24 Jul What Interns Should Know About Pay, Visas, and Work Hours in Paris
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Dreaming of strolling along the Seine, fresh pastry in hand, with a fulfilling internship experience as the cherry on top? Paris has long been a magnetic hub for students and young professionals seeking global exposure, cultural immersion, and adventure all rolled into one.
Known (and quite aptly so) as the City of Light, Paris is also a shining star for international interns who are looking to kickstart their careers in style.
But before you hop on a plane, there are some salient points you need to understand about landing and thriving in an internship here. Pay, visa requirements, and work hours can differ wildly from what you might expect back home.
In this guide, we’ll tackle all these questions and offer up some practical tips to help you make the most of your Parisian experience.
How Do You Find Internships in France?
We’ll admit it: starting your internship hunt might feel like scaling the Eiffel Tower on foot. But trust us, it’s doable (and rewarding). Paris offers ample opportunities if you know where to look.
Use the Right Resources
Job platforms like Indeed France and Welcome to the Jungle are packed with internship listings from startups to multinationals. Your university’s career center can also be a fantastic resource. Many schools have partnerships with companies in France or can help you polish your CV to French standards.
And don’t forget about Absolute Internship. We offer both remote and in-person internships in Paris for high schoolers and college students, as well as in countless destinations around the world.
No matter which platform you use to start your search, networking is your golden ticket. French hiring culture values connections, so attending industry events, alumni meetups, and even leveraging LinkedIn can open doors you didn’t know existed.
Tailor Your Application
French recruiters will notice (and appreciate) effort. Indeed, 93% of recruiters say tailored resumes stand out. To that end, make sure your cover letter is personalized for the role and demonstrates a genuine interest in the company. Bonus points if you add a little French flair to show cultural awareness.
If you don’t speak French yet, don’t fret entirely. While many roles require proficiency, especially client-facing jobs, some English-speaking internships are available in international companies. However, learning even just a few phrases can make a big difference.
Understanding Pay for Interns in Paris
One of the first questions you probably have is whether interns get paid in France. The short answer? Yes, but there’s a catch.
Legal Minimum Stipend
French labor laws mandate that internships lasting over two months must be paid. The minimum stipend is set at about 4.35 euros per hour as of recent regulations, translating to roughly 650 euros per month if you’re working full time.
Keep in mind, this is a stipend, not a salary, so don’t expect lavish payouts. If your internship is shorter than two months, companies aren’t legally required to compensate you, though some might still offer financial or in-kind perks.
But before you panic, it’s worth noting that even this stipend can help cover essentials like transport and groceries. For perspective, the cost of a monthly metro pass in Paris (Navigo) is around 75 euros.
Salary Benchmarks in Paris
For interns in specific industries like tech, finance, or luxury, companies may pay far above the minimum.
While entry-level salaries in Paris average around 2,500 euros per month, internships naturally fall below that (in line with the minimums as stated above). Keep in mind that experience, company size, and industry will significantly affect your pay. Doing your homework on what’s standard in your sector will save you any surprises.
And here’s a fun fact for you: simply living in Paris during your early career can fetch you long-term brownie points on your resume.
Visa Requirements for International Interns
Sorting out visas might sound like the dullest, most bureaucratic part of your adventure, but it’s essential. The good news? If you’re organized, the process is much smoother than it seems.
How Do You Get a Job in Paris as an International Student?
Networking is your secret weapon! Attend professional meetups and don’t shy away from reaching out to connections on LinkedIn. Many interns transition to full-time roles by fostering relationships with colleagues and showcasing their skills.
Picking the Right Visa
If you’re from the EU or EEA, you don’t need a visa to intern in France. But for non-EU citizens, an internship visa (VLS-TS) is commonly required. To qualify, you’ll need an internship agreement (convention de stage), signed by your employer, your educational institution, and you.
How to Apply for a France Internship Visa
Once you’ve scored your internship, collect the required documents and visit the nearest French consulate or embassy. You’ll likely need proof of accommodation, financial resources (roughly 615 euros per month minimum), and health insurance. The process takes a few weeks, so give yourself plenty of time.
One more pro tip? Be sure to triple-check everything with your employer before submission. No t’s uncrossed and no i’s undotted!
Work Hours and Intern Life in Paris
Life as an intern in Paris is a blend of professional rigor and quintessentially French joie de vivre. But first, you’ll want to know what work hours to expect.
Standard Work Hours
Internship hours in Paris typically follow the French workweek: 35 hours spread across your typical weekdays. That’s fewer hours than what you’ll be required to work in many other countries, giving you time to soak in Paris after work.
Lunch breaks often stretch to an hour or two, and it’s culturally acceptable to actually enjoy them (no sad desk salads here!). Weekends are usually yours for exploring.
Work-Life Balance
French workplaces are respected globally for honoring a balance between work and personal life. While you’re expected to show dedication, overworking isn’t glorified here. Use this manageable schedule to cultivate meaningful experiences, whether it’s savoring croissants in Montmartre or joining after-work activities with colleagues.
To make the most of your time, stay organized. Track your tasks, but don’t hyper-focus on work to the point that you miss out on everything Paris has to offer.
Do Jobs in Paris Pay Well?
It depends on the industry. Finance, tech, and luxury tend to offer higher salaries, while sectors like arts or media might pay less. Starting salaries often range between 2,000 and 3,500 euros monthly, but the unique experience Paris offers is priceless!
What is the Lowest Salary in Paris?
The French minimum wage, called SMIC (Salaire Minimum Interprofessionnel de Croissance), currently stands around 11.88 euros gross per hour for full-time employees. For interns, pay is lower but governed by specific laws ensuring fair compensation.
Embark On Your Next Experience With Confidence
Securing an internship in Paris is more than a career move. It’s a life move. From maneuvering around the legal requirements to understanding the nuances of pay and work culture, every challenge you tackle makes you more prepared for the global stage.
Ultimately, preparation is key. Whether it’s tailoring your applications, staying on top of visa paperwork, or managing your budget in a city that’s every bit as tempting as it looks, a successful internship here is all about doing your homework.
And when you’re ready to step into a new, exciting chapter, we at Absolute Internship are here to help you find the right opportunity in the City of Light.
What are you waiting for? Start browsing internships today. We’ll make sure you’re set up for a Parisian adventure that blends personal growth, professional development, and just the right splash of international magic.
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