Possible for an Australian to work in Paris?

by Penny
(Western Australia)

Is it possible to have a working holiday in Paris?

Hi there!

So - I'm trying to arrange a working holiday in Paris for 3 months - arriving April 2009.

I am planning on renting an apartment (and will have enough money to pay for the total amount prior to arriving), however I really want to work while I'm there to cover expenses such as food/transport/electricity/phone etc.

I don't know much french but will be doing lessons in the lead up to going so will have basis language skills.

The only problem is, I have looked on the French-Australian embassy page and it says that it's not allowed for Australians to work in France unless they have a signed letter/contract from a French employer to guarentee their job ... and only then can you apply for a working visa.

I'm not fussed about where I work, it's only for 3 months and I plan on continuing my university studies externally while there (through my uni in Western Australia). Do you know if there is any way to work without needing to get a visa, or if the fact that I will be there for less than 90 days will make it possible?

I am really determined to go and live there but there is no way I can afford to pay for all my expenses over there without working in the meantime.

Thanks :)

Response to: Possible for an Aussie to work in Paris?

Hi there Penny,

Being on holidays in a foreign country, and working in a foreign country are two different kettles of fish.

Yes, it IS extremely difficult to get a Work Visa for France, and the French strictly control this. As an Aussie, and if you're under 26 (I think that is still the age) you can work in countries where the Australian government has a reciprocal Working Visa agreement - like Canada and the U.K. Australia and France do not have this relationship.

You might be able to do better research by visiting ex-pat Forums online where other foreigners talk with those living in France, to find out how best to proceed. One forum I can recommend is :

http://paris.angloinfo.com/forum/topic.asp?topic_id=2555

If you have time, you might consider getting a certificate and becoming accredited as a TEFL (Teach English as a Foreign Language) or TESL (Teach English as a Second Language) teacher, so if you wanted to stay longer, read this forum post about getting short-term teaching positions:

http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic.php?p=3782

Please note that if you do work illegally, and you are caught, the consequences are dire - you will be deported and may not be allowed back for a long time. I don't mean to scare you, but it is tricky.

As you still have around 6 months before your trip, it might be worth considering getting an extra job before you leave so you won't have to depend on getting a job whilst you're in Paris.

Hope this helps!
Cheers
Teena