France has an aging population and a rising number of dual-income households, creating increased demand for household and domestic workers. This includes roles such as cleaners, caregivers, nannies, and housekeepers.
Domestic workers in France benefit from legal protections under the French labor code. Workers are entitled to formal contracts, minimum wage, paid leave, and social security benefits, ensuring fair treatment and job security.
The sector offers accessible employment opportunities for immigrants and individuals without advanced degrees or formal qualifications. With proper documentation, many can find stable, long-term work in this field.
For foreign nationals, working legally in domestic roles can support residency applications and facilitate integration into French society. It can serve as a stepping stone to broader opportunities in France over time.
Many domestic positions offer flexible schedules, part-time arrangements, and live-in opportunities, which can be ideal for workers seeking to balance family or educational commitments alongside employment.
Major cities like Paris, Lyon, and Nice have consistent demand for skilled household and domestic workers — including caregivers, nannies, chefs, and housekeepers — particularly with creative or specialized skills.
France provides regulated routes for hiring international domestic workers through formal contracts and residence permits, especially under private employment and personal service categories.
Candidates with creative abilities such as gourmet cooking, multilingual child care, artistic education, or interior styling are increasingly valued in high-end domestic roles.
France offers integration programs, access to labor rights, and legal protections for domestic workers, including fair wages, healthcare, and housing assistance in some cases.
Working in French households allows international candidates to immerse themselves in French culture and language, which can be a rewarding and enriching personal experience.
These workers are responsible for general cleaning and maintenance of private homes. Tasks include dusting, vacuuming, laundry, and sometimes meal preparation.
Nannies in France often provide full-time or part-time care for children, including feeding, school pickups, educational activities, and helping with homework.
Live-in workers reside at the employer’s home and typically perform multiple roles, such as cooking, cleaning, and caregiving. They may work under a formal employment contract known as “contrat de travail.”
These workers assist elderly or disabled individuals with daily activities, including bathing, dressing, meal prep, and medication reminders. Some are trained for basic medical assistance.
Often employed by larger households or estates, these workers take care of gardens, landscaping, outdoor maintenance, and sometimes minor repairs.
In more affluent households, domestic staff may include personal assistants or house managers who coordinate schedules, supervise other domestic workers, and manage household logistics.
Job Profile |
Monthly Salary (EUR) |
Monthly Salary (USD) |
Monthly Salary (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Live-in Housekeeper |
€1,700 |
$1,870 |
₹153,000 |
|
Live-out Housekeeper |
€1,600 |
$1,760 |
₹144,000 |
|
Nanny (Full-time) |
€1,800 |
$1,980 |
₹162,000 |
|
Nanny (Part-time) |
€950 |
$1,045 |
₹85,500 |
|
Elderly Caregiver (Live-in) |
€1,900 |
$2,090 |
₹171,000 |
|
Elderly Caregiver (Live-out) |
€1,650 |
$1,815 |
₹148,500 |
|
House Manager |
€2,300 |
$2,530 |
₹207,000 |
|
Chauffeur/Private Driver |
€2,000 |
$2,200 |
₹180,000 |
|
Cook (Private Household) |
€1,900 |
$2,090 |
₹171,000 |
|
Gardener |
€1,600 |
$1,760 |
₹144,000 |
|
Cleaner/Maid |
€1,500 |
$1,650 |
₹135,000 |
|
Butler |
€2,500 |
$2,750 |
₹225,000 |
|
Governess |
€2,200 |
$2,420 |
₹198,000 |
|
Domestic Couple (per person) |
€1,800 |
$1,980 |
₹162,000 |
|
Babysitter (Hourly) |
€12/hour |
$13.20/hour |
₹1,080/hour |
|
Pet Sitter |
€1,200 |
$1,320 |
₹108,000 |
|
Personal Assistant (Home) |
€2,400 |
$2,640 |
₹216,000 |
|
Security/Doorman (Residential) |
€1,700 |
$1,870 |
₹153,000 |
|
Housekeeper/Nanny Combo |
€2,000 |
$2,200 |
₹180,000 |
|
Au Pair (with housing) |
€700 |
$770 |
₹63,000 |
Criteria |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Job Title |
Household and Domestic Workers (e.g., nanny, housekeeper, caregiver) |
|
Eligible Nationalities |
Primarily non-EU/EEA nationals require a work visa |
|
Work Visa Requirement |
Yes – Must obtain a long-stay work visa or residence permit with work rights |
|
Job Offer Requirement |
Mandatory – Must have a confirmed job offer from a French employer |
|
Employer Sponsorship |
Required – Employer must sponsor the visa application |
|
Labour Market Test |
Often required – Employer must prove no EU candidate is available |
|
Minimum Salary Requirement |
Yes – Must meet French minimum wage or sector-specific wage |
|
Language Requirements |
Basic knowledge of French is preferred but not always mandatory |
|
Contract Type |
Legal employment contract (CDI or CDD) required |
|
Accommodation |
Some roles include live-in accommodation; depends on employer arrangement |
|
Health Insurance |
Mandatory – Must be enrolled in French health insurance system |
|
Work Hours and Leave |
Must comply with French labor law (e.g., max 35–48 hours/week, paid leave) |
|
Recognition of Prior Experience |
Informal experience may be accepted; formal training/certification is a plus |
|
Background Check |
Required – Clean police record and health clearance often needed |
Job Title |
Key Responsibilities |
|---|---|
|
Housekeeper |
General cleaning, laundry, ironing, and organization of household items |
|
Nanny |
Childcare, feeding, bathing, educational play, and school drop-offs/pick-ups |
|
Domestic Helper |
Combination of cleaning, cooking, and light childcare |
|
Live-in Caregiver |
Full-time care for elderly or disabled persons, medication support, companionship |
|
Cook / Private Chef |
Preparing meals based on dietary requirements, kitchen hygiene, meal planning |
|
Cleaner |
Deep cleaning, dusting, vacuuming, and waste disposal |
|
Gardener |
Lawn care, trimming, watering plants, seasonal gardening tasks |
|
House Manager |
Supervising other staff, managing household schedules and inventory |
|
Babysitter |
Evening or weekend childcare, supervision, feeding, and basic activities |
|
Elderly Companion |
Assisting with mobility, social interaction, errands, and basic personal care |
|
Laundry Assistant |
Washing, ironing, folding, and storing clothes and linens |
|
Pet Sitter / Dog Walker |
Feeding pets, walking dogs, and pet hygiene |
|
Chauffeur / Private Driver |
Driving family members, car maintenance, and managing vehicle appointments |
|
Governess |
Educating and tutoring children at home, assisting with homework |
|
Au Pair |
Live-in childcare assistant, cultural exchange, household help |
|
Maintenance Worker |
Minor repairs, light plumbing, and general upkeep of the home |
|
Personal Assistant (Domestic) |
Managing schedules, handling mail, booking appointments and errands |
|
House Steward / Butler |
Serving meals, greeting guests, managing table settings, wine service |
|
Wardrobe Assistant |
Managing clothing care, ironing, wardrobe organization |
|
Kitchen Assistant |
Assisting the cook with prep work, cleaning kitchenware, maintaining food hygiene |
S.No |
Job Title |
Typical Requirements |
|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Housekeeper |
Basic cleaning skills, attention to detail |
|
2 |
Nanny |
Childcare experience, first aid, sometimes French |
|
3 |
Caregiver (Elderly) |
Experience in elderly care, patience, French helpful |
|
4 |
Domestic Cook |
Home cooking skills, knowledge of dietary needs |
|
5 |
Personal Driver |
Valid EU driving license, local area knowledge |
|
6 |
Gardener |
Knowledge of plants, outdoor maintenance |
|
7 |
Live-in Housekeeper |
24/7 availability, multitasking |
|
8 |
House Manager |
Organizational skills, prior experience |
|
9 |
Au Pair |
Young adults, cultural exchange visa, childcare |
|
10 |
Cleaner |
Physical stamina, punctuality |
|
11 |
Dog Walker/Pet Sitter |
Love for animals, flexible schedule |
|
12 |
Laundry Assistant |
Knowledge of fabrics, ironing, stain removal |
|
13 |
Household Assistant |
General support, errands, chores |
|
14 |
Butler |
Formal service experience, etiquette knowledge |
|
15 |
Babysitter |
Evening/weekend availability, child safety knowledge |
|
16 |
Companion for Elderly |
Conversation, light help around the house |
|
17 |
Window Cleaner |
Safety awareness, climbing ability |
|
18 |
Handyman (Domestic) |
Light repairs, DIY skills |
|
19 |
Domestic Security Personnel |
Background check, physical fitness |
|
20 |
Kitchen Assistant (Domestic) |
Prep work, basic hygiene skills |
Job Role |
Experience Required |
Typical Duties |
Preferred Qualifications |
Language Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Housekeeper / Cleaner |
1–2 years in private households or hotels |
Cleaning, laundry, ironing, basic organization |
None formally required; vocational training a plus |
Basic French or English |
|
Nanny / Childcare Provider |
2+ years with references from families or childcare |
Child supervision, activities, feeding, school runs |
First aid, early childhood training preferred |
Intermediate French |
|
Elderly Caregiver |
2–3 years in elder care or nursing support |
Assisting with mobility, hygiene, meal prep, companionship |
Caregiving certification or nursing experience |
Intermediate French |
|
Domestic Cook |
2+ years in households or small hospitality settings |
Meal planning, cooking, grocery shopping, dietary accommodations |
Culinary training or home cooking experience |
Basic to intermediate French |
|
Live-in Domestic Worker |
1–2 years in similar roles |
Combination of housekeeping, childcare, cooking |
Prior live-in experience preferred |
Basic French |
Company Name |
Location |
Services Offered |
Notes for International Candidates |
|---|---|---|---|
|
O2 Care Services |
Nationwide (France) |
Housekeeping, childcare, elderly care |
Known for employing international workers with proper documentation |
|
AXEO Services |
Nationwide |
Domestic help, gardening, home maintenance |
Large network, supports visa-holding workers |
|
Shiva |
Nationwide |
Housekeeping and cleaning |
Recruits experienced cleaners; must have valid work papers |
|
Kinougarde |
Major Cities |
Childcare and babysitting services |
Hires international nannies and babysitters with language skills |
|
Yoopies |
Online Platform |
Babysitting, elderly care, pet sitting |
Connects families directly with caregivers globally |
|
Azaé |
Nationwide |
Domestic help, personal services |
Open to legal international workers; provides training |
|
Family Sphere |
Nationwide |
Nanny services, tutoring, after-school care |
Looks for qualified nannies; language skills are a plus |
|
Domidom Services |
Nationwide |
Personal care, domestic help |
Often hires care workers and household aides with papers |
|
Care.com France |
Online Platform |
Babysitting, cleaning, senior care |
Global platform; candidates manage their own applications |
|
Les Petits Bilingues |
Nationwide |
English-speaking childcare and education |
Recruits bilingual nannies and child tutors |
Job Profile |
Average Salary (Monthly) |
Job Requirements |
Top Hiring Companies / Agencies |
General Roles and Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Housekeeper (Employé de maison) |
€1,400 – €2,000 gross |
Basic French, experience in cleaning & organizing, reliability |
Shiva, O2 Care Services, Domicile Clean |
Cleaning, laundry, ironing, tidying, sometimes basic cooking |
|
Nanny / Childcare Worker (Nounou) |
€1,500 – €2,500 gross |
Childcare certification (optional), experience, good communication skills |
Kinougarde, Yoopies, Babychou Services |
Child supervision, school pickup, meal prep, helping with homework |
|
Elderly Caregiver (Aide à domicile) |
€1,600 – €2,200 gross |
Experience in elderly care, physical ability, empathy, sometimes CAP certification |
ADMR, Petits-fils, Vitalliance |
Assisting with hygiene, meals, medication reminders, companionship |
|
Live-in Domestic Worker |
€1,000 – €1,800 gross + lodging |
Flexible schedule, ability to perform multiple tasks, experience |
Private households, luxury estates |
Cleaning, cooking, errands, light maintenance, pet care |
|
Cook / Private Chef |
€2,000 – €3,500+ gross |
Culinary training preferred, hygiene knowledge, French or international cuisine skills |
Private families, VIP households |
Meal planning, cooking, grocery shopping, kitchen maintenance |
|
Gardener / Groundskeeper |
€1,500 – €2,200 gross |
Basic horticulture knowledge, equipment handling skills, physical fitness |
Jardins de la Vallée, private estates |
Lawn care, pruning, planting, seasonal maintenance, landscaping |
|
Driver / Chauffeur |
€1,800 – €2,800 gross |
Valid driving license, experience, discretion, sometimes English or other language |
Private employers, embassy households |
Transportation of family or employer, vehicle upkeep, errands |
Visa Type |
Description |
Eligibility Criteria |
Duration |
Work Rights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Temporary Work Visa (Visa de long séjour valant titre de séjour - salarié) |
For foreign workers offered a job in France, including domestic roles |
Valid job offer, labor contract, employer authorization from French authorities |
1 year (renewable) |
Can work only for the specified employer |
|
Private and Family Life Visa (Vie privée et familiale) |
For domestic workers already in France under certain family or humanitarian grounds |
Must prove strong personal and family ties in France; may include regularization cases |
1 year (renewable) |
Allows work rights depending on residence status granted |
|
Au Pair Visa |
For young people working as domestic helpers while studying French |
Age 18–30, host family agreement, basic French knowledge |
12 months (renewable up to 24 months) |
Limited to 30 hours/week; not full domestic work |
|
Talent Passport – Employee on Assignment |
For skilled professionals including private staff accompanying executives |
Employment contract, higher education or experience, employer sponsorship |
1–4 years |
Tied to the specific assignment/employer |
|
Seasonal Worker Visa (Travailleur saisonnier) |
For temporary, repetitive jobs including some domestic roles |
Seasonal job offer, maximum 6 months/year, return to home country after contract |
Up to 6 months/year |
Only within the contract duration and employer |
