France Visas

Written by Luis Minvielle Moderated by Oleksandra Dosii

Luis Minvielle

Luis is a writer with over 5 years of experience in B2B software. Even though he has always worked in tech, a sector he regularly publishes about, his initial incursions into writing were, curiously enough, music essays discussing scenes from different parts of the world—most likely to deal with his unfulfilled ambition of becoming a neo-soul crooner.

Oleksandra Dosii

Oleksandra is a dedicated marketer with a passion for growing HR-tech products. She believes content marketing is about delivering high-quality content that provides value—not just generating leads. Since 2016, Oleksandra has been involved in tech talent relocation.

Last update: July 2, 2025

Next update: Scheduled for February 2, 2026

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If you're planning to relocate to France, one of the first things to sort out is your visa situation. France is part of the Schengen area, which means that short-stay visas issued by France also allow travel to other Schengen countries. The rules vary depending on your country of origin, the length of your stay, and your reason for entering. If you’re from outside the EU, you’ll most likely need to apply for a visa before you can move.

This article mentions the main visa types available in France, how they work, and the steps involved in every application process.

When do you need a visa for France?

If you're from the EU, the EEA, or Switzerland, you can live and work in France without a visa. But if you're from outside this group, you will generally need a visa to enter France, even for short visits.

For stays up to 90 days, you’ll have to apply for a short-stay visa unless your country has a visa-free agreement with France. For example, citizens from the US, Canada, and Australia can enter France without a visa for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

For stays longer than 90 days, or if you want to work or study in France, you must apply for a long-stay visa that fits your plans before arriving.

France visa requirements

The documents you need depend on the visa you apply for, but most applicants will need to submit the following:

• A valid passport (issued within the last 10 years and valid at least 3 months beyond your planned departure)
• A completed and signed visa application form
• Recent passport-sized photos or an official e-photo code
• Proof of accommodation in France (such as a rental agreement, hotel reservation, or host certificate)
• Travel medical insurance covering your entire stay in France
• Documents that support the reason for your stay (e.g. job contract, enrolment certificate, proof of income)

For short-stay Schengen visas (under 90 days), the French authorities typically require:

• Proof of your itinerary (e.g. plane tickets)
• Proof of sufficient financial means (currently set at €65 per day, or €32.50 if accommodation is prepaid)
• Travel insurance with coverage of at least €30,000 for medical and emergency expenses

For long-stay visas, the additional documents vary depending on the visa category:

• Work-related visas (e.g. EU Blue Card, Talent Passport): proof of professional qualifications (such as a diploma or CV), a signed work contract, and evidence that your salary meets the required threshold.
• Visitor visas: proof of financial means, private health insurance, and a signed letter confirming you will not take up employment in France.
• Family-related visas: documents that prove your relationship to the person in France (e.g. marriage certificate, birth certificate), and sometimes proof of the family member’s legal status in France.

In all cases, foreign-language documents may need to be translated into French by a sworn translator.

Some consulates or prefectures may request additional documents depending on your situation, so it’s always best to check with the authority handling your application.

France visa application process

The steps below describe how French visa applications usually work if you're applying from abroad. The process can vary slightly if you’re already in France and changing your residence status, but this is how it typically works for most applicants:

Step 1: Identify the visa you need

Use the visa wizard to check which visa applies to your situation. You’ll get a basic overview of the requirements, fees, and documents you’ll need based on your nationality and reason for stay.

Step 2: Complete the online form

Fill out the France-Visas application form online. You’ll need to create an account to access your document checklist, print the final form, and get instructions for the next steps. Most applicants are asked to print and sign the form before their appointment.

Step 3: Schedule an appointment

Once your form is completed, you’ll be asked to book an appointment at the nearest French consulate or visa application centre. Some countries work with private service providers for this step. Availability can vary, so plan ahead—especially if you’re applying during a busy travel period.

Step 4: Attend your visa appointment

Bring your printed application form, passport, required documents, and payment. At the appointment, you’ll submit your documents, provide biometrics (photo and fingerprints), and pay the visa fee. Your passport and paperwork will be kept for processing.

Step 5: Wait for a decision and collect your passport

Once your application is submitted, it will be reviewed by the relevant French authorities. Most short-stay and long-stay visas take about 15 days to process, though it may take longer depending on your nationality, the time of year, or the type of visa. If your visa is approved, you’ll be contacted once your passport is ready to pick up at the consulate or visa application centre (or, in some cases, it may be delivered back to you).

Step 6: Validate your visa once in France (for long-stay visas)

If you receive a long-stay visa that acts as a residence permit (VLS-TS), you must validate it online within three months of arriving in France. This is done online via the dedicated ANEF platform. You’ll be asked to pay a tax stamp and enter your visa and contact details.

France visa fees

Short-stay Schengen visas cost €90 for most adults. The fee is reduced to €45 for children aged 6 to 12. Some nationalities benefit from lower fees or exemptions based on bilateral agreements with France.

Long-stay visas generally cost €99. This fee is paid during your appointment at the consulate or visa application centre. Once you arrive in France, you may also need to pay an additional €225 when you validate your visa (VLS-TS) or collect your residence permit. This amount includes a €200 residence tax and a €25 stamp duty, both paid using tax stamps (timbres fiscaux).

Fees can change from year to year, so it’s a good idea to check France-Visas website for the latest updates before you apply.

Where is the application process made?

Most of the process begins online at the France-Visas portal. This portal helps you check which visa applies to you, fill out the application form, and book an appointment at your local visa centre or consulate.

If you're applying for a long-stay visa that requires validation (like the VLS-TS), you’ll need to complete that step through the official ANEF website after arriving in France.

In other cases—such as Talent Passport or family reunion visas—you may need to attend an appointment at the local immigration office (prefecture) to collect or renew your residence permit. The prefecture takes care of most in-country residence procedures.

How to get a permanent residence permit in France?

You can apply for permanent residence in France if you’ve lived there legally for five consecutive years or held two long-term residence cards. This 10-year permit allows you to live and work in France without the need to prove income, housing, or language skills at each renewal.

Learn More

How to get French citizenship?

You can apply for French citizenship after five years of continuous legal residence in France. You don’t need to hold a permanent resident card before applying. Citizenship gives you full civic rights, access to an EU passport, and more flexibility than long-term residency.

Learn More