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If you’re dreaming of experiencing the charm and rich culture of France, the working holiday visa is your gateway to an unforgettable adventure. Each year, this visa allows young travellers to immerse themselves in France’s historic landmarks, vibrant cities, and picturesque countryside.
The French Working Holiday Visa is open to young travellers aged 18-30 (35 for some nationalities) from eligible countries, giving you the chance to live, work, and explore France for up to a year. This visa offers the perfect balance of travel and work, allowing you to immerse yourself in the French lifestyle while gaining valuable experience in a unique cultural setting.
In this guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about the French working holiday visa—from eligibility requirements and the application process to tips for settling in and finding work. Get ready to make the most of your adventure in France!
The French Working Holiday Visa is designed for young travellers who want to explore France while working to support their stay. If you meet the eligibility requirements, this visa allows you to stay in France for over three months with the right to work and supplement your finances during your visit.
Australia;
Argentina;
Brazil;
Canada (agreement on youth mobility);
Chile;
Colombia;
Ecuador;
South Korea;
Japan;
New Zealand;
Hong Kong;
Mexico;
Peru;
Russia;
Taiwan;
Uruguay.
Applications must be submitted through the appropriate visa center in your home country, with some exceptions for Australian, Canadian, and Colombian nationals residing abroad. The visa you’ll receive is a long-stay "vacances travail" (working holiday) visa, valid for one year and non-renewable. It allows you to take on paid employment without prior approval from the French Administration, ensuring a flexible and enriching experience during your time in France.
To apply for a French Working Holiday Visa, you will need to provide the following documents and meet certain requirements. While the specifics can vary slightly depending on your nationality, these are the general documents and things required for your application:
Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay, with at least two blank pages for visa stamps.
Visa Application Fee: Payment of the visa application fee, which varies depending on your nationality and the consulate you apply to. The fee is generally around €99.
Proof of Accommodation: You may be asked to show proof of accommodation for at least the initial part of your stay. This could be a hotel booking, rental agreement, or a letter from a host in France.
Return Ticket: You will need to show a return ticket before the expiry date of your visa.
Health Insurance: Proof of valid health insurance that covers the entire duration of your stay in France. The insurance must include medical coverage and repatriation.
Proof of Funds: You must show evidence that you have sufficient financial resources to support yourself during your stay in France. This is usually done by providing recent bank statements, and the amount required varies depending on your country but is typically around €2,500.
Passport-Size Photo: Provide two recent, passport-sized photos that meet France’s visa photo requirements.
Completed Visa Application Form: You must fill out the long-stay visa application form, which is available from the French consulate or visa center in your country.
As there are several countries and some regulations and rules vary, it’s important to check the most up-to-date information on the official France Diplomacy website.
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Each country may have different rules and regulations around the application process, so it’s important to stay up-to-date with your country’s process by accessing the France Diplomacy website.
Generally, the following application process applies and regulations apply:
You can apply for a Working Holiday Visa between 3 months and 15 days before your intended arrival date in France. It is not possible to apply more than three months in advance, so plan accordingly to ensure your application is submitted within the eligible time frame.
Ensure you meet the nationality, age, and financial requirements. The visa is aimed at young travelers whose primary purpose is tourism, with the option to work to support themselves during their stay.
Visit the France-Visas website to begin your application. The site will guide you through filling out the necessary forms and providing details about your trip, work plans, and personal information.
After submitting your form, schedule an appointment at the visa application center in your country. In many countries, visa applications for France are managed by VFS Global or similar agencies.
Visa Application Centers by Country:
For other eligible countries, check with your local French consulate or VFS Global offices in your area for submission and appointment details.
Visa processing times vary but usually take about 15 days. During busy travel seasons, it could take longer. Once your visa is processed, you can either collect your passport in person or have it mailed to you if the option is available.
When you're in France on a working holiday visa, you have the flexibility to work part-time or in temporary positions to support your stay. Here are some common job opportunities available:
While it’s important to remember that the working holiday visa is primarily for tourism, these job opportunities provide a way to supplement your income while exploring the country and integrating into French life.
Our Global Work & Travel packages provide a seamless and stress-free experience for securing a working holiday visa. We assist with every step, from gathering the necessary documentation to offering personalised support throughout the process. Our packages include job placement services, accommodation arrangements, travel insurance, and even airport transfers, ensuring you’re fully prepared before you arrive.
Packages on Offer:
Prepare Your Documents: Before departing, make sure you have all the necessary documents with you:
Arrival at French Immigration:
Register with Local Authorities (if required):
Get ready to experience France’s captivating blend of vibrant cities, historical landmarks, and breathtaking landscapes. Start with iconic destinations like the bustling streets of Paris, where you can marvel at the Eiffel Tower and explore the grandeur of the Louvre. Don’t miss the glamorous beaches of Nice along the French Riviera or the medieval charm of Mont Saint-Michel.
Venture beyond the tourist hotspots to discover France’s hidden gems. Explore the lavender fields of Provence, the stunning natural beauty of the Gorges du Verdon, or the serene countryside of the Loire Valley with its fairytale castles. These quieter locations offer an equally rewarding and more peaceful experience of France.
For those seeking adventure, head off the beaten path to destinations like Corsica, where rugged mountains meet pristine beaches, or the Alsace Wine Route, where charming villages and vineyards await. Hiking enthusiasts can explore the Pyrenees or Auvergne volcanoes for a true escape into nature.
France's efficient transportation system makes exploring easy. Hop on a TGV (high-speed train) to quickly travel between cities like Paris, Lyon, and Marseille, or take regional trains and buses to explore the countryside. For more flexibility, consider renting a car and driving through scenic routes such as the Route des Grandes Alpes or the Normandy coast.
Travel tip: always carry a Navigo or T+ card for seamless access to Paris’ buses and metro system, and don’t hesitate to ask locals for recommendations—they’ll often guide you to the best local spots. Whether you’re soaking in the culture of Paris or wandering through rural villages, France offers an endless array of unforgettable adventures at every turn!
Popular banks for foreigners in France include BNP Paribas, Société Générale, and Crédit Agricole. These banks offer services tailored to international residents, making it easier to manage your finances while living in France.
Once your account is set up, most French banks offer convenient mobile banking apps that allow you to manage your finances, pay bills, and transfer money easily. Apps like Hello bank! and N26 also cater to expats with user-friendly digital banking services.
One of the perks of working and living in France, is the easy access to surrounding countries. You can travel freely around Europe within the Schengen Area. Since France is part of the Schengen Agreement, your visa allows you to visit other Schengen countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without needing additional visas. This includes popular destinations such as Spain, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, and more.
However, if you plan to visit non-Schengen countries (such as the UK or Croatia), you may need to check their individual entry requirements and visa rules based on your nationality.
While you can explore Europe during your working holiday, remember that the visa is for living and working in France, so your primary residence and employment must remain in France.
Europe is home to several low-cost airlines such as Ryanair, easyJet, and Vueling, which offer budget-friendly flights to many neighbouring countries. Booking flights in advance or during sales can save you a lot of money.
For a scenic and budget-conscious option, trains like TGV and Thalys connect France with other European countries quickly and comfortably. For even cheaper travel, FlixBus and BlaBlaBus offer affordable routes across Europe.
The French Working Holiday Programme visa allows young adults from eligible countries to live, work, and travel in France for up to one year, offering a fantastic opportunity for cultural exchange and exploration.
To apply, you must be between 18-30 years old (inclusive), or up to 35 years old if you're from Canada, Argentina, or Australia. You must also hold citizenship from one of the 16 countries that have a bilateral working holiday agreement with France, including countries like Canada, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, and others(
The visa is valid for 12 months. Canadian citizens, however, may be eligible to extend their stay for an additional 12 months(
No, the visa is generally not extendable, except for Canadians who may extend their stay for another 12 months under a specific agreement.
You can work in many sectors such as hospitality, tourism, and retail to fund your stay. However, certain professions, like long-term employment or studying as an au pair, are restricted under this visa.
Job search platforms like Pôle Emploi, Indeed, or even recruitment agencies that cater to foreigners can be great resources. Networking within local expat communities is another useful way to find job opportunities.
Yes, upon arrival, you will need to register with local authorities and acquire proof of residence in order to legally work and access services during your stay.
You will need to present your passport, proof of accommodation, and visa details to open a bank account at any major French bank, such as BNP Paribas or Crédit Agricole
Yes, having private health insurance for the duration of your stay is mandatory. This insurance should cover any medical issues that arise while you're in France(pvtistes.net).
France has an extensive and efficient public transport system, including buses, trams, and high-speed trains (TGV). A Navigo card is a convenient way to access public transport. Renting a car is also an option if you want more travel flexibility (The Broke Backpacker).
Your employer will automatically deduct taxes from your salary. You may also need to file a tax return if you have additional income or certain deductions to claim (France-Visas).
The cost of living in France varies by city. Paris is the most expensive, while cities like Lyon, Toulouse, and Nantes are more affordable. Major expenses include rent, groceries, and transportation (VisaGuide World).
You are allowed to take part-time or short-term courses, but this visa does not make you eligible for long-term student visas or financial aid (France-Visas).
Yes, you can travel in and out of France while your visa is valid, but make sure to carry your passport and any required permits when travelling (VisaGuide World).
Once your visa expires, you must leave France. If you want to stay longer, you will need to apply for a different type of visa, such as a work or student visa (France-Visas) (VisaGuide World).
If you want to learn about the working holiday visa’s for other countries, we have extensive guides for countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, Italy, Ireland, Korea, Taiwan, Argentina, Chile, Hong Kong and more coming.
Jessie Chambers
Jessie Chambers is the adventurous spirit behind the Global Work & Travel blog. A passionate globetrotter, Jessie has explored over 30 countries.
Becoming a tutor abroad is the new way to see the world. It's your way to teach English overseas without the formal setting. This is the best way to do it!
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