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France is one of the most influential countries in the world. As per the US News and World Report Rankings, the country ranks overall 12th in the world. France is not only a great tourist destination, but also an excellent place to study, and work. For this reason, several people visit France. However, depending on the nature of the visit, citizens from other countries must apply for a French Schengen visa. Keep reading to learn more about, the France Visa: types, eligibility, the application process, documentation for a visa, etc.
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France Visa Overview
The France Visas can be divided into 3 different categories:
- Short-term visa: France grants short-term visas for those who want to enter French territory. However, the duration of stay must be less than 90 days.
- Long-term visa: France grants long-term visas to eligible applicants who want to stay in the French territory for longer than 90 days.
- Airport transit: France grants airport transit visas to applicants who are travelling to other countries through France. The airport transit visa needs to be applied only if France airport is a stop towards the destination country.
Why a Schengen Visa is Needed to Enter France?
France became a part of the Schengen Zone after signing the Schengen Agreement in 1997. The Schengen zone is a common travel area, and therefore it is important to obtain a Schengen Visa before entering the French territory. The visa has to be availed by the following:
- Passport holders of 3rd world countries that have not reached an agreement with the Schengen states. For example, India
- Passport holders of 3rd world countries that have reached an agreement but have been rejected from entering the country, or any other Schengen state.
Also Read: Europe Work Visa
France Visa Types
The French visas are divided into short-stay visas (less than 90 days) and long-stay visas (longer than 90 days). The following are the types of short-term visas available:
| Types of visas | Purpose |
| French Transit Visa | Land at the French airport to visit a non-Schengen country. |
| French tourist visa | Vacation, sightseeing, and exploration |
| France Business Visa | For business purposes |
| France Visa for Official Visit | A foreign Official Delegation was invited to France (for official purposes) |
| France Medical Visa | To get medical treatment at a hospital in France |
| French Study Visa | 3 months of study at a French educational institution |
| France Visa for Cultural, Sports, and Film Crews | For attending sports or cultural activities in France |
Documents Required for a French Schengen Visa
The following are the documents required for a French Schengen Visa application:
- The visa application form and 2 passport photos
- A passport not older than 10 years that has a validity for more than 3 months beyond the date the applicant is planning to leave the country
- Copies of previous visas and French travel health insurance
- A cover letter regarding why the applicant is interested in visiting France
- Round-trip Flight Itinerary, and proof of accommodation
- Proof of finances, and civil status
- If the applicant is employed then- the employment contract, bank statement, leave permission from the employer, etc must be submitted
- Students must provide proof of enrollment at a university in France and a no-objection certificate from the school
- The retired applicants must provide a pension statement of 6 months
Also Read: Visa-Free Countries For India In 2023
Documentation based on Purpose of Entry
The following are the documents required to enter France based on the type of visa.
| Visa Type | Document |
| Airport Transit Schengen Visa to France | Visa, and a flight ticket to the country the applicant is visiting |
| Transit Schengen Visa to France | Letter from the inviting Shipping Company, visa, Employment contract, etc |
| Business Schengen Visa to France | Invitation letter from the French company, Business bank statement, etc |
| Student Schengen Visa to France | Offer letter, No objection letter, internship agreement |
| Medical Schengen Visa to France | A local medical report, medical attestation from the hospital or doctor in France, proof of finances |
| French Schengen Visa for the Wife/Husband of a French Citizen | Proof of French citizenship, French marriage certificate, and French family record book. |
| French Schengen Visa for Members of Official Delegations | The official invitation copy., and Evidence on the purpose of the travel |
Also Read: All About Work Visa: Application Process, Appointment, Fees
How to Apply for a France visa from India?
The French visa application process can vary depending on the country the applicant is applying from. To apply for a French visa the following application process must be followed:
- Gather information regarding the French visa by visiting the official website of the French government. Do note: the visa application can be made by visiting the French embassy, a French consulate, or, a visa application centre to which France has outsourced the visa
- Fill out the France visa application, upload the relevant documents, and pay the application fee
- Book an appointment with the France visa application centre. The application has to be submitted 3-2 weeks before the departure date (long-stay visa), and 6 months before the short-term visa application.
- Track the application and collect the passport. The visa application results are usually out within 15 days. Under exceptional circumstances, the visa can be extended for up to 45 days.
France Visa Application Processing Time
The France Visa application Processing time is 15 days. However, under some circumstances, the visa application process can be extended up to 45 days.
Also Read: EU Blue Card: An Overview
France Visa Application Cost
The application cost can vary depending on the type of visa. The France visa application costs are explained in detail below:
| Children under the age of 6, foreign spouse of French national, etc | Application Fee | Free/No application fee |
| Schengen visa andAirport transit visa | 80 euros | Children under the age of 6 |
| Long-stay visa | 99 euros | Children under the age of 6, foreign members of families of nationals of other Member States of the EU/EEA and Switzerland, etc |
| Short-stay visa forGuadeloupe, FrenchGuiana, Martinique,Reunion, Saint Martinand Saint-Barthélemy | 60 euros | Short-stay visa for NewCaledonia, FrenchPolynesia, Wallis and Futuna, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Mayotte French Southern and Antarctic Lands |
| Short-stay visa for NewCaledonia, FrenchPolynesia, Wallis and Futuna, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Mayotte and French Southern and Antarctic Lands | 9 euros | Foreign spouse of French national |
| Adopted child | 15 euros | – |
What Can I Do in Case of a French Schengen Visa Refusal?
In case, the France visa is refused, the candidate can apply for a re-evaluation. However, such requests must be made only if the applicant has strong reasons to believe the visa refusal was unjustified. Moreover, the application has to be submitted within 2 months after the visa has been rejected. The application for the same has to be made in the Administrative Court of Nantes.
How Many Times Can I Enter France With a Schengen Visa?
The number of times a person can enter France with a Schengen visa depends on the type of visa. For example, with a single-entry uniform visa, an applicant can enter the state only once. However, the Multiple entries uniform visa allows the candidate to enter France and other Schengen countries several times. However, the LTV or the Limited Territorial Validity Visas only allows the visa holder to enter France.
Can my French Schengen Visa be Revoked?
Yes, under certain conditions the French Schengen Visa can be revoked. These circumstances are as follows:
- Working in France without getting a work permit
- Bringing danger to the public order
- Trying to settle in France
Can I Work on a French Visa?
Foreigners seeking to work in France must find a sponsoring employer to provide them an approved work by the DIRECCTE (a mandatory document for visa application). Only certain people coming to France are exempt from this requirement. That is, those coming for the purpose of:
- Cultural, sporting, artistic, and scientific events
- Cinematographic, audiovisual, and entertainment purposes, or technical staff
- Domestic worker during the stay in France of a particular employer
- Auditing and expertise missions in IT, insurance, architecture, engineering contract employee
- teaching as a visiting professor.
On the other hand, those who are visiting France with a short-stay professional visa must get a temporary work permit. The work permit has to be provided by the employer at the e-DIRECCTE (French Ministry of Labor). The work visas are usually processed within 15 days.
What If I Have to Stay In France for Longer Than 90 Days?
Staying in France for more than 90 days is possible. However, to stay for a longer period of time, the application must be made for a French long-stay visa. The purpose of the trip can be the following. Note: Applications for the same can be made in the French embassy of the resident country.
- Reunite with the family
- For educational purposes
- To be employed
- To work as an exchange student
- Getting employed in a highly skilled profession
FAQs
Yes. Indian citizens require a visa to visit France. Since France is a member of the Schengen area, the Indian applicants must obtain a Schengen visa. The visa allows citizens to visit 27 Schengen countries for 90 days.
The France visa fees depend on the type of visa a person has applied for. The cost of a business/tourist visa is approximately 99 euros for a long-stay visa. Moreover, there are no visa fees for children below the age of 6.
The French Visa application process can take up to 15 days. Under exceptional circumstances, the visa application process can be extended for 45 days.
We hope you now understand what is France visa is, its requirements, the application process, etc. Want to apply for a Visa for your study abroad journey? Drop us a comment in the section below, or you can connect with a visa expert at Leverage Edu, and we will guide you on your dream journey!
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