France Visa Types, Requirements, and Application
Many people from other countries choose to come to France not just for a visit but also for purposes such as studying, working, or settling down. However, the type of visa needed depends on their nationality and the reason for their visit. It’s essential for many travelers to apply for a France visa before making their plans a reality. Now, let’s check this article now for more details!
Who needs a visa to enter France?
France short-stay visa
- France Schengen visa let you enter France or any other Schengen country and stay for up to 90 days (unless you have a Limited Territorial Validity visa). Schengen member states allow visa-free travel among them, include:
- There are also Schengen visa-exempt countries, including:
France long-stay visa
Long-stay visa for France permit individuals to enter and stay in the country for a duration exceeding three months but less than a year.
The only individuals exempt from obtaining a visa for a stay of up to one year are as follows:
- Nationals from EEA countries:
- Residents of the principalities of 🇲🇨 Monaco and 🇦🇩 Andorra.
- Citizens of 🇸🇲 San Marino and 🇻🇦 Vatican City.
- Non-citizens and their families who have achieved long-term resident status in another 🇪🇺 Europe Union nation.
- Students who have consistently attended school in 🇫🇷 France since the age of 16 and are pursuing further studies in the country.
France visa types
France short-stay visa
- Uniform Schengen short-stay visa: The Uniform Schengen short-stay visa is your key to exploring the diverse wonders of the Schengen Area, which includes France. This visa allows you to stay in the Schengen Zone for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
- Short-stay visa for French Overseas Territories: For those seeking a unique adventure, the short-stay visa for French Overseas Territories opens the door to captivating destinations like Martinique, Guadeloupe, and Reunion.
France long-stay visa
- Work visa: For those aspiring to work in France, securing a work visa is paramount. These visas are designed to facilitate employment opportunities for foreign nationals. Work visas typically come with specific conditions and durations, allowing individuals to contribute their skills to the French workforce.
- Passport talent visa: The passport talent Visa is a distinctive category aimed at attracting individuals with exceptional talents. Whether in the fields of science, arts, culture, or business, this visa provides a streamlined pathway for talented individuals to contribute to the vibrant French landscape.
- Family visa: For those seeking to reunite with family members in France, the family visa is the key. This visa category is designed to bring families together, allowing for a fulfilling life in France. Navigating the application process ensures that families can enjoy precious moments together in this culturally rich and diverse country.
- France student visa: France, with its world-renowned educational institutions, attracts students globally. The student Visa is the gateway for international students to pursue their academic aspirations in this intellectually stimulating environment. From language courses to prestigious universities, France welcomes students with open arms.
- France jobseeker/new business creator visa: Embarking on a journey to explore job opportunities or create a new business venture in France? Jobseeker/new business creator visa is tailored for those with entrepreneurial spirits or those actively seeking employment. It’s a pathway to explore and contribute to the French business landscape.
France visa requirements
Here’s a clearer breakdown of the documents required when applying for France visa:
- Application form: Use the correct form, as there are two types for short and long stays.
- Two recent passport-style photos: Provide two photos meeting France’s specifications, taken within the last three months.
- Valid passport: Ensure your passport is valid for at least three months beyond your planned stay. It should have been issued within the last 10 years and contain at least two blank pages for the visa sticker.
- Copies of previous visas: Submit copies of any visas you’ve held for other countries.
- Travel medical insurance: Show proof of medical insurance covering health issues during your time in France and the entire Schengen area. The coverage should be a minimum of €30,000.
- Complete itinerary: List your planned activities in France, including details on how you’ll get there. Attach supporting documents like round-trip flight details, railroad bookings, or proof of a booked organized tour with transportation included.
How to apply for France visa?
Planning a visit to the enchanting land of baguettes, art, and romance? Here’s a straightforward guide on how to apply for France visa.
Step#1. Choose the appropriate embassy
When applying for a visa to France, it’s crucial to submit your application to the France embassy in your home country. However, if your travel plans include other European countries besides France, apply for a visa at the embassy of the country where you’ll spend the majority of your time.
For example, if you’ll be in Germany for three days, Switzerland for two days, and residing in France, apply to the France embassy. Conversely, if your stay is evenly distributed among the countries you intend to visit, submit your application to the embassy of the country where you’ll arrive first.
Step#2. Complete the France Schengen visa application form
Provide accurate and truthful information when filling out the form. Ensure consistency with the information in other documents, as any discrepancies may lead to the rejection of your application. Remember to print the form twice and sign both copies at the end.
Step#3. Organize your document file
The necessary documents vary based on the France visa types and the purpose of your visit. Once you determine the type of France visa you need, the next step is to gather the required documents for your visa application.
Step#4. Booking the appointment
To ensure a smooth visa application process, the first step is to schedule an appointment for your France visa. In many cases, this can be done conveniently online at most France embassies. However, in some countries, online scheduling may not be an option, requiring you to visit the embassy in person to secure your appointment.
Once you’ve decided on the application location, book your France visa appointment promptly. Note that failure to secure this appointment means you won’t be considered for the interview.
Step#5. Attending the interview
On the day of your scheduled interview, make it a point to arrive at the appointment center on time, whether it’s the embassy or consulate. Keep in mind that even a slight delay may lead to the cancellation of your appointment. Opt for attire that strikes a balance between formality and comfort.
After the interview, your application details will be entered into the embassy or consulate’s online system. You’ll receive a printed copy of your application, a process taking approximately 10 to 15 minutes. Take a moment to verify the accuracy of the details on the form, then sign it.
France visa fees
France visa fees will involve considering the type and purpose of the visa. Accordingly, rates vary for Schengen, short-stay in specific regions, long-stay, and adopted children.
Schengen and airport transit visa
- Full rate: 80 euros
- Reduced rate: 40 euros
- Eligible for fee waiver: Children under 6, foreign spouse of a France national, foreign family members of EU/EEA and Swiss nationals.
Short-stay visa for specific regions
- Guadeloupe, French Guiana, Martinique, Réunion, Saint Martin, Saint Barthélemy
- Full rate: 60 euros
- Reduced rate: 35 euros (specific cases, including children between 6 and 12)
Long-stay visa
- Full rate: 99 euros
- Reduced rate: 50 euros (applicable to the foreign spouse of a France national)
- Additional details on country-specific pages.
Adopted children
- Fee: 15 euros
Short-stay visa to specific territories
- New Caledonia, French Polynesia, Wallis and Futuna, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Mayotte, French Southern and Antarctic Lands
- Full rate: 9 euros
- Reduced rate: Applies to children between 6 and 12
- Fee exemptions detailed in respective country-specific pages.