BorderProofBorderProof
Explore VisasCompare VisasCountry GuidesNewsAbout
Sign InFind A Visa
Volunteer Visa (Volontariat)
FranceFrance•Europe
Open

Volunteer Visa (Volontariat)

Work

At a Glance

Processing Time

4-8 weeks

Estimated Cost

EUR €549

Stay Duration

Up to 12 months

Not renewable

Renewal

Not renewable

Family

No dependents

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Apply Now Official Information
France flag

Living in France

Cost of Living
4% cheaper than United States
Avg Salary€31,000
Quality of Life
173/200
Full Country Guide

Overview

Long-stay visa for non-EU nationals aged 16 or older undertaking civic, association, or European Voluntary Service missions with an accredited French non-profit.

The French Volunteer Visa (Volontariat) is a long-stay visa for non-EU/EEA nationals undertaking civic service, association, or European Voluntary Service missions with a French non-profit. Applicants need a signed contract with an approved foundation, and the mission must be social or humanitarian in character.

Stays of 12 months or less are marked "Temporary exemption from a residence permit"; longer stays require a Visitor permit. The long-stay visa costs EUR 99; the APS provisional residence permit carries a EUR 100 tax. No job offer is required and there is no PR pathway. Dependents have no right to work.

This visa is ideal for non-EU nationals aged 16 or older who have secured a volunteer placement with an accredited French non-profit for a humanitarian or civic mission.

France

Curious about life in France?

Discover cost of living, salary benchmarks, tax rates, and quality of life — everything you need to know before you make the move.

Explore Guide

Cost Breakdown

Long-Stay Visa Application FeeEUR €99
APS (Temporary Residence Permit) FeeEUR €100
Visitor Residence Permit Tax (Stays > 12 months)EUR €350
TotalEUR €549

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Signed volunteering contract (contrat de volontariat) with a recognized foundation or association of public utility.

Volunteering mission must have a social or humanitarian character.

Proof of financial support, accommodation, and coverage from the host association (attestation de prise en charge).

Valid passport.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport

Volunteering contract approved by French authorities

Taking-in-charge certificate (attestation de prise en charge) from host association

Proof of accommodation in France

Proof of sufficient funds or full board/lodging provided by host

Application Process

1

Sign a formal volunteer contract (contrat de volontariat) with an approved French non-profit organization or foundation.

2

Obtain a taking-in-charge certificate (attestation de prise en charge) from the host organization.

3

Apply for a long-stay visa marked 'Volontaire' via the official France-Visas portal.

4

Attend visa appointment at a French consulate or center with all supporting documents.

5

Upon arrival in France, validate the visa online or apply for the Temporary Residence Authorization (APS) as required.

Ready to see if the Volunteer Visa (Volontariat) is your visa path?

Discover how your answers compare with the published requirements. 2 minutes. Free to use.

Start Visa Discovery