France•Europe

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Occupational Trainee/Apprentice Visa

Work

At a Glance

Processing Time

4-8 weeks

Application Fee

249 EUR

Stay Duration

Up to 12 months

Renewable

Yes

Job Offer

Not Required

Dependents

Not Specified

PR Pathway

Remote Work

Not Required

Apply Now Official Information

Living in France

Cost of Living

10% cheaper than United States

Avg Salary€28,800

Quality of Life

155/200

Full Country Guide

Overview

Long-stay visa for vocational trainees and apprentices undergoing occupational training in France.

The French stagiaire (trainee) VLS-TS is a long-stay visa for foreign nationals doing internships or occupational training in France exceeding 90 days. It requires a three-party convention de stage signed by the trainee, the host company, and the training organisation, validated by French authorities.

The visa covers stays up to 12 months and acts as a residence permit — no separate card needed. Holders must validate it with OFII within 3 months of arrival, paying a €99 consular fee and €300 OFII tax. Minimum monthly resources of €615 apply. Work is restricted to the approved training only.

This visa is ideal for students and early-career professionals who have secured a formal vocational training placement in France and want hands-on industry experience.

Fee Breakdown

Visa application fee	99 EUR
Residence permit fee (VLS-TS validation)	150 EUR

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

L. 421-3 — Temporary Worker Residence Permit (Carte de séjour travailleur temporaire)

France

L. 421-3 — Temporary Worker Residence Permit (Carte de séjour travailleur temporaire)

ValidityUp to 1 year

Processing1-3 months

View Visa Details

France

VLS-TS — Salaried Employment Visa

Validity1 year

Processing6-10 weeks

View Visa Details

Requirements

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Must be a student or employee participating in a professional training program in France

Must have a three-party internship agreement (convention de stage) signed by the trainee, the host company/institution, and the training organization

The internship agreement must be stamped by the relevant French regional authority (e.g., DREETS)

Must possess sufficient financial resources to cover living expenses during the stay

KEY CRITERIA

Education

high_school or higher

Min. Income

615 EUR/yr

Min. Savings

615 EUR

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport

Three-party internship agreement (duly signed and stamped)

Proof of financial resources (minimum monthly allowance requirements apply)

Proof of accommodation in France

Completed long-stay visa application form

Passport-sized photographs

Application Process

Secure training: Apprenticeship or vocational training placement

Training agreement: Tri-partite training agreement signed

Check duration: Determine if over or under 90 days

Apply for visa: Submit at French consulate

Provide documents: Training agreement and employer details

Pay fee: EUR 99 for long-stay or EUR 90 for short-stay

Await decision: 2-4 weeks

Application Forms

Go to application portal

Occupational Trainee Visa Application

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Verified Claims (21)

Last verified May 31, 2026

Application Steps	Secure training: Apprenticeship or vocational training placement; Training agreement: Tri-partite tr…	france-visas.gouv.fr
Fee Breakdown	Visa application fee: 99 EUR; Residence permit fee (VLS-TS validation): 150 EUR	service-public.fr
Fee Breakdown · Residence permit fee (VLS-TS validation) · amount	300	testciviquefrance.fr
Fees	EUR 99 (visa application) + EUR 300 (OFII VLS-TS validation tax, effective May 2026)	testciviquefrance.fr
Forms	Occupational Trainee Visa Application	france-visas.gouv.fr
Included Nationalities	—	france-visas.gouv.fr
Job Offer Required	false	france-visas.gouv.fr
Application Portal	https://france-visas.gouv.fr/en/demande-de-visa	france-visas.gouv.fr

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