Visa Types
France Permanent Residency Path
How you can immigrate to France, how to protect yourself from Fraud and what to expect after you arrive in France.
Key Points for France PR Visa >>>
Do you need a visa to travel to France?
To visit France, Indians will need a Schengen visa.
France visa application is made online or offline?
This visa application must be made online from the govt official website
Do I need to give biometrics?
Yes, biometrics are required to obtain a visa.
Is there an interview required to obtain a France visa?
No, an interview is not usually required to obtain a France visa, but it may vary. The embassy may interview you by phone or in person.
What is the maximum length of stay permitted on a PR visa?
You can live indefinitely on a permanent resident (PR) visa.
What kind of visa will we acquire from France?
It will be a physical sticker visa, which will be affixed to a page on your passport
Current Visa fees: (Updated on 16-10-2023)
|
Fee / Category |
Full rate |
Reduced rate |
Free of charge |
|
Schengen visa and Airport transit visa |
90 euros |
45 euros1 (children between the age of 6 and 12) |
Children under the age of 6, foreign spouse of French national and foreign members of families of nationals of other Member States of the EU/EEA and Switzerland. Other cases : see the pages specifics to the country |
|
Short-stay visa for Guadeloupe, French Guiana, Martinique, Reunion , Saint Martin and Saint-Barthélemy |
60 euros |
35 euros (children between the age of 6 and 12) |
Children under the age of 6, foreign spouse of French national and foreign members of families of nationals of other Member States of the EU/EEA and Switzerland. Other cases : see the pages specifics to the country |
|
Long-stay visa |
99 euros |
50 euros2 |
Foreign spouse of French national. Other cases : see the pages specifics to the country |
|
Adopted child |
15 euros3 |
-- |
-- |
|
Short-stay visa for New Caledonia, French Polynesia, Wallis and Futuna, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Mayotte and French Southern and Antarctic Lands |
9 euros |
-- |
Foreign spouse of French national and foreign members of families of nationals of other Member States of the EU/EEA and Switzerland. Other cases : see the pages specifics to the country |
Step-by-step guide
Let us walk you through the process
- When applying for a visa to France as a Schengen State, it is crucial to determine the purpose of your visit, such as tourism, business, or education, to select the appropriate visa type.
- Consult the official website of the French embassy or consulate in your country to access detailed information on visa categories, requirements, and application procedures for Schengen visas.
- Ensure you meet the specific documentation, financial, and eligibility criteria for the chosen visa category to increase the chances of a successful visa application for France as a Schengen State.
On the FRANCE-VISAS website:
- Select “2. Begin your visa application”
- Register an account
- Complete the online questionnaire (your visa application form will be automatically generated and ready for printing)
At the conclusion of the visa application process, a list of required supporting documents and the visa fees will be shown;
- You will then be directed to the France-Visas page for appointment information.
For details on Schengen Biometric Exemption, click here
After completing your visa application, the next step is to book an appointment at a Visa Application Centre to provide biometric information, which includes your fingerprints and photo. You can choose a Visa Application Centre that is convenient for you and make an appointment through their online booking system or by contacting their customer service team.
Once you have made the appointment, you will receive an email confirming the details along with a letter of appointment. Please note that if you are traveling with family or a group, you will need to book individual appointments for each member.
To find out how much you need to pay for your visa application, you can click on the link provided on the website which will redirect you to the page displaying the visa application fees. If payment of service fees online is not possible, then you will have to pay both the visa fees and service fees in person at the Visa Application Centre during your appointment.
Attend your appointment as planned.
Unless otherwise advised, you must personally deliver your filled-out visa application form to the visa application centre together with your supporting paperwork.
After you have submitted your visa application, you will receive updates on the status of your application. You will receive an email and an SMS notification when your passport has been returned to the Visa Application Centre. Additionally, you can track the status of your visa application online through the France-Visas website. To access this service, go to “4. Track your application” on the website and enter your reference number and last name.
After you apply for a visa and it is processed, you can collect your passport and documents from the Visa Application Centre or have them delivered by courier, depending on your chosen mode of delivery. Third-party collection of documents or passports is generally not allowed, except in specific cases like immediate family members, group collections, or company representatives with authorization. If you choose courier delivery, you cannot change to counter delivery and vice versa. If a letter is included with the passport/envelope, you must collect it in person regardless of your chosen delivery method. You will need to bring a government ID card, the original ICR, and an authorization letter if someone else is collecting on your behalf.
DOCUMENT CHECKLIST
Here is a document checklist for applying for an immigrant visa to France from India, including all possible routes, organized with headings:
- Visa Application Form: Completed and signed visa application form.
- Passport: Original passport with at least two blank pages and a validity of at least three months beyond the intended stay.
- Passport-size Photographs: Recent color photographs.
- Birth Certificate: A copy of your birth certificate.
- Criminal Record: A recent criminal record certificate issued by the Indian authorities.
- Marriage Certificate: If applicable, a copy of your marriage certificate or proof of registered partnership.
- Health Certificate: A medical certificate issued by an approved doctor in India.
- Accommodation Details: Documentation demonstrating suitable accommodation arrangements in France, such as a rental agreement or confirmation of accommodation booking.
- Financial Documents: Bank statements to demonstrate your financial stability during your stay in France.
- Travel Itinerary: A detailed travel itinerary, including flight reservations.
- Travel Health Insurance: Proof of travel health insurance with coverage of at least 30,000 euros.
- Visa Fee: Payment receipt or proof of payment for the visa application fee.
- Proof of Family Relationship: Documents proving the family relationship with the family member residing in France, such as marriage certificates, birth certificates, or proof of registered partnership.
- Proof of Accommodation: Documentation demonstrating suitable accommodation arrangements in France.
- Employment Contract: A copy of your employment contract or letter of confirmation from the French employer.
- Work Permit: Proof of a valid work permit or approval from the French authorities.
- Proof of Qualifications: Copies of educational certificates, degrees, and professional qualifications relevant to the employment.
- Health Insurance: Proof of comprehensive health insurance coverage valid in France.
- Acceptance Letter: Official acceptance letter from a recognized educational institution in France confirming your admission to a course of study.
- Proof of Financial Resources: Documents demonstrating sufficient financial resources to cover your tuition fees and living expenses in France.
- Health Insurance: Proof of comprehensive health insurance coverage valid in France.
- Business Plan: A detailed business plan outlining the nature of your proposed business activities in France.
- Proof of Funds: Evidence of sufficient funds to establish and sustain your business in France.
- Business Registration: Documentation demonstrating the registration or intended registration of your business in France.
- Health Insurance: Proof of comprehensive health insurance coverage valid in France.
- Proof of Retirement: Documentation demonstrating your retirement status, such as pension statements or proof of financial resources to support your retirement in France.
- Health Insurance: Proof of comprehensive health insurance coverage valid in France.
- Supporting Documents: Any relevant supporting documents that demonstrate the humanitarian grounds for your immigration to France, such as medical reports or evidence of humanitarian need.
- Health Insurance: Proof of comprehensive health insurance coverage valid in France.
Please note that specific requirements may vary depending on the immigration route and your individual circumstances. It is advisable to consult the official website of the French embassy or consulate in India for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the immigrant visa application process for each category.
VISA APPLICATION FORMS
To apply for a residence visa in France from India, the following visa application forms may be required:
Long-Stay Visa Application Form (Formulaire de demande de visa de long séjour): This form is the general application form for a long-stay visa in France. It captures personal information, travel details, and the purpose of the visit.
Visa Application Supplementary Form: Depending on the purpose of your residence in France, additional supplementary forms may be required. These forms are specific to the type of residence visa you are applying for, such as a work visa, student visa, or family visa.
Please note that the specific visa application forms and requirements may vary depending on your nationality, the purpose of your residence in France, and other factors. It is advisable to consult the official website of the French Embassy or Consulate in India or seek professional assistance to ensure you have the correct and up-to-date information for your specific situation.
VISA APPLICATION GUIDELINES:
After receiving PR approval in France, here is the process to obtain a visa from India:
- Collect Required Documents: Gather all the necessary documents, including your passport, PR approval letter, proof of accommodation, financial documents, and health insurance.
- Schedule an Appointment: Book an appointment at the nearest French Consulate or Visa Application Centre in India. Check their website for available dates and times.
- Fill out Visa Application Form: Complete the visa application form online, providing accurate and up-to-date information.
- Compile Supporting Documents: Prepare all the supporting documents required for the visa application, such as photographs, biometric data, and additional forms specific to your situation.
- Attend the Appointment: On the scheduled date, visit the Consulate or Visa Application Centre with your application form, supporting documents, and passport.
- Pay Visa Fee: Pay the applicable visa fee at the designated payment counter. Keep the receipt for future reference.
- Submit Biometric Data: Provide your biometric data, including fingerprints and a photograph, as per the instructions at the Visa Application Centre.
- Track Application: After submitting the application, you will receive a tracking number. Use this to monitor the progress of your visa application.
- Wait for Processing: The visa processing time varies, so patiently wait for the decision on your visa application.
- Collect Passport and Visa: Once the visa is approved, collect your passport from the Visa Application Centre or through the designated courier service.
- Travel to France: With the visa in your passport, you can now make travel arrangements to relocate to France as a permanent resident.
Note: The specific requirements and procedures may vary based on your individual circumstances and the policies of the French Consulate or Visa Application Centre in India. It is recommended to check their official website for the most accurate and up-to-date information
Work Visa (Travailleur): If you have a job offer from a French employer, you can apply for a work visa. This includes categories such as:
- Temporary Work Visa (AutorisationProvisoire de Travail, APT): For short-term employment contracts.
- Employee Visa (Salarié): For long-term employment contracts.
- Highly Skilled Worker Visa (TravailleurQualifié): For individuals with high qualifications and skills.
Student Visa (Étudiant): If you plan to study in France, you can apply for a student visa. This includes categories such as:
- Short-term Student Visa (Visa de Court Séjour Étudiant): For programs lasting less than 90 days.
- Long-term Student Visa (Visa de Long Séjour Étudiant): For programs lasting more than 90 days.
Family Reunification Visa (Regroupement Familial): If you have a family member who is a French citizen or legal resident, you can apply for a family reunification visa.
Entrepreneur Visa (Entrepreneur): If you plan to start a business or invest in France, you can apply for an entrepreneur visa.
Scientific Researcher Visa (Chercheur): If you have a research or academic position in France, you can apply for a scientific researcher visa.
Talent Passport Visa (Passeport Talent): This visa category is designed to attract highly skilled individuals in specific fields such as arts, sciences, sports, and more.
Investor Visa (Investisseur): If you plan to make a significant investment in France, you can apply for an investor visa.
Refugee or Asylum Seeker Visa (RéfugiéouDemanded'Asile): If you are seeking refuge or asylum in France, you can apply for this visa category.
Please note that the specific requirements and application processes may vary for each visa category. It is advisable to consult the official website of the French Consulate or Embassy in India for detailed information and guidance