Working in France on a Student Visa

Working in France on a Student Visa-everything you need to know

If you want to work in France while on a student visa, Elvire de Royere, Paralegal at French Connections HCB, has put together this guide on the rights and conditions for foreign students wanting to work in France.

The right to work in France is one of the many advantages of the student visa (VLS-TS ‘étudiant’). Completing a few shifts at a local bar or becoming a library assistant is a sure route to fast assimilation of the language. It can also provide that valuable top-up in the bank account at the end of the month. However, access to the workplace is not as seamless as other perks of the visa; unlike registration for the sécurité sociale, which is immediate and will generously reimburse healthcare costs, restrictions and conditions apply when non EU/EEA/Swiss students wish to work. It is important that students understand which rules apply to them and whether future employment prospects may be available to them.

How many hours can foreign students work in France? The baseline rules explained

Foreign students are allowed to work for a total of 964 hours annually without needing a work authorization. This equates to 60% of the total working hours in France. For students on a 6-month visa, the restrictions are stricter: the limit is 482 working hours for the 6 months (pro-rated) and a work authorisation is usually required.

Do students need to track their working hours?

Employers will not always track their workers’ hours. It is therefore strongly recommended that students keep a running log of their hours to demonstrate compliance with the relevant limits.

Do students need a work authorisation in France?

Prior to hiring, the employer will need to inform the préfecture of the hiring at least two days before the first day of work. Should the préfecture not respond within two working days, it is deemed that permission to work has been granted.

Can students on a student visa work remotely for a foreign employer?

The student visa does not allow independent work, freelancing or business creation; a change of status will be required for this. Remote working for foreign employers is a grey area. French authorities often interpret any work performed from France as ‘work in France’, regardless of where the employer or the clients are located. It seems that students engaging in remote work may be frowned upon as it is in the VLS-TS ‘visitor’ case. To be on the safe side, it is recommended that students keep their remote work accessory, and definitely well under 964 hours. The safest option would be to exclude remote working altogether, engaging instead on French-based part-time jobs.

When does the 964-hour year actually start?

It is important to note that the yearly 964-hour cap usually starts running from the date that the VLS-TS is validated rather than from 1 January.

Do students in France pay tax on their earnings?

It is also worth noting that students will be taxed if their salary meets the current 11 600 €. This threshold can vary slightly; it is good practice to check the updated number on Article 197 of the Code général des impôts.

On-campus student jobs in France: hour limits explained

For students wishing to work on campus, as a library assistant or within a university sports club, for example, specific hour sub-limits apply. These are designed to ensure that work does not interfere with academic success.

The cap on working hours is split unevenly throughout the year. Students may work up to 670 hours between 1 September and 30 June. They may only work up to 300 hours between 01 July and 31 August. These on-campus hours count towards the overall 964-hour annual limit.

Can you combine on-campus and off-campus work?

Students can combine on-campus and off-campus work so long as the total hours across all jobs do not exceed 964 hours per year.

Apprenticeships and alternance contracts for foreign students

Apprenticeships and professional training contracts are the two main types of work-study (alternance) options in France. They combine paid work in a company with theoretical training at a school or training centre. The salary earned from these contracts are often enough to cover living costs, and will allow foreign students to legally earn more than they would typically expect when under the 964 hour limit. They may also simplify the transition to full-time work in France or even to a Talent Passport if hired permanently after graduation.

Who is eligible for an apprenticeship as a foreign student?

Generally, foreign students can access these opportunities after having spent at least a year in France on a student visa. However, rules have now been somewhat relaxed, and first-year students in state-recognised Master’s programmes or specific Grande Écoles programmes will also be eligible.

Do apprenticeship contracts need a work authorisation?

As the contracts often exceed the 964 hours cap, the employer will need to apply for a work authorisation. This rule will not apply if the student signs an apprenticeship contract as part of their course and the contract is validated either by the OPCO or the DREETS.

Internships (stages) and the 964-hour limit

Do internships count towards the 964 hours?

These internships form part of a student’s course requirements. They do not count as part of the 964 hours but are added on top of them.

Where it is a course requirement that a student complete an internship for a period exceeding 964 hours, the employer will need to apply for a work permit.

What is a convention de stage?

A convention de stage will also need to be signed. This is an internship agreement between the employer, the student and their school.

How much do interns get paid in France?

Where the student is interning for more than two months, they will need to receive a minimum gratification of around €4.50 per hour.

Working in France after graduation: from student visa to salarié

What is an autorisation provisoire de séjour?

Post-graduation, a foreign student having completed a Master’s degree or a grande école degree may apply for a non-renewable temporary residence permit. This permit, known as an autorisation provisoire de séjour will grant the foreigner the same 964 hour rights as the student status until they secure a qualifying job. Once they are in permanent employment, they may then switch to a ‘salarié’ visa status.

The job secured must bear a reasonable relation to the applicant’s studies, and the autorisation provisoire de séjour should be applied for before the student title expires.

Key takeaways for working in France as a student

Working in France as a foreign student offers valuable financial support, faster language acquisition, and smoother integration, while opening doors to future career opportunities — especially through apprenticeships. However, it requires a clear understanding of the 964-hour limit, specific rules for alternance contracts, internships, and grey areas like remote work for foreign employers. By staying informed, tracking your hours, and following official guidelines, you can safely combine studies and work to maximise both your experience and prospects in France.

Frequently asked questions

How many hours can I work on a French student visa?

Foreign students are allowed to work for a total of 964 hours annually without needing a work authorization. This equates to 60% of the total working hours in France.

How many hours can I work on a 6-month student visa?

For students on a 6-month visa, the restrictions are stricter: the limit is 482 working hours for the 6 months (pro-rated) and a work authorisation is usually required.

Can I freelance or start a business on a student visa in France?

The student visa does not allow independent work, freelancing or business creation; a change of status will be required for this.

Does my employer need to tell the préfecture before I start?

Prior to hiring, the employer will need to inform the préfecture of the hiring at least two days before the first day of work. Should the préfecture not respond within two working days, it is deemed that permission to work has been granted.

How much do interns get paid in France?

Where the student is interning for more than two months, they will need to receive a minimum gratification of around €4.50 per hour.

Can I stay in France after I graduate to look for work?

Post-graduation, a foreign student having completed a Master’s degree or a grande école degree may apply for a non-renewable temporary residence permit. This permit, known as an autorisation provisoire de séjour will grant the foreigner the same 964 hour rights as the student status until they secure a qualifying job. The autorisation provisoire de séjour should be applied for before the student title expires.

If you would like to move or study in France and are a student, speak to our expert team of advisors who can help you get your French work and French student visa.