I would like to live in Paris, France again.?

Question

My family lived there for ten years and I had a work permit that expired in 1998. I never held a job there as I was in high school when we left. How could I get in renewed without having a job or is it even possible?

To the 3rd answer: Then we were there at the same time and the same age.

Answer 1

My understanding is that unless you're a student or married to a French national you have first find a job and THEN get permit.

You also need to consider the fact that unemployment in France, especially amongst young people, is sky high.

The easiest job for you to get would likely be teaching English as a second language.

Since you lived in France for ten year I assume you speak French fluently. that is certainly a huge plus.

Have you considered checking on American companies (I'm also assuming you're an American) that have branches in France? Since so few Americans are bilingual in French and English you have a valuable skil that you might be able to parley into a job with an American company in France.

Answer 2

Great suggestions from the others. My experience with the French Bureauracy is it's truly a catch 22. I hope you can work it out!
I lived in Paris for 7 years, when I was a teeneager. That was 16 years ago and I still miss it a lot.

Answer 3

the US consulate website has a few practical tips
http://www.amb-usa.fr/consul/acs/guide/default.htm
also check the french consulate (in texas) website which has a few basics.
http://www.consulfrance-houston.org/
you could get a visa by registering as a student or by finding a job, I heard Club Med hired as well as Eurodisney but both are outside the city really. you could find a job waiting etc in a restaurant but not very lucrative, a friend of mine did that to pay rent for a year until she did find a job and a visa
alternatively you could check craigslist just in case
au pair is another solution

francoamerican chamber of commerce in paris may also have a few ressources