Pay 
Language 
Currency 
No results found
French work and holiday visa for Argentinians: Complete guide
Learn all about the French Work and Holiday visa for Argentinians and get ready to enjoy a year of work and travel in France.
Imagine living a whole year in France, not just as a tourist but with the chance to work, study, and explore at your own pace. That’s the essence of the French Working Holiday Visa: A programme that opens the doors for young Argentinians to experience authentic French life without rush.
It’s not the same to spend two weeks in Paris taking photos at the Eiffel Tower as staying months in a small town, working in a café, learning French every day, and travelling freely to the south, the Alps, or other European countries.
With this visa, the adventure stops being a dream and becomes a real plan. This article explains in detail what the visa offers, its benefits, the requirements, the application process, the costs you must consider, and answers to common questions.
French Working Holiday Visa: What is it about?
The French Working Holiday Visa is an agreement between Argentina and France for young people aged 18 to 35 to spend up to 12 months in France, combining long holidays with the chance to work legally and study along the way.
The most interesting thing about this visa is its spirit: It’s not meant to build a career in France but to give you freedom to fund your stay while enjoying a deep cultural experience. You can work in cafés, tourism, harvest seasons, or other temporary jobs to cover expenses.
The best part is that it’s not only about Paris (although you’ll probably spend some time there). The French Working Holiday Visa lets you live in charming towns or medium-sized cities, where life is calmer, the cost of living lower, and contact with locals more genuine.
Moreover, because France is part of the Schengen Area, your visa allows you to travel freely across most of Europe. In short, it’s an invitation to a year full of unique experiences, where you decide the balance between work, travel, and study.
What are the benefits and features of the French Working Holiday Visa?
The French Working Holiday Visa is more than a stamp on your passport: It’s a chance to live a different year. Here are some benefits that make it one of the most attractive visas for Argentinians:
- A full year in France: Twelve months to explore the country at your own rhythm, balancing work, study, and travel, without the limits of a tourist visa.
- Legal and flexible work: The visa lets you get temporary jobs in areas like hospitality, tourism, agriculture, or retail. It’s the perfect way to fund your stay without spending all your savings.
- Study and learn: During your stay you can take short courses, such as French lessons, cooking workshops, or any training that enriches your experience.
- Multiple entries: The visa allows you to leave and re-enter France freely throughout the year, ideal if you plan to explore other European countries.
- Authentic cultural immersion: Beyond famous landmarks, you’ll live daily French life — having croissants in small villages, joining local markets, and enjoying cultural festivals.
- European connection: France is at Europe’s heart. From there, you can reach Spain, Italy, Germany, or Belgium within hours, expanding your experience beyond borders.
In short, the French Working Holiday Visa gives you freedom, flexibility, and a year filled with unique moments where work, culture, and personal growth come together.
Who is the French Working Holiday Visa for?
The French Working Holiday Visa (Vacations and Work Visa – VVT) targets young Argentinians who want more than short holidays and wish to live a real experience in France.
As mentioned, this visa suits those who dream of travelling around France slowly, working to fund their stay and embracing local culture. It’s designed for curious explorers who enjoy daily contact with people, from sharing coffee in a local boulangerie to joining regional festivals.
It’s also ideal for independent travellers because it gives you freedom to choose where to live, what jobs to take, and how to organise your year between travel, courses, or temporary work. French language, gastronomy, and art lovers will also find it perfect, since it allows full immersion through daily practice. And while it’s not meant for building a career, working in France for several months adds real value to your CV, proving adaptability and global experience.
In short, this visa suits young people seeking an authentic experience where travelling, working, and learning become inseparable parts of the same adventure. Alongside long-stay and student visas, the Working Holiday is another great way to discover France.
What requirements must you meet and which documents are needed?
Applying for the French Working Holiday Visa isn’t just paperwork: It’s your first step towards a smooth adventure. Since places are limited and demand is high, meeting requirements and presenting all documents properly is essential for success. Dreaming about living in France isn’t enough — you must show preparation, organisation, and responsibility.
Having a valid passport, the required funds, and medical insurance ensures you can stay in France without issues and enjoy the experience fully. The French Embassy reviews every application carefully, so missing or incomplete documents may exclude you until next year’s intake.
Therefore, start gathering everything early, avoid last-minute stress, and keep both digital and printed copies of each document. This way, when applications open, you’ll be ready to apply calmly and confidently.
Main requirements
- Be aged between 18 and 35 inclusive at the time of application.
- Be an Argentinian citizen with permanent residence in Argentina.
- Hold a valid passport covering the full stay.
- Not have previously participated in this French programme.
- Show sufficient funds — around $2,700 (€2,500) to cover initial expenses.
- Present a return ticket or extra funds to buy one.
- Have international medical insurance covering the full visa period, including hospitalisation and repatriation.
- Have no criminal record.
Required documentation
- Completed and signed official application form.
- Valid Argentinian passport plus photocopy of main pages.
- Two recent passport-sized photos.
- Bank statements in the applicant’s name showing sufficient funds.
- International medical insurance valid for 12 months.
- Return flight ticket or proof of funds to purchase it.
- Updated criminal record certificate.
- Motivation letter and tentative travel plan (sometimes required).
Steps to obtain the French Working Holiday Visa for Argentinians
Getting a French Working Holiday Visa mainly depends on good organisation. Places are limited (usually 1,000 per year) and fill up quickly, so preparing everything in advance gives you a huge advantage. Here’s the step-by-step process:
- Prepare your documents early: Before applications open, gather all embassy requirements — passport, insurance, bank statements, criminal record, photos, and official form. Don’t wait until the last moment; in Argentina, certificates can take time to issue.
- Follow the official Embassy announcement: The French Embassy in Argentina publishes the application opening date on its website and social media. That day is crucial — if you apply late, your chances drop significantly.
- Book an appointment and submit your folder: Once open, schedule an appointment at the French Embassy in Buenos Aires. Submit all documents personally, in order, and without missing items. No one can apply on your behalf.
- Pay the visa fee: When submitting your application, you’ll pay the visa fee. It’s around $108 (€99), paid in Argentinian pesos at the exchange rate valid on your appointment day.
- Wait for the decision: The embassy reviews your application and decides whether to issue the visa. This usually takes two to four weeks, depending on demand.
- Collect your visa and start your trip: Once approved, you’ll collect your passport with the visa stamped inside. You’ll then have 12 months to enter France and activate your Working Holiday Visa.
Take your time to organise your folder like a presentation letter. Having complete and well-ordered documents shows professionalism and can make a real difference.
How to stay connected while working and travelling in France
Once you get your French Working Holiday Visa, the real adventure begins. Between finding accommodation, attending job interviews, and planning European trips, staying connected is vital. Having internet in France helps you send CVs, use local apps, check transport routes, or talk with your family in Argentina.
Getting a local SIM card can be complicated: in many cases, they ask for formal residency, French bank accounts, or long-term contracts. All that isn’t practical for those arriving with a temporary visa and looking for quick solutions.
The easiest and most flexible alternative is Holafly Plans. With their eSIM, you’ll have unlimited data right after landing in France — no paperwork and no waiting. It also works in over 170 destinations, so if you visit Spain, Italy, or Belgium for the weekend, you’ll stay connected without changing SIM cards.
The best part? Best of all: If you choose the annual plan, matching your visa’s duration, you’ll get a significant discount, making it an even more convenient option. With Holafly, your arrival in France becomes much easier.
You’ll arrange job interviews, find your way in any city, and stay connected throughout your Working Holiday experience.
Important: If you are a frequent traveler and want to stay connected without worrying about expensive roaming or looking for a new SIM at every destination, Holafly’s subscription plans are for you. With a single eSIM, enjoy internet in more than 160 countries for a fixed price and no surprises on your bill. Travel without limits and connect easily and securely! 🚀🌍
How much money do I need to get my French Working Holiday Visa?
Besides meeting the requirements, it’s important to plan the initial budget you’ll need for your French Working Holiday experience. It’s not just the visa fee — you should also consider flights, insurance, required savings, and your first expenses upon arrival.
Here’s an approximate breakdown in USD and EUR:
| Category | Cost (approx. in USD/EUR) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Visa consular fee | $115.80 (€106.50) | Paid at the French Embassy in Buenos Aires when submitting your application. |
| Funds required by the embassy | $2,894.70 (€2,662.10) | Bank proof of savings (around $2,700 (€2,500)). |
| Return flight ticket | $1,368.00–1,684.00 (€1,259.00–1,549.00) | Varies by season and airline. |
| International health insurance (1 year) | $526.00–789.00 (€484.00–726.00) | Mandatory for your full stay; must include hospitalisation and repatriation. |
| Translations, police records, and extra paperwork | $73.70–126.30 (€67.80–116.20) | Includes documents translated into French or English. |
| Initial expenses in France | $842.00–1,052.00 (€774.00–968.00) | Covers your first month of rent, transport, and meals before finding a job. |
Estimated costs related to the French Working Holiday Visa
On average, you’ll need between $5,500,000 and $6,800,000 ARS to cover your visa and initial expenses for the French Working Holiday. It’s a big investment, but the experience is worth every penny. If you can’t apply this year, save for 2026 so you can apply comfortably when the next round opens.
French Working Holiday Visa for Argentinians: Frequently Asked Questions
France offers 900 annual spots for Argentinians. The French Embassy in Buenos Aires announces the opening date in advance. Demand is high, so stay alert and submit your application as soon as it opens. Once the quota is full, you must wait until the following year.
Yes. The visa allows you to take short training courses during your stay, such as French lessons, art workshops, or technical training. It’s not meant for long-term university studies, but it’s a great chance to improve your language skills or learn something new.
The most common jobs include hospitality, tourism, agriculture, and retail. Many Argentinians join harvest work in southern France or find jobs in cafés, restaurants, and hotels. These are temporary jobs designed to fund your stay, not build a long-term career.
It’s not mandatory but definitely helpful. You can work without speaking French, especially in seasonal or English-speaking roles, but knowing the language opens more opportunities and helps you integrate faster. Plus, you can improve it through daily practice or local courses.
Yes, it’s an essential requirement. You must have international health insurance valid for 12 months, covering hospitalisation, emergencies, and repatriation. The embassy won’t approve your visa without it. It’s also crucial for peace of mind — French healthcare is excellent but expensive without insurance.
