Navigating Internship Opportunities: Indian Student with a French Permit Seeking Work in Spain

23/07/2024

CLICK ME TO JOIN OUR DISCORD COMMUNITY

Question that inspired this post:

I am an Indian Student with a French visa that expires in September 2024. I got an internship offer in Spain (a 5-month internship from Aug-Jan) but I am confused if I can work in Spain with my visa or if I have to apply for another visa. I’d greatly appreciate it if you have any insight on this.

Top Answers

"You need a Spanish work permit. For any qualified job outside of France, your French student visa isn't valid."

"Internship usually falls under the Training area, precisely in the OJT(Job training). This isn't a work permit. Call the Spanish embassy in Paris and they will help you. On the IVR, choose English as the language, the queue would be less too."

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

As an Indian student with a French student residence permit, you cannot work in Spain for a 5-month internship without obtaining the appropriate Spanish work visa.

Here's why:

1. Your French student residence permit is valid only for France and does not grant you the right to work in other Schengen countries, including Spain.

2. While your French permit allows you to travel within the Schengen area for short visits, it does not permit you to reside or work in other Schengen countries for extended periods.

3. For a 5-month internship in Spain, you would likely need to apply for a Spain Work Visa, specifically a Seasonal Work Visa or possibly a Long-Term Work Visa, depending on the nature of your internship.

To proceed with your internship in Spain, you should take the following steps:

1. Contact the Spanish consulate in France to inquire about the specific visa requirements for your situation.

2. Prepare the necessary documents for a Spain Work Visa application, which typically include:

   1. Valid passport with at least six months of validity

   2. Work permit/training permit from your Spanish employer

   3. Recent passport-sized photographs

   4. Proof of financial means (bank statements, pay slips)

   5. Police Clearance Certificate

   6. Travel Insurance

3. Your Spanish employer will also need to provide certain documents, including the contract and labour market testing results if applicable.

4. Apply for the appropriate Spanish work visa well in advance of your internship start date, as processing times can vary.

It's important to note that your French student residence permit expiring in September 2024 may complicate matters, as you'll need to ensure you have the right to re-enter France after your internship in Spain.

You may need to address this with both French and Spanish authorities. Given the complexity of your situation, it's highly recommended to consult directly with the Spanish consulate and potentially seek advice from an immigration lawyer specializing in EU visa matters.

This will ensure you comply with all necessary regulations and avoid any legal issues during your internship.

Reach out to us through Discord, we are very active. Please pass by 💙.