Should You Include a Photo on Your CV in France?

Published on February 18, 2026

The question of whether to include a photo on your CV is contentious. While in English-speaking countries it's generally discouraged or even prohibited, in France the practice remains widespread. Here's what you need to know about this French specificity.

What the law says

In France, no law requires candidates to include a photo on their CV. The law of May 27, 2008 on combating discrimination even prohibits employers from requiring one. In theory, recruiting based on physical appearance constitutes discrimination.

However, in practice, the majority of French recruiters expect to see a photo. A CV without one can even appear incomplete in certain industries.

Industries where a photo is virtually essential

Sales and retail: client-facing roles value appearance
Hospitality: presentation is a recruitment criterion
Marketing and communications: the sector values personal branding
Banking and insurance: conventions are highly codified
Executive positions: senior profiles almost always include a photo

Industries where it's optional

IT and tech: skills matter more than appearance
Research and education: academic background counts more
Manufacturing and construction: technical qualifications come first
Public administration: competitive exams often anonymize applications

Rules for a good CV photo

If you decide to include a photo, follow these tips to make a good impression:

Do

Choose a neutral background (white, light gray, light blue)
Portrait framing: face and top of shoulders
Natural smile with eyes looking at the camera
Professional attire appropriate for your industry
Natural, even lighting
Recent photo (less than 2 years old)
Square or portrait format, minimum 300 x 300 pixels

Don't

Use selfies or cropped vacation photos
Include photos with other people
Apply excessive filters or retouching
Use full-body or profile shots
Wear sunglasses
Have a cluttered or distracting background

The alternative: a CV without a photo

If you prefer not to include a photo, that's perfectly acceptable. More and more French companies, especially in tech and large corporations committed to diversity, accept or even encourage anonymous CVs. What matters most is that your CV content is impeccable.

International applications

If you're applying from abroad to France, including a photo is recommended to show you understand local conventions. Conversely, if you're applying to English-speaking countries (UK, US, Canada, Australia), always remove the photo from your CV.

In summary

In France in 2026, a photo remains an asset on your CV in most industries. If you include one, treat it as a strategic element of your application. And if you prefer to skip it, compensate with a particularly well-structured and compelling CV. With LeCV, you can easily add a professional photo to your CV and choose from five templates designed for the French market.