Nurse CV for France
For nurse jobs in France, lead with Ordre national des infirmiers registration. Employers usually expect a CV on A4 paper, most recent experience first. Length: 1 page for under ~10 years’ experience, 2 maximum.
Build a nurse CV for FranceYour first CV is free. The builder applies these rules and checks your CV before you download it.
Registration and licences
| Nurses | Ordre national des infirmiers registration |
|---|
Put it near the top of the CV. If you are still applying, list it with the status “In progress” and the date you applied. Confirm current requirements with the regulator before you apply.
In the EU/EEA, this profession has automatic recognition under Directive 2005/36/EC: mention recognition of your diploma (or that it is in progress).
Sections to include
| Section (in this order) | How important | Heading in French |
|---|---|---|
| Profile | Recommended | Profil |
| Registration & licences | Expected | Certifications & habilitations |
| Experience | Expected | Expérience professionnelle |
| Education | Expected | Formation |
| Clinical skills | Recommended | Compétences |
| Courses & CPD | Recommended | Formations complémentaires |
| References | Recommended | Références |
Length: 1 page for under ~10 years’ experience, 2 maximum.
Personal details in France
| What it is called | CV (usually written in French or English) |
|---|---|
| Length | 1 page for under ~10 years’ experience, 2 maximum |
| Paper size | A4 |
| Layout | Two columns (side column for skills) |
| Order | Most recent first |
| Dates | Month and year (e.g. Mar 2023) |
| Photo | Optional |
| Date of birth | Optional |
| Nationality | Optional |
| Marital status | Optional |
| Right to work / visa status | Optional |
| References | Leave referees off the CV; have a list ready |
| Explain gaps longer than | 6 months |
Key facts
- In the EU, qualifications of nurses responsible for general care and of midwives are recognised automatically under Directive 2005/36/EC. Source: employment-social-affairs.ec.europa.eu
- Under Article L1221-6 of the French Labour Code, information an employer asks of a job applicant must have a direct and necessary link with the job or with the assessment of professional skills. Source: legifrance.gouv.fr
- In France, doctors must be registered with the Ordre des médecins before they can practise. Source: conseil-national.medecin.fr
Facts checked 2026-10-15.
Tips
- Lead with your registration (e.g. NMC PIN, AHPRA number, RN licence) and its status.
- For each post give the ward or unit, patient group, bed numbers and shift pattern.
- List competencies: IV, cannulation, medicines management, specific equipment.
- Overseas nurses: state your OSCE / NCLEX / IELTS or OET status.
- In the EU/EEA, automatic recognition (Directive 2005/36/EC) covers nurses responsible for general care; specialist nursing qualifications go through the general recognition route.
- Put the job title you are targeting at the top (titre du CV).
- One page is expected early in a career; recruiters skim quickly.
- A photo is optional and less common than it used to be.
- The “Centres d’intérêt” section is read; keep it specific.
Questions
What registration do nurses need on a CV in France?
Nurses applying in France should show Ordre national des infirmiers registration near the top of the CV, with the registration number and status. If you are still applying, list it with the status “In progress”. Put it in its own section, above your experience. Requirements change, so confirm the current rules with the regulator before you apply.
Should a nursing CV for France have a photo?
It’s optional. A nursing CV for France works with or without a photo, and most employers decide on your experience and qualifications. If you add one, keep it professional: a recent head-and-shoulders picture on a plain, light background. Leave it out if the job advert or application form says not to include one. A photo is optional and less common than it used to be.
How long should a nursing CV be in France?
Aim for 1–2 pages, the norm in France. Put your registration and most recent roles on the first page, keep older roles to a line or two each, and use A4 paper. Employers in this field usually check your registration first. CV Atlas warns you when the CV runs longer than usual.
What sections does a nursing CV for France need?
A nursing CV for France needs your contact details, experience, education and registration and licences. A photo and date of birth are optional there, so add them only if you are comfortable doing so. Put the most recent role first and describe each post with the setting, scope and results. CV Atlas applies this structure when you choose the job and the country, and its readiness check lists anything missing.
Can I use my qualification from another EU country in France?
Usually, yes. Nurses have automatic recognition of qualifications across the EU, the EEA and Switzerland under Directive 2005/36/EC, so mention that your diploma is recognised in France, or that recognition is in progress. You still need to register with the authority in France before you start work, and you may need to show language skills. Confirm the process and timescales with the competent authority before applying.
Related guides
General guides: CVs for France and Nursing & midwifery CVs in any country.
Other jobs in France: Doctor, Dentist, Pharmacist, Allied health, Teacher, Engineer, Lawyer, Accountant, Electrician and trades, Care worker, Childcare worker, Social worker, Software engineer.
Nurse CVs for other countries: United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Singapore, Japan.
Start your nurse CVYour first CV is free. The builder applies these rules and checks your CV before you download it.
Guidance checked October 2026; facts checked 2026-10-15. General information for most employers, not legal or immigration advice. A job advert’s own instructions always come first. CV Atlas is not affiliated with any regulator or professional body named.