Visas for France

To enter and stay in France, foreign nationals generally need to obtain a visa. This official document is issued by the French consular authorities and allows its holder to travel and reside in France for a specified period. There are different types of visas depending on the duration and purpose of the stay: long-stay visa, short-stay visa, visitor visa, and talent passport visa.

What is a Visa?

A visa is an entry and stay authorization issued by the French consular authorities to a foreign national. It appears as a sticker affixed to the applicant’s passport. The type of visa required depends on the length of stay and the purpose of the visit to France.

Long-Stay Visa

The long-stay visa is intended for foreigners who wish to stay in France for more than 90 days. This type of visa is required for studies, work, family reunification, or any other long-term reason. It also allows you to apply for a residence permit once in France.

Conditions for Long-Stay Visa

To obtain a long-stay visa, several conditions must be met:

• Purpose of stay: The applicant must justify a legitimate reason for an extended stay, such as work, studies, family reunification, etc.
• Proof of resources: The applicant must prove they have sufficient resources to support themselves during their stay in France.
• Health insurance: The applicant must have valid health insurance for the duration of their stay.
• Accommodation in France: The applicant must provide proof of accommodation in France (lease, accommodation certificate, etc.).

Long-Stay Visa Application Procedure

The procedure to obtain a long-stay visa includes several steps:

• Appointment at the consulate: The applicant must make an appointment at the French consulate or embassy in their country of residence.
• Submission of the file: The applicant must submit a complete file including the application form, passport, identity photos, and supporting documents.
• Consular interview: The applicant may be called for an interview to explain the reasons for their stay in France.
• Issuance of the visa: If the visa is granted, it is affixed to the passport and allows entry into France for more than 90 days.

Short-Stay Visa

The short-stay visa, also known as the Schengen visa, allows its holder to stay in France and the Schengen area for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period. This visa is generally used for tourist visits, business trips, or short family stays.

Conditions for Short-Stay Visa

The conditions for obtaining a short-stay visa are as follows:

• Purpose of stay: The applicant must justify the purpose of their stay in France (tourism, family visit, business, etc.).
• Proof of resources: The applicant must prove they have sufficient resources for the duration of their stay.
• Travel insurance: The applicant must take out travel insurance covering medical and repatriation expenses.
• Accommodation: The applicant must provide proof of accommodation for the duration of their stay (hotel reservation, accommodation certificate, etc.).

Short-Stay Visa Application Procedure

The procedure to obtain a short-stay visa is relatively simple:

• Submitting the application: The applicant must submit an application online or at the consulate, accompanied by the necessary documents.
• Visa fees: The applicant must pay the visa fees, which vary according to the type of visa and nationality.
• Processing time: The processing time varies but is generally 15 days. It is recommended to submit the application at least 3 weeks before departure.
• Issuance of the visa: If the visa is granted, it allows staying in France and the Schengen area for a maximum of 90 days.

Visitor Visa

The visitor visa is intended for foreigners who wish to stay in France for a long period without working. This visa is suitable for people who want to spend time in France for personal reasons, such as retirement, leisure, or extended family visits, while having sufficient resources to live without engaging in professional activities.

Conditions for Visitor Visa

To obtain a visitor visa, the applicant must meet certain conditions:

• No professional activity: The applicant must not work in France during their stay.
• Sufficient resources: The applicant must prove they have sufficient financial resources to support themselves in France without engaging in paid activities.
• Accommodation in France: The applicant must provide proof of accommodation for the duration of their stay (lease, accommodation certificate, etc.).

Visitor Visa Application Procedure

The application for a visitor visa involves several steps:

• Appointment: The applicant must make an appointment at the consulate or French embassy in their country of residence.
• Complete file: The applicant must submit a file with the application form, proof of resources, proof of accommodation, and health insurance.
• Consular interview: The applicant may be called for an interview to verify their motivations and conditions of stay in France.
• Issuance of the visa: If the visa is granted, it allows staying in France for a specified period, generally one year, renewable.

Talent Passport Visa

The talent passport visa is a scheme designed to attract foreign talent to France. It is aimed at highly qualified individuals, investors, researchers, artists, and other specific categories that contribute to France’s influence and economy. This visa is valid for a maximum of four years, renewable.

Categories of Talent Passport Visa

The talent passport visa has several categories, depending on the applicant’s profile:

• Skilled employee: For foreigners recruited for a highly qualified position in France.
• Investor: For entrepreneurs and investors who wish to develop a project in France.
• Researcher: For researchers engaged in a scientific or academic project in France.
• Artist or cultural talent: For artists, writers, or other recognized cultural talents.

Conditions and Benefits of the Talent Passport Visa

The conditions vary according to the category, but generally, the applicant must prove their high level of qualification or the interest of their project for France. The benefits of the talent passport visa include:

• Validity period: A residence permit valid for four years, renewable.
• Possibility to bring family: Family members of the holder can obtain a corresponding visa.
• Simplified access to the labor market: The holder can work without restrictions related to employment or employer.

Talent Passport Visa Application Procedure

The application for a talent passport visa follows a specific procedure:

• Complete file: The applicant must submit a file detailing their qualifications or project, along with the required supporting documents.
• Project validation: Some projects may require prior validation by a competent authority in France (e.g., the Ministry of the Interior).
• Consular interview: An interview may be required to assess the project’s impact or the applicant’s skills.
• Issuance of the visa: If the visa is granted, it allows staying in France to carry out the activity for which it was issued.