France Visa: Application & Requirements Guide 2026

Whether you need a French visa  (visa pour la France) will depend on your circumstances and the country you are coming from. Firstly, citizens of the European Union, European Economic Area, and Switzerland usually don’t need a visa regardless of how long they want to remain in the country or their reason for coming to France. That is because such people benefit from free movement. However, they will need a valid passport. It is also advisable to register with local authorities and request a residence card if you will remain in the country for longer than three months.

Some nations, such as the United Kingdom, are not part of this free movement community, but have agreements with France and the Schengen nations. These arrangements allow limited visa-free access to France. For example, British citizens can travel within the Schengen area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Activities are limited to tourism, visiting friends and family, attending business meetings, cultural or sporting events, and taking part in short-term study or training. You will usually not be able to work. This, and other long-term stays in France, will usually require a visa. Furthermore, in the fourth quarter of 2026, a European Travel Information and Authorisation System will be needed for visa-exempt nationals’ short-term travel to France, with an application fee of €7.

Finally, citizens of nations that don’t have Britain-style agreements will almost always need a visa to come to France. This is the case regardless of whether you are coming to the nation for a short- or long-term stay.

Page Contents

• Who Needs a Visa to Enter France?
• Overview of the France Visa Types
• France Short-Stay Visas
• France Long-Stay Visas
• Eligibility Requirements for France Visa
• Required Documents for France Visa
• France Visa Application Process
• France Visa Fees and Processing Time
• Common Reasons for a French Visa Rejection
• Appealing Your French Visa Rejection
• Getting a French Resident Permit
• Becoming a French Citizen
• How Can Total Law Immigration Solicitors Help You?
• Frequently Asked Questions

There are two main categories of France visas – Short-Stay visas and Long-Stay visas. The one you’ll need to travel to France depends on your purpose for visiting and the intended length of stay.

France is a member of the Schengen Area, so European Union, EEA, Swiss nationals and permanent residents do not need a visa to go to France.

Also, nationals of countries in the Schengen visa waiver programme enjoy visa-free entry to France for a short stay of less than 90 days within a 180-day period. For nationals staying longer than 90 days, they’ll need an appropriate Long-Stay visa.

Nationals of countries that are not a part of the France visa waiver scheme will need to obtain a visa to enter France, whether for a short or long stay.

France Passport Talent Visa

The passport talent card is designed for foreigners who want to work in France for up to one year in highly competitive fields as global talents. It is issued to those likely to contribute significantly to France’s economy, culture, science, and sports, directly or indirectly, through their skills and talents.

A Passport Talent holder will apply for a passport card similar to a residence permit upon arriving in France. This visa is in several categories, depending on the profession and work activities. They are:

• Skilled Recent Graduates: For young graduates with at least a Master’s degree and professional licence employed as a qualified worker or by an innovative company willing to pay them above €35,526.40.
• Highly Skilled Workers – EU Blue Card: It is issued to highly skilled workers with at least five years of professional experience. To apply for this visa, you must have an employment contract valid for at least one year with a minimum annual salary of €53,836.50.
• Researcher Visa: This visa is for foreign nationals looking to pursue a doctorate, teach, or conduct research at a French higher institution. To qualify for this visa, you must have a Master’s degree and a hosting agreement from the host institute.
• Economic Investor: For foreign individuals who can invest at least €300,000 in France either through personal direct investments, via a company they direct, or via a company they own at least 30% of the shares.
• Innovative Economic Project: For persons with innovative economic projects recognised by an eligible public body. You must provide supporting documentation showing endorsement from the public body and that you’re financially capable of financing the project.
• Self-Employed or Liberal Profession: For persons who want to create or participate in an agricultural, artisanal, commercial, or industrial project or work in a liberal profession in France. You must prove your project’s economic viability and have sufficient financial means to support yourself.
• Overseas Employees on Assignment in France: Senior employees of overseas companies sent to France in the context of work mobility require this visa. You must have a valid work contract covering your stay in France and earn at least €31,973.73 annually.
• Legal Company Representative: It is for persons coming to France to oversee the legal activities of a French company.
• Internationally Renowned Person: Established for foreign individuals renowned in their fields who want to continue their career activities in France.
• Artists and Performers Visa: For artists and performers who want to remain and engage in aid activities in France for more than 90 days.

France Family Visa

The French Family visa allows foreign nationals to visit their family members, spouse, parents, or children in France for up to 12 months. The primary eligibility criteria is that the family member living in France must be either of the following.

• A French national.
• A citizen of the European Union or European Economic Area.
• A foreign legal resident of France.

There are three main categories of French Family visas.

• France Family visa for a family member of a French national: Foreign individuals can apply to join their French spouse, child, or parents in France for up to 12 months.

The visa applicant must provide evidence of French citizenship of the spouse/parent, a French marriage certificate (Copie Intégrale de l’Acte de Mariage), and children’s birth certificate where applicable.

A spouse of a French national qualifies for a 10-year residency card if they’ve been married for at least three years before the visa application.

• France Family visa for a family member of an EU/EEA/Swiss national: Family members of EU/EEA/Swiss nationals coming to join them in France will enter through a short-stay visa. They’ll then apply for a French residence permit (Carte de Séjour) at the Prefecture once they arrive in France.

When applying for this visa, you must provide evidence of family ties with the EU/EEA family member you’re visiting.

• France Family visa for a family member of a non-EU/EEA/Swiss national residing in France: You can also visit family members living in France even if they’re not French, EU/EEA, or Swiss citizens. When applying for this visa, you’ll have to provide evidence that you can financially support yourself or that your family member is able and willing to support you throughout your stay.

If your family member resides in France under a French EU Blue Card or talent passport, you’ll automatically be granted a “private and family life” residence permit. This permit allows you to remain and work in France.

France Student Visas

Foreign nationals who wish to study in France will need to obtain a France Study visa. This visa will allow them to stay in France for their study duration and, in some cases, take on paid employment to support themselves financially. Below are the categories of French Study visas.

• Long-Stay Student visa valid as resident permit (VLS-TS “Étudiant”): This type of visa is issued to international students over 18 years old who wish to study in a public or private higher institution in France for four months to one year. You must have been accepted into a French higher-learning institution to qualify for this visa.
• France Study Visa for Students Under 18 (Mineur scolarisé): This visa is for foreign minor children whose parents do not reside in France. It allows international students under 18 to attend a private or public primary, secondary, or tertiary institution in France for 11 months maximum.
• France Long-Stay Student Trainee or Internship Visa: The Student Trainee visa is for international students who wish to intern in France. The internship must be part of an ongoing professional training programme, such as:

• An EU cooperation programme.
• A training co-organised in their home country.
• An intergovernmental education scheme.

• France Au Pair Visa: This visa is for foreigners aged 18-30 who wish to stay with a family in France to study French temporarily. To be eligible for this visa, you must have an au pair placement agreement outlining your accommodation, subsistence, working conditions, pay, and French class arrangements. You must also prove that you have basic French knowledge and are educated to at least secondary school level.

France Job Seeker/New Business Creator Visa

The Job Seeker visa is for international students or researchers who want to remain in France after their studies or research to take on paid employment or start their own business. It allows the holder to:

• Seek employment and work legally.
• Set up a business or company in France.

The visa is available to those who just graduated and have yet to leave France and those who graduated within the past four years and have returned to their home countries.

The permit is valid for 12 months and is not renewable. However, you can apply for a change in residence permit once you get a job with a salary at least one and a half times above France’s minimum wage.

Other French Long-Stay Visas

There are other Long-Stay France visas for specific categories of visitors. They include

• France Working Holiday Visa: The Working Holiday visa allows young people aged 18 – 30 to enter France for up to a year to explore the country while engaging in paid work. It is only available to citizens of countries in a bilateral agreement with France. It is valid for one year and is non-renewable.
• France Religious Orders Visa: This visa grants members of religious orders entry into France to carry out religious duties. When applying for this visa, you must provide an invitation letter from the host religious institution.
• France Retirement Visa: To retire in France, you can start by obtaining a Visitor visa and residence permit. You can then subsequently apply for a multiple-entry, multi-annual visa. Depending on your country, you may be able to transfer your pension to France.

Each French visa has different eligibility requirements depending on the characteristics of the visa. Two common types of application requirements are detailed below:

Financial Requirements

Many French visas also have financial requirements, proving that you are a suitable applicant and that you will be able to sustain yourself in the nation without needing state assistance. Each visa has different requirements, but examples include the following:

• You will earn at least the French minimum wage per year: €21,621.60. Some visas, such as the Talent Passport or EU Blue Card, require you to earn 1.5 times the annual gross salary set by decree: €53,836.50.
• The Student visa requires proof of a minimum €615 per month.
• Each dependent will require additional funds: €480 (under 18) or €320 (over 18).]

Language Requirements

Your visa type and length of stay in France will define the minimum French language requirement that you have to achieve to be eligible. Your language skills will be measured according to the Common European Framework of Reference for languages (CEFR). The relevant levels are A1 (beginner), A2 (elementary), B1 (intermediate), and B2 (upper intermediate).

As of 1 January 2026, the language requirement has increased for many visa applicants. You may be exempt or have a lower language requirement if you are over 65 years old, have a relevant health condition, have a high-level education from a French-speaking nation, or are a UK national who has resided in France before BREXIT.

Each type of French visa has unique requirements, so you will need different documents to prove that you are eligible. However, some documents are needed in almost all circumstances, such as:

• Your completed visa application form.
• Receipt of visa fee payment.
• A passport issued within the past ten years and with a minimum of three month’s validity after your visa’s expiry.
• Two passport-style photos
• Proof of travel plans for short-term visas.
• Proof of accommodation in France, such as a rental contract or hotel reservation.
• Proof of meeting financial requirements, such as an employment contract and bank statements.
• Proof of health or travel insurance.
• Paperwork specific to your reason for coming to France, such as evidence of your enrollment with a French educational institution.

To complete your France visa application (demande de visa France), please follow the steps listed below:

1. Use the French “Visa Wizard” to confirm if you need a visa and choose the visa type most linked to your circumstances.
2. Complete the online application form.
3. Go to your local French visa centre. Administrative staff will inform you of where you should submit your visa and how. This will include your required documentation.

You can begin the application process up to six months before you intend to come to France. It is advisable to apply as far out from your intended entry as possible to avoid any delays to your travel plans should visa processing take longer than expected.

Tracking Your France Visa Application

Some nations leave visa applicants in the dark as to how far their application has been processed through the system. France is different because it offers comprehensive visa tracking.

Each of the three visa application centre operators that France works with has its own tracking tool. The centre operators are CAPAGO, TLS, and VFS. You’ll need to use the relevant tool depending on the centre you used. If you didn’t use an application centre, France-Visas has its a tracking tool that you can log onto.

Before the French authorities process your visa application, you’ll need to pay the correct application fee. This will vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for. The most common current application fees, along with residence permits, are listed below, although reductions apply in some circumstances:

• Schengen visa: €90 (adult) or €45 (child). Under 6s don’t pay an application fee.
• Long-stay visa: €99. The same fee applies for a spouse or dependent added to a tech passport
• EU Blue Card: €269.
• Resident Permit (combined tax and stamp duty): €225.

France grants the most visas of any European Union nation, but that doesn’t guarantee your application will be accepted. Below are listed the most common reasons that French authorities refuse to accept visa applications:

• Your visa application form is incomplete or has incorrect information.
• You have applied for the wrong type of visa.
• Your documentation doesn’t sufficiently prove your eligibility or is invalid. For example, it doesn’t show that you have the financial means to support yourself.
• You have previous immigration violations in France or the European Union, or a criminal record.
• You applied too close to your planned trip to France.
• You failed to prove that you plan to return to your home country after your stay in France.
• You lack sufficient travel insurance.
• Your passport is damaged or invalid.

Some of these reasons for rejection are issues with the way that you have completed your application. Reapplying after fixing any issues may be a suitable response. Alternatively, if you have applied for the wrong visa, you’ll need to take time to understand which French visas you may be eligible for. Finally, in some circumstances, such as if you have serious criminal or immigration law violations, you may struggle to get any kind of French visa.

A previous rejection of a visa application does not guarantee that your future applications for French visas will also be rejected. However, the rejection will be among the factors guiding the decision whether to issue you a visa. For that reason, it is essential to avoid unnecessary visa rejections.

If you receive a visa rejection but believe that you are eligible, you should launch an appeal to the Commission de Recours contre les décisions de Refus de Visa d’entrée en France (CRRV). You need to make your appeal within 30 days of receiving your rejection. The appeal can be made in person or through a lawyer. You can also nominate a family member to make the appeal on your behalf.

After processing your appeal, the CRRV may recommend that the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister of the Interior grant you a visa, although it is still up to the relevant ministry’s discretion whether they should grant your visa. If they don’t think this is appropriate, they will notify you in writing. You should take the rejection implicitly if you don’t hear anything back from the CRRV within two months.

A rejection of this appeal doesn’t end your chances of getting a French visa. Instead, you can lodge an annulment appeal with the administrative tribunal of Nantes.

The types of visa described above only allow you to remain in France for four months to a year. However, you can use the long-stay visa types to get a residence permit, meaning that you can live in France for significantly longer. Get a resident permit by following the steps listed below:

1. Validate your visa online through the official French Government portal. You’ll need to input your passport and visa number, date of entry into France, and address in the country.
2. Receive your confirmation certificate, typically allowing you to remain in France for one year.
3. Between two and four months before your visa expires, apply for your resident permit or carte de séjour renewal. This is done through the French immigration portal by scanning and uploading your documents and paying the application fee.
4. Receive a temporary residence certificate, so that you can remain in France while your residence permit is being processed.
5. Attend an appointment at the local prefecture if required.
6. Collect your residence card.

Getting a long-term French visa is a crucial first step to getting French citizenship by naturalisation. This becomes possible once you have spent a minimum of five uninterrupted years legally residing in the country, so make sure that you keep your residence permit up-to-date.

Becoming a French citizen also needs you to achieve other requirements. You’ll need a strong knowledge of the French language and the nation’s customs, history, and culture, a stable income, and a clean criminal record.

Once you have submitted your application, you can typically expect it to be processed in 12 to 18 months. It could be longer if French authorities are dealing with a backlog, your case is complex or there are issues with your application.