Can I work in France while studying French?
Yes, it is possible to work in France while studying the French language, but it depends on the duration and type of visa you have.
For European Union students: If you are a citizen of a European Union (EU) country, you have the right to work in France during your studies, provided that you do not exceed 964 hours per year (i.e. 60% of the maximum working time in France). Beyond this threshold, you will no longer be considered a student, and you will need to apply for a residence permit as an EU/EEA worker.
For non-European students: If you are a non-European student, a visa is required to study and work in France (see the “Formalities” section for more details). The long-stay visa (VLS-TS) allows you to work up to 964 hours per year. For a stay of less than one year, the authorized working time is proportional to the length of your stay (for example, 482 hours for a stay of 6 months). Please note, exceeding this limit may compromise the renewal of your residence permit. Note that you cannot work as a self-employed person with this visa.
Please note: Undeclared work is strictly prohibited in France, even for a single hour. Be vigilant against offers of undeclared “odd jobs”, which can cause you serious problems.
