Volunteer Visa (Volontariat)

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 is free. 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.