The Working Holiday Visa to France

WHVs are bilateral accords signed between governments to promote youth mobility and cultural exchange. Participating countries allow young adults to spend a set period of time (usually one year) living and working abroad. Most of the accords are signed between countries in Europe, the Americas, Oceania, and East Asia. A WHV encourages cultural exchange alongside the chance to gain valuable work experience, though participants are not obligated to work.

France has signed accords with governments of the following countries:

Australia, Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Japan, Hong Kong, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Russia, South Korea, Taiwan. Source

The WHV allows its holder to stay up to one year in France.

Exception: Canadians can apply for a one-year extension at the end of their WHV.

France sets a quota for each nationality. The quota does not change significantly year over year. Quotas for 2022 at a glance:

Nationality, Spots, Quota was reached (Yes/No)

• Argentina, 1400 spots, No
• Australia, No quota
• Brazil, 500 spots, Yes
• Canada, 7000 spots, No
• Chile, 400 places, Yes
• Colombia, 400 places, Yes
• South Korea, 2000 spots, No
• Ecuador, 300 spots, No
• Hong Kong, 750 spots, No
• Japan, 1500 spots, No
• Mexico, 300 spots, Yes
• New Zealand, No quota
• Peru, 300 spots, No
• Taiwan, 500 spots, No
• Uruguay, 300 spots, No

Yes, the WHV is an multiple-entry visa so you can freely leave and re-enter France during your working holiday. There is no minimum number of days that you have to be inside France.

No, and your cover letter does not have to be written in French either. However, having at least a basic knowledge of French will make your stay smoother.

Yes. As a part of your visa application, you must show proof of adequate health insurance for the duration of your WHV. It should cover at least medical care, hospitalisation, and repatriation.

WHV holders are not eligible for French public healthcare (assurance maladie).

No, you do not need a social security number. WHV holders automatically have full and open work authorisation upon entry into France. They can work for any employer for as long as they wish. Note, however, that French authorities stipulate that work or studies should not be the primary motive of your stay in France. Rather, it should be travel and cultural discovery.

No. The France WHV gives you residence and work authorisation only in France. In all other countries, you must respect the rules set forth for tourists and visitors.

Your partner will need to obtain his or her own WHV. It is not possible to register a partner on your WHV.

Standard items include:

• Completed application form
• Passport
• ID photos
• Proof of health insurance
• Proof of sufficient funds
• Motivation letter

For certain nationalities, a medical certificate and/or a background check are also required. Citizens of Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Korea are exempt from these.

In our France WHV application guide (for all nationalities), we walk through 1) applicant eligibility 2) program description and rules 3) and application steps. Be sure to read it in detail so you’re fully prepared.

We are a team of current and former working holiday makers dedicated to providing free information and resources about the working holiday in France and other destinations. Read our helpful articles, leave comments if you have questions, and check out our special deals.

We don’t ask for any money, and neither should anyone else in your application process (besides the embassy/consulate and their official partners). Be very careful of online scams where someone might ask you for an exorbitant amount to help you get your visa. Working Holiday Visas are designed to be relatively easy to obtain yourself, so there is absolutely no need to pay any professional service to do it on your behalf.