EuropeSelect the passports you hold to see short-stay access and per-route eligibility for France.
Short stays: tourism, transit, business trips, medical, pilgrimage.
Tourist Visa
Electronic travel authorisation for visa-exempt nationals (e.g. US, UK, Canada, Japan). Valid 3 years for short stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. We apply on your behalf end-to-end. Fees illustrative.
Tourist Visa
Short-stay visa for tourism: up to 90 days within any 180-day period. We prepare your forms and documents; you attend the consulate/VFS appointment to submit biometrics. Government fee EUR 90 (illustrative).
Transit Visa
Required by some nationalities to pass through the international transit area of a Schengen airport without entering. Whether you need one depends on your nationality. Government fee EUR 90 (illustrative).
Business Visitor Visa
Short-stay visa for business trips (meetings, conferences, negotiations): up to 90 days within any 180-day period. We prepare forms and documents; you submit at the consulate/VFS. Government fee EUR 90 (illustrative).
Not yet researched
Universities, language courses, internships and exchanges.
Student Visa
For stays over 90 days to study. Issued under national rules -- apply at the consulate of your destination country. We guide you; submission is in person. Fees and processing times vary by country.
Student Visa
For non-EU students enrolled in French higher education, generally applying through the Campus France 'Etudes en France' procedure (reduced EUR 50 visa fee for EEF-procedure countries, EUR 99 otherwise). Requires proof of resources of at least EUR 615 per month; the VLS-TS is valid up to 1 year, must be validated online within 3 months of arrival, and is renewable as a student residence card. Holders may work up to 964 hours per year (about 60% of full time).
Internship / Trainee Visa
For foreigners coming for more than 3 months to follow vocational training or do an internship in a French company or hospital under a tripartite internship agreement (convention de stage) between the intern, the foreign training institution and the French host. The internship may not exceed 6 months and the agreement must be validated by the administration about 2 months before it starts; resources of at least EUR 615/month are required. Refusal is implicit if the administration does not validate the agreement within 30 days.
Exchange Program Visa
For young people aged 18-30 hosted by a French family of different nationality (and not related) to improve their French, under a signed au pair placement agreement (CERFA 15973) fixing pocket money of at least EUR 320/month, maximum 25 hours of childcare/light housework per week, and a private room of 9m2+. Initial visa/permit of 1 year, extendable to a maximum total of 2 years; the visa must be validated online within 3 months of arrival.
Not yet researched
Digital nomad, freelance, skilled employment and company transfers.
Digital Nomad Visa
France has never had a digital nomad or golden visa. The informal tolerance of remote work for foreign employers on the long-stay visitor visa was ended/clarified as not permitted in 2025; remote workers must use the entrepreneur/profession liberale or talent routes.
Self-Employment Visa
For self-employed people and freelancers carrying out a commercial, craft, industrial or liberal (professional) activity in France as their main occupation; the activity must be economically viable, match the applicant's qualifications, and generate at least EUR 1,867 gross per month (SMIC). First card valid 1 year (EUR 350 issuance tax, EUR 250 renewal), then a 4-year multi-year card is possible; renewal now requires A2 French and the civic exam (unless over 65). This is the main legal route for freelancers, as France has no digital nomad visa.
Startup / Entrepreneur Visa
For entrepreneurs with a Master's-level degree or 5 years' professional experience creating or taking over a business in France with an investment of at least EUR 30,000 and annual resources of at least EUR 22,404 (SMIC level); the business plan needs a favourable ministry opinion. The innovative-project variant (French Tech Visa) requires recognition of the project by a public body or certified incubator instead of the EUR 30,000 investment. Card valid up to 4 years, renewable, with 'talent (famille)' cards for family.
Skilled Work Visa
For stays over 90 days to work. Requires employer sponsorship / a work permit before you can apply, so eligibility is conditional. Issued under national rules -- apply at the consulate of your destination country. Fees and processing times vary by country.
Skilled Work Visa
French implementation of the EU Blue Card for highly qualified workers with a 3+ year degree (or 5 years of comparable professional experience) and a gross annual salary of at least EUR 59,373 (1.5x the average reference salary). Issued for the contract length: up to 4 years if the contract is 2+ years, otherwise contract duration plus 3 months (max 2 years); authorities must respond within 90 days (30 days for Blue Card holders moving from another EU state). Counts toward EU long-term residence after only 2 years in France (with 5 years total in the EU).
Seasonal Work Visa
For non-EU nationals with a seasonal employment contract of at least 3 months (typically agriculture, tourism, hospitality) who keep their habitual residence abroad. After entering on a 3-month 'travailleur saisonnier' long-stay visa, holders obtain a multi-year card valid up to 3 years, renewable, allowing seasonal work for a maximum of 6 months in any 12-month period. The card does not allow family reunification.
Intra-Company Transfer Visa
EU ICT-directive permit for managers and experts seconded to a French entity of their employer's group for a mission of more than 1 year, while remaining employed by the foreign group company; at least 6 months' seniority in the group is required. The card matches the mission length up to a maximum of 3 years (non-renewable beyond that under ICT rules); spouse and children receive 'salarie detache ICT (famille)' cards with full work rights. Shorter intra-group mobility for senior staff can instead use the talent qualified-employee card.
Not yet researched
Golden visas, real estate, citizenship by investment, passive income.
Non-Lucrative / Passive Income Visa
For financially self-sufficient non-EU nationals who commit in writing not to work in France; resources of at least about EUR 1,478 per month (net SMIC level) plus private health insurance are required. The visa is issued for up to 1 year and is renewable in France as a 'visiteur' residence card (EUR 350 card fee, EUR 250 renewal). France has NO dedicated digital nomad visa, and authorities clarified in 2025 that remote work for foreign employers is not permitted on this route.
Business Investor Visa
For foreigners making a direct economic investment in France of at least EUR 300,000 in tangible or intangible fixed assets, personally or via a company they control (10%+ ownership), with a commitment to create or protect jobs. Multi-year 'talent' card issued for up to 4 years, renewable; family obtains 'talent (famille)' cards. This is an active-investment route - France has no passive 'golden visa'.
Not yet researched
Retirement visas and working holiday schemes.
Retirement Visa
France has no dedicated retirement visa; retirees use the long-stay visitor visa (VLS-TS visiteur) showing stable pension or passive income of at least ~EUR 1,478/month (SMIC level) and full health insurance. Issued for 1 year, then renewable in France as a 'visiteur' residence card, with a path to the 10-year resident card after 5 years of regular residence. No work of any kind is permitted.
Working Holiday Visa
One-year, non-extendable long-stay visa allowing young nationals of 16 partner countries (Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Hong Kong, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Russia, South Korea, Taiwan, Uruguay) to holiday in France while working to supplement funds, without a separate work permit. Age limit is 18-30 at application (up to 35 for Argentina, Australia and Canada). Consulates require about EUR 2,500 in savings plus a return ticket or funds to buy one.
Reunification, spouse routes and ancestry-based repatriation.
Family Reunification Visa
Allows a non-EU foreigner who has resided lawfully in France for at least 18 months (with a 1-year+ permit) to bring their spouse and minor children. The sponsor must show stable resources (2026: EUR 1,823/month for a family of 2-3, EUR 2,005 for 4-5, EUR 2,188 for 6+, excluding most benefits) and adequate housing; OFII must notify a decision within 6 months. Approved family members receive a long-stay visa then a 'vie privee et familiale' residence card with work rights.
Spouse / Partner Visa
Spouses of French citizens receive a free long-stay visa (VLS-TS 'vie privee et familiale') provided the marriage is valid (transcribed if celebrated abroad) and marital life is effective; no income threshold applies. In France they hold a 1-year 'vie privee et familiale' card (EUR 350 tax) with full work rights, can obtain a multi-year card, and after 3 years of marriage may apply for the 10-year resident card; citizenship by declaration is possible after 4 years of marriage.
Not yet researched
Talent, religious, humanitarian, media, official and permanent residence.
Talent / Highly Skilled Visa
Multi-year 'talent' residence card for employees holding at least a Master's-level degree (or working for an innovative young company in R&D) with a French employment contract paying at least EUR 39,582 gross per year. Issued for the contract duration up to 4 years, renewable; spouse and minor children get a 'talent (famille)' card with full work rights. Residence-card tax of EUR 350 applies on issuance in France.
Talent / Highly Skilled Visa
For researchers and doctoral/post-doctoral scientists holding at least a Master's degree with a hosting agreement (convention d'accueil) from an approved French research or higher-education institution, with minimum gross monthly pay of about EUR 2,200. Card issued for up to 4 years, renewable; family receives 'talent (famille)' cards with work rights. EUR 350 residence-card tax on issuance.
Long-Term Residence Permit
10-year renewable resident card for non-EU nationals after 5 years of continuous lawful residence in France (only 2 years in France for EU Blue Card holders with 5 years total in the EU). Requires stable resources of at least gross SMIC (~EUR 1,867/month), health insurance, B1 French and passing the civic exam (relaxed for over-65s). Card fee EUR 350 (EUR 250 renewal); it also eases moves to other EU countries.
Not yet researched
Data verified against official sources — see how.
Completed application form
Complete the official visa or residence application form for your destination. Most consulates now use an online portal where you fill in the form, upload documents and book an appointment; print and sign the confirmation page.
| Issued by | Destination consulate / immigration portal |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | Usually free (the visa fee is separate) |
| Typical time | 30–60 minutes to complete |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Passport
Apply for or renew your passport at your country's passport authority (often the foreign-affairs or interior ministry, a passport office or designated post office). Most visa portals want a clear colour scan of the bio-data page; keep the passport valid at least 6 months beyond your trip with two blank pages.
| Issued by | National passport authority |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | $20–$150 |
| Typical time | 1–6 weeks (expedited often available) |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Passport photo
Have a recent passport photo taken at a pharmacy, photo booth or photographer, or use a compliant online photo tool. The common size is 35×45 mm with a plain light background, neutral expression and no glasses; the US and a few others require 2×2 in (51×51 mm). Get 2–4 prints plus a digital copy.
| Issued by | Any photographer or photo booth (ICAO 9303 standard) |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | $5–$15 |
| Typical time | Same day |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Travel medical insurance
Buy a travel-medical insurance policy covering your whole trip and every destination country, then print the certificate. For the Schengen Area the EU Visa Code requires at least €30,000 of cover for medical emergencies and repatriation, valid across all member states.
| Issued by | Any approved insurer |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | $10–$60 per trip |
| Typical time | Immediate |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Proof of accommodation
Show where you will stay: a hotel booking, a signed tenancy/lease, a host's invitation with their address, or an address-registration document. For longer stays a registered rental contract is usually expected.
| Issued by | Landlord / host / municipality |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | free–$50 |
| Typical time | Same day–1 week |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Return / onward ticket
Provide a flight reservation or an onward/return ticket itinerary. Many travellers use a held reservation (not a paid ticket) from an airline, travel agent or flight-itinerary service so they are not committed before the visa is granted.
| Issued by | Airline / travel agent |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | free–$30 for a reservation |
| Typical time | Same day |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Proof of sufficient funds
Show you can support your stay using bank statements, a salary or pension certificate, a sponsorship/affidavit of support, or evidence of savings or income that meets the published minimum for the visa. Combine several documents if one is not enough.
| Issued by | Your bank / employer / sponsor |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | free–$20 |
| Typical time | Same day–1 week |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Enrolment/acceptance from a French institution
Once you are accepted, request an admission/acceptance letter or certificate of enrolment from the school or university's admissions or registrar office. It should confirm the programme, the dates and that tuition is arranged.
| Issued by | School / university (admissions office) |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | Usually free |
| Typical time | A few days–2 weeks |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Proof of academic record
Request an official academic transcript (statement of marks) from your institution's registrar — usually sealed and stamped, or sent electronically. Foreign use may require an apostille and a certified translation.
| Issued by | Issuing institution (registrar) |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | free–$30 |
| Typical time | Days–weeks |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Au pair placement agreement (CERFA 15973)
Obtain a signed copy of your employment contract from your employer's HR. It should show the parties, job title, salary, duration and signatures; some consulates want it stamped or, for work visas, registered with the labour authority.
| Issued by | Employer / labour authority |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | Free |
| Typical time | Same day–1 week |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Proof of age 18-30
Obtain a national ID card or a citizenship/nationality certificate from your civil-registry or interior ministry. For ancestry- or origin-based routes, request the birth, naturalisation or archive records that prove the qualifying lineage.
| Issued by | Civil registry / interior ministry |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | free–$50 |
| Typical time | Same day–several weeks |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Proof of basic French or secondary education
Take the required language test (e.g. IELTS or TOEFL for English, DELF/TCF for French, Goethe or telc for German, or a national integration exam) at an accredited test centre and collect the certificate. Book early, as test slots fill up.
| Issued by | Accredited test provider |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | $100–$300 |
| Typical time | 2–6 weeks including results |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Business plan / proof of economic viability
Prepare a business or project plan describing the activity, market, financial projections and job creation. You usually write this yourself; some startup or investor visas require it to follow a set template or be reviewed by an approved incubator.
| Issued by | Self-prepared (sometimes incubator-endorsed) |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | free–consultant fee |
| Typical time | Varies |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Registration of the activity
Get an up-to-date extract from the commercial/companies register (chamber of commerce or trade registry) showing your company's registration, or your trade or professional licence. Many registries issue this online for a small fee.
| Issued by | Commercial register / chamber of commerce |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | free–$50 |
| Typical time | Same day–1 week |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Proof of qualifications or experience
Use your original diploma or degree certificate; for a replacement or official copy, ask the issuing institution's registrar. For use abroad it usually needs to be apostilled or legalised and translated.
| Issued by | Issuing institution / education ministry |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | free–$50 (plus apostille) |
| Typical time | Days–weeks |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Accounting records / payslips
Ask your employer's HR or payroll department for your most recent payslips (usually the last three) or a salary certificate stating your role, start date and gross/net pay.
| Issued by | Employer (HR / payroll) |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | Free |
| Typical time | Same day–a few days |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Proof of EUR 30,000 investment
Provide documentary proof of the qualifying investment: a bank confirmation of the deposit or transfer, share or title certificates, an escrow or blocked-account statement, or a notarised purchase contract, depending on the programme's rules.
| Issued by | Bank / notary / company registry |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | Varies |
| Typical time | 1–4 weeks |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Proof of 6 months' group seniority
Request a letter on company letterhead from your employer stating your position, start date, salary and that your leave or continued employment is approved, signed by HR or a manager. For work visas this may instead be a formal work permit or job-offer letter issued by the employer or labour authority.
| Issued by | Employer (HR) / labour authority |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | Free |
| Typical time | A few days |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Written undertaking not to work
Have your sponsor sign a letter or affidavit of support undertaking to cover your costs, attaching their ID and proof of funds or income. Some countries require a notarised affidavit or an official guarantee form.
| Issued by | Sponsor (sometimes notarised) |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | free–$50 |
| Typical time | Days |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Motivation letter
Write a signed cover or motivation letter explaining the purpose of your trip or application, your plans and your ties to your home country, addressed to the consulate. You prepare this yourself.
| Issued by | Self-prepared |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | Free |
| Typical time | Same day |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Civil status documents
Order a certified copy of your marriage (or divorce) certificate from the civil registry that recorded it. For foreign use add an apostille or legalisation and a certified translation.
| Issued by | Civil registry |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | $10–$50 |
| Typical time | Same day–3 weeks |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Proof of spouse's French nationality
Prove the family link with civil documents — marriage and birth certificates connecting you to the relative, a family or household register, or, for unmarried partners, evidence of cohabitation (joint lease, bills, photos). Civil documents often need an apostille and translation.
| Issued by | Civil registry |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | Varies |
| Typical time | Days–weeks |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
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