship/Partnership documents.
8. Bank statements for 6 months.
9. A letter from your employer describing the purpose of the trip as well as the itinerary of the days to be spent in France.
10. Invitation letter. This letter has to appear as an invitation to attend meetings or other relevant events matching trade, industry or work.
11. Return Flight ticket reservations
12. Proof of Accommodation reservation.
13. If there were previous trade relations between the two companies, provide a proof in such an event.
14. The visa application form which must be fully completed and signed in.
Checklist – preparing for job in France
After a kenyan citizen receives a work visa to France, the following supporting documents must be presented at the request of the Border Police upon your arrival in France.
Identity documents.
- Valid passport
- Visa
- additional proof of satisfying the entry conditions in the final country.
- proof of accomodation
- certified medical insurance certificate
Don’t hesitate to scan or photograph your documents and email them to yourself or save them in the Cloud and have easy access to them.
Also, make sure your bags are well packed adapting to all kinds of weather conditions.
The day of your arrival to France from Kenya – job in France
1. After our arrival by plane, you will find automatic teller machines in most train stations and airports. if necessary, use them to withdraw cash.
2. If you must take public transport to your accommodation, purchase your travel passes from an automated machine or a teller . payment may be made by bankcard.
3. Get into your accommodation and complete any formalities that might be required.
4. Unpack your bags, relax and look around to settle in your new apartment.
Job in France – the first week and the following days in France
The very first few days in France can feel like something of a whirlwind in a new country, and new new language might be a challenge.
To help you get off on the right foot, here are some of the things you need to do during your first week in France.
Let’s start with an obvious one:
1. fFnding somewhere to call home. Some new arrivals might be lucky enough to be placed in temporary or permanent accommodation by their new employers. However, most internationals will need to get a roof over their head; even if it’s just temporary, while they find something more permanent. Fortunately, there are plenty of options in France. For shorter-term fixes, for instance, serviced apartments or long-term holiday rentals can be a good option while you search for your new home in France.
2. Getting to France from Kenya, for new work arrivals need to Register in the French local municipal authorities.
3 .Opening a french bank account which will make it significantly easier to set up all those important payments. One basically needs an identification, proof of residence and a work permit.
4. Getting a french sim card to keep in touch with family and friends.
5. Options available on sorting out your french transport on a day to day basis .your transport options will largely depend on where you settle. In large cities such as Paris, Marseille, and Lyon, you’ll be able to get by easily by bus and metro.
To sum up, If you are interested in working in France as a Kenyan, commit fully to the idea.. There are diverse opportunities for everyone to find their ideal career.
Trying to find a job abroad may seem a little intimidating at first, but the process itself is not much different from what it would be in your home country. You may have to jump a few more of those hurdles, but determination and persistence are likely to pay off sooner or later.
