Visa types and application in france
Are you looking for a French visa? Discover here all French visa types, from short stays (tourism, business) to long stays (studies, work, family) for your visa application to France. Find information on the French visa application process, including requirements and where to start with services such as France-Visas and how organizations like Capago can help you with your French visa application. Whether you need a French tourist visa, a French work visa, or a French student visa, you will find the most important information here.
Do I need a French visa?
Determining whether you need a French visa depends on several key factors relating to your nationality, the purpose of your visit, and the length of your stay. French visa policy maintains distinct rules for different categories of travelers, with specific requirements that must be carefully considered before organizing your trip for your French visa.
Your nationality and its impact on French visa requirements
Your citizenship plays the most important role in establishing French visa requirements for your visit. The French immigration system categorizes travelers into three main groups based on nationality. UK passport holders still benefit from a special status even after Brexit, although additional restrictions now apply.
Citizens of European Union member states, as well as those from Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway (EEA countries), and Switzerland, enjoy free movement privileges, allowing them to enter and reside in France without visa constraints. For all other nationalities, commonly referred to as “non-EEA” citizens, obtaining an appropriate French visa before travel becomes mandatory for most purposes beyond short tourist visits.
Visa-free entry for EU/EEA/Swiss citizens and their family members regarding a French visa
Citizens of EU member states, as well as those from EEA countries (Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway) and Switzerland, benefit from unrestricted entry to France, meaning no French visa is required. They only need to present a valid passport or national identity card at border control, with no French visa required, whether they are visiting for tourism, employment, studies, or permanent relocation.
This French visa exemption extends beyond individual travelers to include immediate family members. Even if these relatives hold non-EEA passports, they can enter France without a French visa if they can prove their relationship with an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen. Eligible family members include spouses or registered partners, children under 21, and dependent parents or grandparents. In some cases, other financially dependent relatives may also qualify for this French visa exemption.
To successfully claim this family-based French visa exemption, travelers must present official documentation proving their family ties, such as marriage or birth certificates. Additionally, they must show that their EU/EEA/Swiss family member either already legally resides in France or will exercise their treaty rights during the visit. This ensures that France maintains appropriate immigration controls while honoring its commitments to family reunification and European principles of free movement, impacting who needs a French visa.
French visa exemptions for Schengen visa holders
France is part of the Schengen Area, a zone comprising 26 European countries that have officially abolished border controls between them. Third-country nationals holding a valid Schengen visa can travel freely within the Schengen Area, including France. If you already have a valid Schengen visa issued by another Schengen state, you can generally enter France without needing a separate French visa.
However, restrictions regarding the maximum length of stay still apply – generally 90 days within a 180-day period across the entire Schengen Area. It is important to note that the short-stay Schengen visa is linked to your passport, so if you renew your passport, you must also renew your visa.
UK visa limitations for a French visa
A frequent point of confusion among travelers concerns the misunderstanding of UK visa validity for travel to France. It is crucial to recognize that France, as a member of the Schengen Area, maintains an entirely separate visa system from the United Kingdom. A UK visa alone does not grant any automatic right of entry to France or the Schengen Area.
These distinctions for a French visa remain important considerations when planning trips that might involve multiple European destinations, as separate French visa applications may be necessary for different parts of an itinerary.
Immigration rules for non-EEA citizens seeking a French visa
For citizens from countries outside the European Economic Area and Switzerland, French visa requirements become more comprehensive. Most non-EEA nationals will need to obtain an appropriate French visa before traveling to France, with the specific French visa category depending on their purpose of visit – whether for tourism, business meetings, employment, studies, family reunification, or other activities.
The French visa application process typically requires submitting documents four to eight weeks before the planned travel date, and applicants should carefully note that overstaying a French visa or violating its conditions constitutes a criminal offense under French law, potentially resulting in deportation and future entry bans.
French visa requirements for children
France implements specific visa policies for travelers under eighteen years of age to ensure child protection and proper documentation of parental consent. All minors, regardless of age, must obtain their own individual French visa when required, and those traveling without both parents generally need to provide notarized consent forms from the non-accompanying parent(s).
Additional safeguards apply to unaccompanied minors, who must present detailed documentation proving legal guardianship arrangements and care provisions during their stay. Educational institutions organizing group trips for minors face particular documentation requirements for a French visa to verify proper supervision and itineraries for their students.
Special French visa rules for Ukrainian citizens
In response to ongoing geopolitical circumstances, France has established temporary protection measures for Ukrainian citizens. These provisions include simplified French visa procedures, automatic work authorization, prioritized family reunification processes, and reduced documentation requirements compared to standard French visa applications.
Ukrainian nationals seeking refuge in France should consult the most current guidance from France-Visas to understand all available options and necessary procedures under these special French visa arrangements.
New French visa rules (effective March 2025)
Significant updates to French visa policies will come into effect in March 2025, introducing several important changes for travelers. The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) will become mandatory for visa-exempt nationals, requiring online pre-travel registration; this is not a French visa but an authorization.
Enhanced biometric data collection will be implemented at border controls, with more rigorous document verification procedures. Additionally, financial requirements for French visa applicants will increase, with higher minimum funds thresholds established to demonstrate sufficient means of subsistence during stays in France.
Requirements for refugee travel documents and a French visa
Individuals traveling with refugee travel documents encounter different French visa requirements based on the issuing country of their document. Those holding travel documents from countries that are signatories to the 1951 Refugee Convention generally benefit from visa-free entry to France (no French visa needed), while holders of documents from non-signatory countries must obtain a French visa before travel. In all cases, travelers should be prepared to present valid confirmation of their refugee status documentation when requested by immigration authorities.
Long stays and prior authorization for a French visa
Certain situations require travelers to obtain prior approval from French immigration authorities before traveling, even when a standard French visa might not be mandatory. This requirement typically applies to individuals planning long-term stays exceeding ninety days, those seeking work authorization, students enrolling in academic programs, family members pursuing reunification with relatives in France, and certain business professionals engaging in specific activities.
The process for requesting prior authorization operates through the France-Visas online portal and often involves more extensive documentation than standard French visa applications, with processing times varying according to individual circumstances and current application volumes.
The Different Visa types in france
France offers a comprehensive visa system catering to different travel purposes and durations. The two main categories are short-stay visas (Type C) for visits up to 90 days and long-stay visas (Type D) for extended residence. Each type of French visa has specific requirements and conditions tailored to the applicant’s circumstances and purpose of visit.
French short-stay visas (Type C)
Short-stay visas cover temporary visits of less than 90 days for various purposes. The French tourist and visitor visa is the most common, requiring proof of accommodation and sufficient funds (approximately €100/day plus accommodation costs), while explicitly prohibiting employment. French business and conference visas require invitation letters from French hosts for professional activities, although they do not permit paid work in France.
For educational purposes, French short-term study visas accommodate language courses and vocational training less than three months, requiring acceptance from recognized institutions and proof of €700/month for living expenses. French medical visas facilitate specialized treatments with documentation from home country and French doctors, while performance visas serve artists and athletes participating in events with invitations from organizers.
The French short-term employment visa covers specific temporary work, requiring pre-approval and evidence that the position could not be filled locally. Each French visa category maintains strict conditions regarding permitted activities and durations.
Airport Transit Visa (Type A)
This special visa does not allow entry into the Schengen Area but only authorizes transit through the international zone of a French airport for a connection. Certain nationals are subject to this requirement depending on their nationality.
Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C)
Intended for stays of less than 3 months (precisely, maximum 90 days within a 180-day period), this visa allows free movement throughout all 26 Schengen Area states. It can be issued for:
- Tourism
- Family or private visits
- Business trips
- Medical treatment
- Participation in cultural or sporting events
The visa can be single-entry or multiple-entry (“circulation visa”). A progressive validity regime exists for applicants who have legally used their previous visas:
- 1-year validity after 3 visas in 2 years
- 2 years after a 1-year circulation visa
- 5 years after a 2-year circulation visa
Conditions for obtaining include:
- A valid passport
- Proof of travel purpose
- Sufficient means of subsistence
- Proof of accommodation
- Guarantee of repatriation
- Medical insurance (minimum €30,000)
For private or family visits, a certificate of accommodation signed by the host in France is generally required, associated with a €30 tax.
Limited Territorial Validity Visa (VTL)
Issued in special cases (humanitarian, international obligation, emergency), this visa is valid only in the issuing state or those specifically mentioned, and does not allow free movement throughout the Schengen Area.
French long-stay visas (Type D)
Long-stay visas allow residence beyond 90 days, often leading to residence permits. French work visas include the Talent Passport for highly qualified professions (minimum salary required) offering family reunification rights and a pathway to permanent residence. The General Work Permit, another type of French work visa, requires a labor market test proving no European candidate was available, with positions paying at least a minimum annual salary.
For education, French student visas require acceptance from accredited institutions and proof of €7,000 to €12,000 in annual funds, allowing limited part-time work. French family reunification visas require sponsors to demonstrate minimum income plus an additional amount per child, with spouse visas requiring extensive relationship proof and child visas requiring birth certificates and custody documents.
French investor visas start from substantial investment, while French retirement visas require minimum annual income. French volunteer visas need charity organization sponsorship, and religious visas require proof of ordination. French return visas help residents return after absences when their permission expired abroad, while transit visas facilitate short stopovers en route elsewhere with tickets for the next destination.
Temporary Long-Stay Visa
For a duration of 3 to 6 months, this visa is primarily intended for:
- Students in short training programs
- Interns
- Seconded executives
- Artists on tour
It may be accompanied by a provisional work authorization depending on the purpose of stay.
“Working Holiday” Visa
This special visa allows a one-year stay with work authorization for young people (18-30 or 35 years depending on the country) who are nationals of countries with bilateral agreements with France. Specific conditions apply:
- Age limit (generally 18-30 years)
- No accompanying children
- Sufficient resources
- Comprehensive insurance
Visa for Minor Student or Schooled Minor
Concerns foreign minors attending school in France whose parents reside abroad. Its validity is a maximum of 11 months and serves as a residence permit until the age of majority.
Short-Stay “Student-Competition” Visa
Allows coming to France to take an entrance examination for a higher education institution. In case of success, it allows applying for a student residence permit in France without returning to the country of origin for a long-stay visa.
Visa with the mention “Card to be requested within 2 months of arrival”
Installation visa allowing entry into France to apply for a residence permit at the prefecture within 2 months. It is issued particularly to:
- Beneficiaries of family reunification
- Spouses of French nationals (in certain cases)
- Specific professional categories
Long-Stay Visa Equivalent to Residence Permit (VLS-TS)
This visa allows entry and residence in France for a period of more than 3 months and up to 12 months without immediately requesting a residence permit. It must be validated online within 3 months of arrival in France, with payment of a residence tax.
The VLS-TS is available for several categories:
- Students
- Employees
- Spouses of French nationals
- Visitors (without professional activity)
- Entrepreneurs/Liberal professions
- Talent Passport (for highly qualified professionals)
If the stay needs to be extended beyond one year, a corresponding residence permit must be requested 2 months before the visa expires.
How to apply for a French visa
The French visa application process follows a standardized procedure designed to ensure that all necessary information is efficiently collected. French visa applicants must complete several key steps, from initial online registration to potential biometric data collection, with careful attention to documentation requirements at each stage. Understanding this French visa process thoroughly will help avoid delays or rejections.
Online application process for a French visa
All French visa applications for France must begin with the France-Visas online portal. This digital system guides applicants through each required section, ensuring that all information critical to their French visa is captured before submission. You will need to create a personal account, accurately complete the application form corresponding to your French visa type, and upload digital copies of supporting documents where possible.
Once completed, the system generates an application summary sheet that must be printed, signed, and included with your physical documents. It is crucial to verify all entered information before final submission, as errors can lead to processing delays or denial of your French visa.
The online system also manages payment of non-refundable French visa application fees, which vary according to your French visa category. After submission, you will receive an application reference number that should be used in all future communications with French immigration authorities regarding your French visa. This reference number also allows you to track the status of your French visa application throughout the processing period.
Required document list for a French visa
A complete French visa application requires several essential documents that verify your identity, travel purpose, and financial capacity. Your valid passport must have at least six months remaining and two blank pages, accompanied by two recent passport-format photographs that meet French specifications (35mm x 45mm, light background). These form the foundation of your French visa application.
Proof of travel purpose varies significantly by French visa type – tourists need detailed itineraries, business travelers require invitation letters from French companies, students must provide acceptance letters from recognized institutions, and workers need work permit approvals.
Equally important is demonstrating sufficient financial means, typically through bank statements showing adequate funds (approximately €100 per day of stay) and either proof of prepaid accommodation or a formal invitation from your host in France. Additional supporting documents for your French visa might include travel insurance, criminal record certificates, or previous French visa refusal letters, depending on your circumstances.
Biometric data submission for a French visa
Most French visa applicants aged six years and older must provide biometric information as part of the French visa process. This involves visiting an authorized Visa Application Center to have your digital fingerprints (all ten fingers) and facial photographs captured. Biometric data collection typically takes about 15 minutes and is mandatory for first-time French visa applicants to France. Some centers offer premium services for faster processing at an additional cost.
Applicants should schedule their biometric appointment promptly after completing the online French visa application, as processing cannot begin until this step is completed. Biometric data remains valid for five years, meaning subsequent French visa applications within this period might not require new biometric submission. Special arrangements can sometimes be made for applicants who cannot visit a center due to health or mobility issues.
French visa fees and payment
French visa fees vary according to the type and duration of the French visa sought. Standard fees include €80 for single-entry short-stay visas, €120 for multiple-entry short-stay visas, and €99 for long-stay visas. Transit visas carry a reduced fee of €60. These French visa fees are non-refundable, even if the application is unsuccessful.
Payment is typically made online during the French visa application process via credit or debit card. Some locations may accept bank drafts for paper applications. Certain categories of French visa applicants may qualify for reduced fees or exemptions, such as those applying under family reunification provisions or during special humanitarian programs. Always check the current French visa fee structure on the official French immigration website before applying, as fees are subject to periodic adjustments.
Processing times and tracking for a French visa
Standard processing times for French visas range from 2 to 5 working days for short-stay applications to 2 to 4 weeks for long-stay visas. During peak travel seasons (summer months, holiday periods), French visa applicants should anticipate an additional processing time of 1 to 2 weeks. Urgent processing may be available for additional fees, potentially reducing waiting times to 3 to 5 working days for eligible French visa cases.
Applicants can track the status of their French visa application online using the reference number provided during submission. The tracking system will indicate when the application has been received, when a decision has been made, and when documents are ready for collection or have been dispatched. While French visa processing times are estimates rather than guarantees, abnormally prolonged processing may warrant inquiry through official channels.
Visa refusal and appeals
If your French visa application is refused, you will receive a formal letter detailing the specific reasons for the refusal. Common grounds for French visa refusal include insufficient financial proof, doubts about your intention to leave France after your visit, or incomplete documentation. The refusal letter will also explain your appeal or reapplication options for a French visa.
You have two main options for recourse following a French visa refusal. You can submit a new French visa application with additional supporting documents addressing the reasons for refusal (note that new application fees apply). Alternatively, you can appeal the decision within two months of the refusal by submitting either a gracious appeal request to the consular authority that made the decision or a hierarchical appeal request to the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs. Appeals are reviewed by a different immigration officer, but success typically requires either demonstrating a procedural error in the original French visa decision or presenting significant new evidence not previously available.