Working Holiday Visa (Programme Vacances-Travail)
Young people aged 18-30/35 from partner countries combining tourism and casual work.
The Working Holiday Visa (Programme Vacances-Travail) is a French visitor & short stay visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (~€99 visa fee (free for some partner nationalities)) and processing time (~2-4 weeks), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the Working Holiday Visa (Programme Vacances-Travail) is for
Young people aged 18-30/35 from partner countries combining tourism and casual work.
No direct PR path; you must switch to a work permit to stay long-term.
Working Holiday Visa (Programme Vacances-Travail) - eligibility criteria
- National of a country with a working-holiday agreement with France
- Aged 18-30 (up to 35 for some nationalities)
- Sufficient funds for arrival (typically ~€2,500)
- Health/repatriation insurance for the stay
- No accompanying dependants
Working Holiday Visa (Programme Vacances-Travail) cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the Working Holiday Visa (Programme Vacances-Travail) (France) is ~€99 visa fee (free for some partner nationalities), with an indicative processing time of ~2-4 weeks. Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at France-Visas.
| Type | Temporary |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | At a French consulate abroad |
| Length of stay | Up to 12 months, generally non-renewable |
| Work rights | Open work rights for the holiday period |
| Study rights | Short study/courses permitted |
| Government fee | ~€99 visa fee (free for some partner nationalities) |
| Processing time | ~2-4 weeks |
| Route to PR | No direct PR path; you must switch to a work permit to stay long-term. |
Pathway & next steps
No direct PR path; you must switch to a work permit to stay long-term.
Many applicants also compare Schengen C · Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C), Salarié · Employee Residence Permit (Carte de Séjour Salarié), Étudiant · Student Long-Stay Visa (VLS-TS Étudiant). Run a free VisaChief check to see which French route best fits your profile, then prepare an application reviewed by a registered migration agency in our partner network.
Common Working Holiday Visa (Programme Vacances-Travail) pitfalls we fix
Working Holiday Visa (Programme Vacances-Travail) - frequently asked questions
How much does the Working Holiday Visa (Programme Vacances-Travail) cost?
The Working Holiday Visa (Programme Vacances-Travail) government fee is ~€99 visa fee (free for some partner nationalities). Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at France-Visas before applying.
How long does the Working Holiday Visa (Programme Vacances-Travail) take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~2-4 weeks. Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the Working Holiday Visa (Programme Vacances-Travail) lead to permanent residence?
No direct PR path; you must switch to a work permit to stay long-term.
Can I work on the Working Holiday Visa (Programme Vacances-Travail)?
Work rights: Open work rights for the holiday period.
Who can apply for the Working Holiday Visa (Programme Vacances-Travail)?
Young people aged 18-30/35 from partner countries combining tourism and casual work.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official France government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, fees and processing times change - always confirm the current rules with the issuing authority before you apply:
- France-Visas - official France immigration authority