3 steps to start an internship in France

Are you going to do an internship in France and you don’t know which kind of documents you need? Training Experience gives you all the information right here!

PS : Don’t worry, it’s very easy.

 I. The main document you really need

First of all, the internship/learning agreement, called “Convention de stage” in French is the most important document you need to have to do your internship. This document is delivered by your university, and signed by the company, your university and yourself. It’s basically an agreement for an internship position, which outlines the details of your internship and how it fits into your course of study. This document is compulsory for any internship you want to do in France. It allows you to obtain a visa, and then to have a legal situation in France. You also have to know that the maximum duration for an internship is 6 months.

II. Visa & Application

The French government provides you a wonderful tool in which you can see if you need or not to apply for a visa. Click here and fill the fields, it’s FREE and EASY!

• Entry requirements for EU citizens

If you are an EU citizen, you don’t need a visa. But, we recommend you to apply for a resident card if your internship will lasts for more than 3 months or if you have a salary. To obtain it, go to the closest «Préfecture» or «Sous-préfecture» of the city in France, and ask for a resident card for EU citizen. You can find all the information you need HERE.

• Entry requirements for non-EU citizens

If your internship will last less than 3 months, you can get a Schengen visa. The required documents can vary from one country and consulate to another. You’ll always need to show at least the following documents :

• visa application form

• passport valid for at least 3 months after the period of your intended stay in France
• 2 ID pictures
• health and repatriation insurance certificate valid for the duration of the stay
• internship agreement, signed by you, your employer in France and your school or institution (better if you have a French version)
• proof of accommodation (temporary resident’s certificate, hotel booking confirmation…)
• financial guarantee
• visa fee payment

If your internship will last more than 3 months and up to 6 months, you should get a long stay visa called “VLS-TS”. The required documents vary from one country to another. You’ll always need to show the following documents :

• visa application form

• passport valid for at least 3 months after the period of your intended stay in France and containing at least 2 blank pages
• 2 ID pictures
• internship agreement, signed by you, your employer in France and your school or institution (better if you have a French version) and stamped by the French Labour Department (DIRRECTE)
• proof of accommodation for the duration of the internship (hotel booking confirmation, accommodation provided by the host company, rental agreement…)
• financial guarantee (€615 per month if your internship is part of your study course or monthly equivalent of French minimum wage if you are enrolled in a professional training program)
• visa fee payment

You can find all the information HERE

 

 III. Insurance for students

In France, the social security system guarantees coverage of health care expenses. As an intern, you will get this protection.

All you medical and maternity expenses are refunded, but you can’t get paid for sick leaves (disease, maternity etc.)

To have more information, please have a look on THIS WEBSITE