1. Visa types at a glance
| Visa type | Who it's for | Length of stay | To a permit? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short-stay Schengen (C) | Tourism, visits, business | ≤ 90 / 180 days | No |
| Long-stay (D / VLS-TS) | Stays over 90 days | 3 months – 1 year | Yes |
| Talent Passport visa | Talents, founders, artists | Multi-year (up to 4 yrs) | Yes |
| Student visa | Students enrolled in France | Duration of studies | Yes (to work) |
| Work visa (Salarié) | Holders of a French contract | 1 year and up | Yes |
| Visitor visa | Stable income, not working | 1 year | Yes (renewable) |
2. The process in 7 steps
- Choose the visa type — Determine the category from your purpose and length of stay.
- Apply online (France-Visas) — Complete the application on france-visas.gouv.fr and generate your checklist.
- Book an appointment — Reserve submission via VFS Global or the consulate.
- Submit documents & biometrics — Hand in documents and passport, give fingerprints and photo.
- Interview (if required) — Some categories need a short interview about your plans.
- Processing — The consulate reviews and decides, timing by category.
- Arrival formalities — VLS-TS holders validate online and register with OFII.
3. Common documents to provide
- Valid passport (covering the stay, with blank pages)
- Application form (France-Visas)
- Recent ID photos
- Itinerary / invitation / work or admission contract
- Proof of accommodation
- Proof of funds / income
- Health insurance certificate
- Visa fee payment proof
4. Key points by visa type
Student visa (VLS-TS)
- Admission letter from a French institution
- Funds of about €615/month
- OFII validation within 3 months
- Work allowed up to 60% of legal hours
Talent Passport visa
- Category-specific evidence (contract, portfolio, business plan)
- Up to 4 years, family included
- Simplified renewal
- Entrepreneur category: validated business plan
Work visa (Salarié)
- Employment contract from a French employer
- Labour-market test for some roles
- Salary at the required threshold
- Faster processing with recognised employers
Visitor visa
- Commitment not to work as an employee
- Stable, sufficient income
- Health insurance for the whole stay
- Ideal for retirees or remote income
Family reunification
- Applicant lawfully resident for a minimum period
- Housing and income conditions
- A1 French test possible for the spouse
- Long processing — start early
5. Common refusal reasons & how to avoid them
- Incomplete dossier or inconsistent information
- Insufficient funds for the length of stay
- Purpose mismatched with the visa category
- Non-compliant accommodation or insurance
- History of violations (overstay, etc.)
⚠️Tip: if refused, analyse the reason (usually coded) before reapplying, and strengthen the weak point rather than resubmitting unchanged.
🕑Timeline：Short-stay: 2–3 weeks; long-stay: 2–8 weeks. Apply at least 4–6 weeks before departure.