Teach English in France
The Ultimate 2026 Guide to TAPIF, Freelancing, and Life in the République.
Teaching in France is the ultimate European dream for many. From the cafés of Paris to the vineyards of Bordeaux, the lifestyle is unmatched. However, the TEFL market here is highly competitive and deeply intertwined with strict EU labor laws.
For EU citizens, the process is simple: arrive and start interviewing at private academies. For Non-EU citizens (Americans, Canadians, etc.), the traditional work visa is notoriously difficult. Instead, thousands rely on the government-sponsored TAPIF program (Teaching Assistant Program in France) or navigate the bureaucratic Auto-Entrepreneur (freelance) visa to teach legally.
In 2026, the demand for Business English among French professionals is surging. Whether you are applying for a coveted TAPIF position or aiming to build a freelance client base in Lyon, a myTEFL 120-hour certificate is a crucial credential that proves your pedagogical skills to discerning French employers and immigration officials.
Quick Facts
What’s in this guide?
Your roadmap to the Hexagon. Learn how to navigate the TAPIF application, budget in Euros, and find the best teaching gigs outside of Paris.
- The TEFL jobs market in France
- TAPIF, Academies & Freelancing
- Teacher Salary in Euros (€)
- EU Citizens vs. Non-EU Visa Rules
- Requirements for 2026
- School Terms & Split Shifts
- Cost of living: Paris vs. Provinces
- Where to teach: Paris, Lyon, Toulouse
- Getting hired: The Independent Route
- France TEFL FAQs
The TEFL jobs market in France
France is a mature TEFL market with a high demand for Business English. French corporations are increasingly operating globally, and professionals are eager to improve their English skills to remain competitive. This drives a massive need for in-company training and private tutoring.
However, the market is heavily segmented by nationality. Private Language Schools prefer to hire EU citizens or those who already possess working rights in France, as sponsoring a traditional work visa for a non-EU citizen is costly and legally complex.
For non-EU applicants, the TAPIF program is the golden gate. It offers a 7-month contract as an assistant in public schools. Alternatively, entrepreneurial teachers pursue the Auto-Entrepreneur visa, allowing them to legally freelance. In both cases, a strong resume featuring a TEFL certification is critical to stand out.
- Population: 68 million
- Language(s): French
- Currency: Euro (€)
- Capital city: Paris
- Estimated salary: €1,200 - €2,000
- Public Holidays: 11 days
- Climate: Temperate / Mediterranean
- Main Transport: TGV, Metro & Bus
- Internet: Excellent
Types of English teaching jobs in France
From government-backed school placements to freelance corporate training.
TAPIF Program
The Teaching Assistant Program in France. Places young adults (20-35) in public schools for 7 months (Oct-Apr). You work 12 hours a week, leaving plenty of time to travel.
Private Language Schools
Academies like Wall Street English or Berlitz. They cater to adults and kids. Contracts are often part-time (CDD) or full-time (CDI). EU passport highly preferred.
Freelance (Auto-Entrepreneur)
Many teachers legally register as freelancers. This allows you to contract with multiple language schools and take private clients, often focusing on Business English.
International Schools
Elite bilingual schools. These are highly competitive, require a valid teaching license from your home country, and pay the highest salaries with full benefits.
TEFL teacher salary in France
France is a lifestyle destination, not a place to hoard savings. A typical full-time teacher at a private academy earns between €1,200 and €2,000 (Net) per month.
The TAPIF program pays a modest stipend of around €800 - €1,000 Net per month. Since you only work 12 hours a week, many assistants supplement their income with private tutoring (paid in cash) or online teaching, though strict visa rules govern extra employment.
Freelancers (Auto-Entrepreneurs) can charge €25 to €40 per hour, but must deduct about 22% for social charges (URSSAF). Housing is almost never provided, and renting in Paris will consume a massive portion of your income, making provincial cities much more attractive for long-term teachers.
Monthly Salary Range (€ Euro)
| Language School (Net) | €1,200 - €1,800 |
| TAPIF Stipend (Net) | €800 - €1,000 |
| Freelance Tutoring (Hourly) | €25 - €40 /hr |
| Studio Rent (Paris) | €800 - €1,200 |
| Studio Rent (Provinces) | €450 - €700 |
EU Citizens vs. Non-EU Visa Rules
EU Citizens: You have full rights to live and work in France. You can arrive, rent an apartment, and start applying to language schools immediately.
Non-EU Citizens: Securing a standard work visa (Salarié) is extremely rare for TEFL, as employers must prove no EU citizen could do the job. Instead, Non-EU citizens use three main pathways:
- TAPIF Visa: A specific 7-month visa tied to the government assistantship program.
- Student Visa: Allows you to work up to 964 hours per year (roughly 60% of full-time) while enrolled in a recognized French language or university course.
- Auto-Entrepreneur Visa (Profession Libérale): A freelancer visa. You must present a solid business plan, proof of funds, and letters of intent from potential clients to the French consulate. It is bureaucratic but offers long-term stability.
The Working Holiday Visa (WHV)
Citizens of Canada, Australia, and New Zealand (among others, but crucially not the USA) aged 18-30 can apply for a WHV, allowing them to live and work in France for one year without a prior job offer.
Requirements to teach English in France
France values formal qualifications. To be competitive, especially as a non-EU applicant, you need strong credentials.
- Bachelor’s Degree Mandatory for visas. Required for the TAPIF program and almost all work visas. Most language schools also expect it.
- 120-Hour TEFL Certificate Highly recommended. While TAPIF doesn't strictly demand it, it drastically improves your placement chances. For language schools and freelancing, it is essential.
- French Proficiency Required for TAPIF (B1 level). Private schools don't require it for teaching, but French administration (and daily life) is notoriously difficult without it.
- Right to Work Schools will immediately ask if you have EU citizenship or a valid visa. If not, they likely cannot hire you.
School Terms & Split Shifts
Academic Year: Runs from September to early July. TAPIF specifically runs from October 1st to April 30th. Peak hiring for private academies is September and January.
Les Vacances (Holidays)
France is famous for its generous holidays. The school year is punctuated by two-week breaks (Toussaint, Christmas, Winter, and Spring). TAPIF assistants are paid during these breaks, making it perfect for travel.
Working Hours: If working at a private language academy, expect "split shifts." You will teach business clients early in the morning or during their long lunch breaks, and then teach young learners or adults in the late afternoon/evening.
Cost of living & Savings in France
The cost of living in France varies dramatically depending on where you drop your bags. Paris is notoriously expensive. Renting a tiny studio (chambre de bonne) can cost €800-€1,200+, easily eating up a TAPIF stipend or entry-level salary.
If you teach in the provinces (Lyon, Toulouse, Montpellier), your quality of life will soar. Rent drops to €450-€700, and you can comfortably enjoy the café culture, fresh markets, and regional wines without constantly stressing about money.
CAF (Housing Subsidy): A massive benefit in France is CAF. Many legal residents, including TAPIF assistants and students, qualify for a government housing subsidy that reimburses a portion of their monthly rent (often €100-€200).
Monthly Budget (Single Teacher - Provinces)
| Rent (1-Bed Studio) | €450 - €700 |
| Utilities & Internet | €80 - €120 |
| Groceries (Markets) | €200 - €300 |
| Transport | €30 - €60 |
| Leisure/Dining Out | €150 - €250 |
Where to teach English in France?
While Paris draws the crowds, the vibrant regional capitals offer a significantly better balance of income to living costs.
Paris & Île-de-France
The epicenter of the jobs market. Huge demand for business English and private tutoring. However, the extreme cost of rent means many teachers must commute from the suburbs or live with roommates.
Lyon
The gastronomic capital. A major economic hub with plenty of language schools. It offers a big-city feel but is cleaner, friendlier, and much more affordable than Paris.
Toulouse (The Pink City)
Located in the south, it is a massive university town and the center of the European aerospace industry (Airbus). Great demand for corporate English and a fantastic, sunny lifestyle.
Bordeaux & The South
Cities like Bordeaux, Montpellier, and Nice offer the quintessential French dream. Jobs are slightly more competitive, but the access to wine country and the Mediterranean is unbeatable.
How to get a job in France
For non-EU citizens, navigating the TAPIF application or the freelance visa is the main hurdle. A recognized TEFL credential proves your commitment and separates your application from the pack.
Get Your 120-Hour Certificate
French language schools expect rigorous pedagogical standards. A 120-hour myTEFL certificate proves your capability, strengthens your TAPIF application, and is vital for securing clients as a freelancer.
- TAPIF Booster: Strengthen your assistantship application.
- Hireability: Essential for local academies.
- Accredited: Globally recognized standard.
- Lifetime Access: Keep your lesson plans forever.
Frequently Asked Questions
Crucial info for the 2026 French teaching landscape.