Whether you need a visa for an internship abroad depends on three things: your nationality, the host country and the terms of the internship (length, pay). For French citizens, an internship in another European Union country usually doesn't require a visa. Outside the EU, some form of authorisation is often needed. Either way, the only reliable source is the embassy or consulate of the host country, and you should check with them before signing anything.
There's a lot of vague and sometimes outdated information going around about internship visas. This guide doesn't replace official websites: it helps you ask the right questions, in the right order.
Visa, residence permit, work permit: what's the difference?
These terms often get mixed up:
- a visa lets you enter a country for a given purpose and length of time;
- a residence permit lets you stay there longer;
- a work permit lets you carry out an activity. In some countries, an internship counts as work, even if it's unpaid or barely paid.
A tourist visa generally doesn't cover an internship. It's the most common mistake, and it can be costly: being refused entry, having your internship cut short, or running into trouble when you try to return to the country.
Internships in the European Union
As a French citizen, you can in principle stay and do an internship in another EU country without a visa. Some countries do, however, ask you to register once you've stayed beyond a certain period: check with the local authorities when you arrive.
If you aren't a citizen of an EU country, different rules apply, and they can vary from one European country to another. Check before you leave.
Internships outside the European Union
Outside the EU, every country has its own rules. Some offer visas specifically for internships, others go through the employer, and others through special schemes (for example Working Holiday programmes with certain countries, which have their own age limits and quotas). A few good habits:
- ask the host company how it usually handles foreign interns: it often has to start or support part of the process;
- check the website of the host country's embassy in France and the "Conseils aux voyageurs" (travel advice) section of France Diplomatie;
- write down the processing times given for each step, and add some margin.
For a concrete example, see our article Interning in Dubai.
When should you start the process?
As soon as you have a written offer from the company. Don't wait. Processing times vary a lot from country to country and can be long. Don't book a non-refundable ticket until you have your authorisation in hand.
Also keep in mind that the dates on your internship agreement and on your visa must match. If the start date changes, let everyone know.
Documents you'll often be asked for
The exact list depends on the country, but these come up a lot:
- a passport valid for your entire stay, and sometimes longer;
- a letter or contract from the host company;
- the internship agreement;
- proof of funds and health insurance;
- sometimes proof of accommodation.
Keep digital copies of everything, and check whether translations are required.
The internship agreement and your visa
The agreement sets the framework for your internship: tasks, dates, supervisor and stipend. It's often part of the visa application, but it is not a visa and doesn't mean you'll get one. The decision always lies with the country's authorities.
At EDU Business Institute, the agreement is issued after you enrol in one of our 9 online courses of 200 hours, for €299, within 24 to 48 business hours once your file is complete. The agreement is written in French. If the host company is abroad and has no SIRET number (the French company ID), its identification details are simply entered directly on the agreement. The visa process itself still has to be handled with the country's authorities.
For the rest of your project, our guide Doing an internship abroad with a French agreement walks you through every step.
FAQ
Can you do an internship on a tourist visa?
Usually not: a tourist visa doesn't allow you to work, and an internship may be treated as work. Check with the country's embassy which status fits your situation.
Who applies for the visa, the intern or the company?
It depends on the country. In some cases the intern applies alone; in others, the host company has to be involved. Ask the company as soon as you get the offer.
What if my visa doesn't arrive in time?
Let the company and the organisation that issued your agreement know quickly so the start date can be pushed back. Never start the internship without valid authorisation.
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Is your internship abroad taking shape? Contact our team to check your situation, or find out how to get your agreement.
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