Trainees, Volunteers and School Pupils

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Trainees, Volunteers and School Pupils

Trainees

What conditions must I fulfil to be admitted to an EU country as a trainee?

You must show that:

  • you have signed a training agreement with an enterprise or a training centre in an EU country,
  • you have obtained a degree of higher education in the past two years or you are currently studying in a third country to get one.

Depending on the rules in the EU country you wish to go to, you may need to undertake training to ensure you have the language skills needed.

School Pupils

What conditions must I fulfil to be admitted to an EU country as a school pupil?

You must show that:

  • you have been accepted by a secondary education centre (i.e. between primary education and tertiary education, typically between 12 and 18 years),
  • you are taking part in a pupil exchange programme or an educational project agreed by the EU country,
  • the pupil exchange organisation accepts responsibility for all your costs (living, study, return travel, health insurance),
  • you will have accommodation in the EU country,
  • you are within the age limits set by the host country.

Volunteers

What conditions must I fulfil to do voluntary work in an EU country?

You will have to meet the following conditions:

  • be within the age limits set by the host country,
  • show that you have an agreement with the host organisation responsible for the voluntary service programme. This agreement would set out your tasks and volunteering hours and any training you may receive, explain how you would be supervised, and describe the funds available to cover the costs of your stay (travel, living, accommodation),
  • provide evidence that the voluntary service organisation has subscribed to a third-party insurance policy.

Depending on the rules in the EU country you wish to visit, you may also be required to take part in an introduction to the country’s language, history and political and social structures and/or be required to prove that you will have accommodation during your stay.

Trainees, School Pupils and Volunteers

I meet the necessary conditions for one of these three categories.

What additional documents must I present when applying for a residence permit/long-stay visa?

You will have to present the following documents:

  • a valid travel document,
  • parental authorisation, if you are not considered an adult under the national legislation of the host country,
  • health insurance,
  • proof that you will have sufficient financial resources to cover your everyday living costs and return travel costs,
  • depending on the country, proof that you have paid the fee for a residence permit/long-stay visa.

I meet these conditions and have the necessary documents. What happens next?

You need to apply for a residence permit or a long-stay visa to the competent national authorities. The immigration services of the host EU country will decide on your application as soon as possible, and within a maximum of 90 day

In what circumstances could my application be refused or my residence permit/visa withdrawn or not renewed?

Your application for a permit/visa can be refused or your permit/visa withdrawn under certain circumstances, for example if:

  • you do not or no longer meet the conditions outlined above,
  • your application was based on falsified documents,
  • you represent a threat to public policy, public security or public health,
  • the organisation hosting you does not respect the relevant legislation of the EU country.

Each EU country may apply different grounds to reject your application or withdraw or not renew your permit/visa. Please check the page related to the relevant category of the Member State concerned.

Can I argue against a decision to refuse my application?

Yes, you have the right to challenge a decision to reject your application.

What happens if I stay longer than allowed by my residence permit/visa?

If you stay for a period beyond the validity of your residence permit/visa, you will be in an irregular situation and may be required to leave the country.

Trainees and Volunteers

Will I get similar treatment as citizens of the host EU country?

You will benefit from similar treatment with citizens of the host EU country at least as regards:

  • recognition of diplomas and qualifications,
  • access to and supply of public goods and services (e.g. transport, museums, etc.).

If you are in an employment relationship in the EU Member State concerned, you will in addition benefit from equal treatment regarding:

  • working conditions,
  • freedom of association,
  • education and vocational training,
  • tax benefits,
  • advice services provided by employment services, and
  • certain branches of social security.

Depending on the EU country you reside in, there may be some restrictions.



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