Resources for Onboarding and Training Foreign Employees
Reading : 5 minutes
You have hired a foreign employee or are about to do so. There are solutions available to help with their onboarding, integration, and professional development.
Onboarding and on-the-job training
1. Prepare for the arrival of a new employee at your company
Bringing a new person onto a team requires preparation. Before hiring, raising awareness among employees creates an environment conducive to the successful integration of foreign job seekers. Once the hiring process is complete, assigning a mentor within the company can also have very positive results.
2. Help your employee improve their French language skills
As part of a skills development plan, an employer may allow an employee to take training courses designed to help them reach CEFR Level A2 (Article L.6321-1 of the Labor Code). Such training counts as actual working time (with pay) up to a limit of 80 hours.
Employees may also be granted leave, up to a limit of 28 hours, to use their Personal Training Account (CPF) to take a training course enabling them to reach CEFR Level A2.
French Language Programs
To find a list of French language learning providers in your department, visit the “Useful Contacts for Employers” page.
An app for adults to learn French, even if you can't read or write
Bibliothèque sans frontières app
A serious game designed for language learners
The Fact app for learning business vocabulary
Discover France, its language, understand its values, and experience daily life there
TV5Monde website to improve one’s understanding of French through videos
TV5MONDE app to learn French
Le français facile : learn French through international news
Since January 1, 2026, the level of French proficiency required to obtain a long-term residence permit or French nationality has been raised:
- An A2 level of French is required to be issued a multi-year residence permit.
- A B1 level of French is required to be issued a residence card.
- A B2 level of French proficiency is required for naturalization.
Visit the Service-Public website to find out what the different levels of French language proficiency correspond to.
How can your employee demonstrate their proficiency in French?
- Test de Connaissance du Français (TCF), a certified test issued by France Éducation nationale. To find the nearest TCF test center, visit the France Éducation International website.
- Test d’Évaluation du Français (TEF), issued by the Paris Chamber of Commerce and Industry. To find the nearest TEF test center, visit the Le français des affaires website.
- Diplomas issued by France Éducation International: DILF, Diploma in French Language Studies (DELF), Advanced Diploma in French Language (DALF), Professional Diploma in French Language Studies (DELF Pro).
- University diploma (DU) issued by the Association of Directors of University Centers for French Studies for Foreigners: University Diploma in French Studies (DUEF) at A2 level or higher.
- Professional French Diploma (DFP) issued by the Paris Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
- Diploma of Language Proficiency (DCL) issued by the Ministry of National Education.
For the issuance of a multi-year residence permit, a resident card, or French nationality, the following are accepted:
- The National Certificate (Diplôme national du brevet).
- A diploma issued in the name of the State certifying a level at least equivalent to Level 3 of the National Framework of Professional Certifications (CAP, BEP).
- A TCF/TEF certificate or a DELF diploma
- Any professional certification classified at a level at least equivalent to Level 3 of the National Framework of Professional Certifications and registered in the National Registry of Professional Certifications.
Recruiting a foreign employee: a winning move for your company
Discover the inspiring journey of Julio Matanda and the keys to successful and sustainable professional integration.
To go further
Can't find the information you're looking for?
