Visa & Administration
Everything you need to know about getting your Chinese visa, including official documents, essential links, and step-by-step guides.
What is the 1000 Stagiaires Program?
The "1000 Stagiaires" program is a bilateral agreement between France and China (since 2015) that facilitates long-term internship visas for students and recent graduates. It allows 1,000 French nationals to intern in China (3-6 months) — and vice versa — through simplified administrative procedures.
China remains one of the most attractive destinations for international students seeking professional experience. An internship in China is extremely valued on a CV. However, since the 2013 removal of the dedicated internship visa (Visa F), administrative requirements have become more demanding — making the 1000 Stagiaires program the primary pathway for French students.
Which Visa Do You Need?
1000 Stagiaires (Z Visa)
RecommendedSince 2016, this is the main path for French nationals to obtain an internship visa for China. The program is limited to 1,000 students per year. Administrative procedures take approximately 2 months — plan ahead.
X1 Visa (Studies > 6 months)
AlternativeIf you are enrolled in a Chinese university on an academic exchange (X1 visa, >6 months), you may be authorized to do a paid internship. Requirements: university approval + PSB registration. Only available in Shanghai, Beijing, and Dalian.
M Visa (Business)
Specific casesFor internships at foreign (non-Chinese) companies that pay you, you may apply for this business visa for stays under 6 months.
F Visa (Non-commercial exchange)
Specific casesThis visa may work for unpaid volunteer positions or community service programs that are non-commercial in nature.
Official Documents
Download the complete guides to prepare your visa application.
AFEC Visa Guide
1000 Stagiaires + Visa X1
Complete AFEC guide covering the 1000 Stagiaires program and X1 visa recruitment process for interns.
1000 Stagiaires — Talents
FROfficial document from the French Embassy in China — guidelines & procedures for students.
1000 Stagiaires — Pro
FROfficial document from the French Embassy in China — guidelines & procedures for host companies.
Essential Links
Quick access to all the official platforms and resources you'll need.
Work Authorization Platform (SAFEA)
Official platform for foreign work authorization.
Chinese Visa Application
Apply for your Z Visa online.
Criminal Record (France)
Request your criminal background check (Bulletin n°3).
Apostille Service
Authenticate documents for international use.
Sworn Translators (France)
Find a court-approved sworn translator.
French Consulates Abroad
Locate the nearest French consulate.
International Insurance (APRIL)
Recommended health & liability insurance.
1000 Stagiaires Contact
Contact the French Embassy cultural service.
1000 Stagiaires/Step-by-Step Roadmap
The complete process takes approximately 2 months. Click each step to see the details.
Prerequisites
Apply from France & be enrolled in a school recognized by the Chinese government (yxcx.cscse.edu.cn)
Minimum allowance: 20 RMB/hour for this program (above 5000 RMB/month, a tax applies)
Internship duration: 3 to 6 months. Can be used multiple times, accessible up to 1 year after graduation
Student must be insured (insurance costs are covered by the host company)
Contacts
Working on the 1000 Stagiaires process? Feel free to contact these students who have successfully completed the program.
Before Arriving in China
Build Your Application
Send the following documents to the French Embassy via email to start the process.
Include company address in Chinese and your supervisor's phone/email to save time.
Eligibility Certificate
The French Embassy's Cultural Cooperation Service issues your eligibility attestation.
Gather & Translate Documents
Collect all required documents and get them translated into Chinese by a sworn translator.
Get all documents translated by a sworn translator (the eligibility certificate doesn't need translation). If you're abroad, find your nearest French consulate.
Start your criminal record request ASAP — the apostille alone takes ~3 weeks. Use a Chinese translator (10-15€/page vs 40-60€ in France).
Work Authorization
Your host company submits the work authorization request online on the SAFEA platform.
This step is handled by your company. They will need your translated documents.
Z Visa Application
Once work authorization is granted, apply for your Z Visa at the Chinese Visa Application Center.
You CANNOT enter China for work on a tourist visa exemption. Wait for your Z Visa before traveling.
Work Permit Application
Your company applies for the official Work Permit on the SAFEA platform (same as step 4).
Residence Permit
Register your residence and obtain your Residence Permit (居留许可证) to legally live and work in China.
🎉 This is the final step. Once done, you're fully legal to live and work in China. Congratulations!
Important Warnings
You CANNOT enter China to work using the visa-free transit/tourist exemption. You must have your Z Visa before traveling.
Your visa validity matches your internship dates. You must leave China by the visa's expiration date.
There is no expedited processing. Plan ahead with your company to set realistic internship start dates (allow ~2 months).