Answers to Common Visa Questions about French Visas

FAQs for French Visa applications

Read through our French Visa FAQs to find out which visa is right for you.

Do I need a visa to move to France?

If you hold an EU/EEA/Swiss passport, you don’t need a visa to live and work in France. Spouses, and dependent family members can also apply for a carte de séjour on the basis of their relationship with the EU/EEA/Swiss passport holder. Non-EU nationals need a visa for stays longer than 90 days.

What type of visa should I apply for?

This depends on what kind of a life you want when you come to France. And this is the issue you might discuss at an early stage with a visa or relocation consultant if you are unsure of your choice.

How long does it take to get a visa?

Processing times vary depending on the type of visa and the location of the consulate or consular services provider. If you are going through a consular services provider (TLS Contact, VFS Global, etc..) it is likely to take a bit longer because there are a lot of applications to deal with.

When should I start the application process?

Depending where you are making your application, you cannot submit a visa request more than 3 months or more than 6 months before you are due to travel. The consulate or consular services provider should be able to advise on this issue.

Which documents are required for a visa application?

Generally speaking, there are a core set of documents that applicants are asked to provide, plus other documents relating to the type of visa you are applying for. Applicants typically want a document checklist for their visa type, which can include : the passport or any other travel document, usually proof of health care, proof of address and proof of resources. This list of documents will vary, depending on the visa you are applying for.

Can I work in France with my visa?

If you want to work in France, unless you have an EU/EEA/Swiss passport or you are the spouse of a passport talent visa holder with family member rights or the spouse of a French citizen, or you are specifically requesting a working visa, you cannot work on a visa. Two notable exceptions to this rule are Working Holiday Visas and Student Visas, where working is allowed for a certain number of hours during the visa to allow the holder to subsidise their funds or to have a professional experience in France.

What is the difference between a visa and a carte de séjour?

A visa lets you into the country, under certain conditions, as laid down in immigration legislation. A carte de Séjour is the continuation of this permission to stay in the country.

Can I bring my family with me? Is there a specific visa for dependents?

Many cards make provision for the immediate family (spouse and children) and some for extended family members who are dependent.

Can my spouse work in France?

This depends on the card. Not always. You need to explore this issue before moving if your spouse wants to work. Contact FrenchVisas at 00 33 (0)9 77 37 13 63 or 00 33 (0)6 40 63 38 41 (WhatsApp) or send an email to info.frenchvisas@gmail.com

Can I switch visa or card types while in France?

Some cards or visas cannot be converted into another residency status. In particular, Working Holiday visas. For the rest, yes, this is possible. But if and when may depend on the local prefecture.

How much does a French visa cost?

Application fees for a French visa application are currently 99 euros for most visas, although some are less or free. If your country of residence imposes the use of a consular services provider, you may have to pay another processing fee. Additional costs, such as sworn translation and notarisation of documents should also be factored in.

What happens if my visa application is denied?

Can I appeal the decision? In the majority of cases where a refusal occurs, it is because the paperwork in the dossier is in some way lacking or the information is contradictory or incomplete, and rarely because the person applying is undesirable. Bearing that in mind, it is often easier just to reapply, paying greater attention to paperwork and detail on the forms. The appeal procedure is likely to take months and going through all that to find out you missed out something in your dossier or that something didn’t have your name on it, will not get you any further forward in your application. Click here to find out how our French visa service works and to see more French Visa FAQs.

Do I need to own a house in France to move there?

No, house ownership is not necessary to get a visa. You can also rent or live with someone.

Don’t see your question?

If you don’t find an answer to your question in this French Visa FAQs list, please contact French Visas at 00 33 (0)9 77 37 13 63 or 00 33 (0)6 40 63 38 41 (WhatsApp) or send an email to info.frenchvisas@gmail.com