France visa requirements: Explained

The French visa application process can feel absolutely overwhelming if you’re applying for the first time. The good news is that the process becomes much easier to manage once you know what to expect.

Whether you’re planning a short trip, moving for work, studying, or joining family, the key is understanding which visa applies to your situation and what documents you’ll need.

The most important step is to prepare early.

Consulates often face backlogs, and collecting official paperwork can take longer than expected, so it’s always best to get started as soon as possible.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

• The different types of visas available for France, and which is right for you

• Exactly which documents you’ll need for your application

• How the application process works, including forms, fees, and biometrics

• And our best tips for avoiding common mistakes and strengthening your application

By the end you’ll have a clear checklist for your French visa application and be ready to apply with confidence.

Let’s get started!

French visa types

The first step is to determine if you require a visa.

If you’re a citizen of the EU, EEA, or Switzerland, you don’t need a visa or residence permit. You can live, work, or study in France for as long as you wish without one.

Most other citizens, on the other hand, do need a visa.

If you’re unsure which group you fall under, the French government offers an eligibility tool to help you work it out.

Once you’ve figured out whether you need a visa, the next step is finding out which visa type is right for you.

There are two types of visas in France:

• Short-stay Schengen visa: For up to 90 days within a 180-day period. These are common for tourism, short business trips, or visiting family.

• Long-stay national visa: For stays over 90 days. Typical reasons include work contracts, studying, family reunification, or retirement.

Ensure you select the visa type that best suits your plans, as this will determine the documents you’ll need to provide later on.

Application Forms

Now that you’ve figured out which visa type to apply for, you’ll need to download and complete the relevant visa application form.

You can find these forms on the France-Visas online portal.

Remember to download the form that corresponds to the visa you’re applying for.

You’ll be asked to provide your personal details, travel purpose, and accommodation details. Mistakes are common in the “intended length of stay” section, so always double-check your dates!

Once complete, you’ll need to print and sign the form, even if it was submitted digitally, since many consulates still require signatures to be handwritten.

Required documents

Applying for a French visa involves a significant amount of paperwork, and the process can seem daunting at first.

But there’s no need to worry. We’re here to walk you through each document and how to prepare them, one by one.

Here are the 6 key documents you’ll be asked to provide:

• A valid passport, issued within the last 10 years and valid at least 3 months beyond your return date. You’ll also need two blank pages for the visa to be placed in.
• Passport-style photos, 35x45mm in size, with a light, plain background and your face covering 70-80% of the frame. We recommend a professional passport photography service, if possible.
• Proof of accommodation in France, such as a hotel booking or rental agreement. If staying with a host, they must request an attestation d’accueil from their local town hall.
• Your travel itinerary: Most embassies accept flight reservations, so you won’t need to buy a ticket before approval. We recommend avoiding non-refundable bookings until your visa is granted.
• Proof of visa-compliant French health insurance, with €30,000 in coverage across all Schengen countries.
• Proof of financial means, such as bank statements or sponsorship letters. France requires proof of €65/day if you’re staying in hotels, or €32.50/day if staying with a private host.

Additionally, if you’re staying with a private host, ensure that the attestation d’accueil displays their full address, your relationship to them, and confirmation that they’ll accommodate you.

Additional documents

If you plan to stay in France longer than 90 days, you’ll likely need to provide some extra documents, depending on the purpose of your stay.

Some examples are:

• Employees: A signed work contract, recent payslips, and an employer letter confirming your role and salary. In short, consulates want proof that your income will cover your stay.
• Self-employed individuals: Business registration papers, recent tax returns, and bank statements. You may also need client contracts to show ongoing income.
• Students: Proof of enrollment (acceptance letter from a French institution), tuition payment receipts, and financial support letters if funded by family or a sponsor.
• Retirees: Pension statements, proof of regular income transfers, or savings accounts that cover long-term living costs.

For skilled professionals, such as researchers, entrepreneurs, artists, and other high-skill workers, the Talent Passport is a powerful option.

However, the application for talent passports is very competitive. You’ll need strong supporting documents such as diplomas, publications, business plans, or signed work agreements to prove your eligibility.

Visa requirements for minors

When applying for a child’s visa, French authorities can be very strict.

Parental authorization is mandatory, and it must be written, signed, and often notarized. Both parents typically need to consent, unless there is a legal custody arrangement in place.

For custody disputes or single-parent applications, you’ll need either a court order proving custody rights or the other parent’s notarized permission.

If that’s impossible, embassies often request a death certificate or legal waiver.

Child-related documents like birth certificates or custody papers often need to be legalized or apostilled to be valid in France. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs or local embassies can provide detailed guidance.

Preparing a minor’s visa file takes extra care. Authorities prioritize child protection, so make sure to have all the legal details in order to avoid painful delays.

Submitting your visa application

Submitting your visa application is the final stretch. It’s a mix of online prep and an in-person visit where you hand over documents and give biometrics.

Here’s what to expect.

Once you’ve completed your application form, you’ll be asked to schedule an appointment. Depending on your country, this may be at a French consulate or through an official partner like VFS Global.

At the appointment, staff will capture your biometric information (fingerprints and a photo). Children under 12 are exempt from fingerprints, but photos are still taken.

Before finishing your application, you’ll need to pay the visa fee. Prices depend on the type of visa you’re applying for:

• Schengen visas cost €80 for adults, €40 for children between 6-12, and are free for children under 6 years old.
• Long-stay visas are more expensive, and prices vary significantly depending on the purpose of your stay (work, study, joining family, etc.)

Payment methods vary by country and by consulate. Some only accept cash, whilst others may accept cards or bank transfers.

Importantly, visa fees are non-refundable, even if your application is denied, so ensure everything’s in order before submitting it.

Once you’ve submitted your application, and paid the fee, processing timelines vary:

• Short-stay visas are usually processed in 15 calendar days, but can take longer during busy periods

• Long-stay visas take roughly 6–8 weeks on average. Again, expect longer waits during peak travel seasons (June to September and December).

If necessary, you can track progress online via the consulate or VFS portal.

Frequently asked questions

Visa paperwork often brings up a lot of “what ifs.” Below are the most frequently asked questions people have when preparing their documents.

Can I submit scanned or digital documents?

You can upload scanned documents through the France-Visas portal to start your application, but these don’t replace originals.

At your appointment, the consulate typically requires both originals and copies. Some consulates are stricter and won’t accept scans unless they’re backed by notarized or certified copies.

Should documents be translated into French?

Most consulates accept documents in French or English, but rules vary. As a general rule, this is always good to check with your consulate beforehand.

If your documents are in a language other than French or English, you’ll likely need translations. This must be done by a certified translator (traducteur assermenté) registered in France.

This typically applies to official documents, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, or custody rulings.

Do documents need to be originals, or are copies accepted?

Certain documents must always be presented as originals, such as your passport, application form, and biometric photos. Other supporting materials can often be certified copies.

In many cases, the embassy will return originals after verifying them if you’ve also submitted copies.

Which documents require legalization or apostille?

Some foreign-issued documents aren’t valid in France until they’re officially recognized. This applies to civil records, such as birth certificates, marriage licenses, or custody rulings.

If your country is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, you’ll need an apostille stamp from the competent authority in that country.

If not, your documents usually require consular legalization through the French embassy or your home country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Because requirements vary widely, it’s best to check the Hague Apostille Convention database to see exactly what applies in your country.

What if my bank statements are insufficient?

If your bank records don’t show enough funds, you’re not out of options. Alternatives include:

• A notarized sponsorship letter from a family member or friend who commits to covering your stay.

• Evidence of a joint bank account, showing shared financial resources.

What if my passport expires soon?

France follows Schengen regulations, which state that your passport must remain valid for at least three months beyond your intended return date.

If your passport expires sooner, it’s important to renew it before submitting your application.

It’s faster to wait for a new passport than to risk rejection and start over!

What if I’m not staying in a hotel?

Not everyone books a hotel for their stay in France, and that’s fine. Consulates accept several alternatives as long as they’re official and verifiable:

• Airbnb or other short-term rental bookings with full payment receipts or confirmation emails.

• University housing contracts if you’re a student moving for studies.

• An attestation d’accueil from your host, issued by the town hall where they live. This is the only valid proof if you’re staying with friends or family.

How long before my trip should I apply?

Official rules allow you to apply up to 6 months before your trip, and no later than 15 calendar days before departure.

However, waiting until the last moment can be risky. A safe window is 4–8 weeks before travel. This gives you enough buffer for delays, missing documents, or extra requests from the consulate.

It’s always best to apply as early as possible, and you’ll save yourself unnecessary stress.

Conclusion

Applying for a French visa can feel daunting, and the amount of required documents sometimes seems like an insurmountable barrier

But if you know what to expect, and take the time to prepare early, you’ve got absolutely nothing to worry about.

Follow the steps we’ve outlined here, and remember that if you’re ever in doubt you can always check with your local embassy or consulate – they’re there to help!

Once everything’s done, and you’ve got your visa in hand, there’s nothing left to do but enjoy your stay!