France

France Visa Services

France is one of the most popular destinations in the world – from short holidays and business trips to long‑term plans for study, work, or family life. Our expert team helps you choose the right visa type and builds a strong, well‑organized application tailored to your goals and personal situation

How France Visas Are Categorized

France offers a wide range of visa options for visitors, students, professionals, and families. We provide expert guidance for both short-stay and long-stay France visas based on official requirements

Short-Stay Visas (Up to 90 Days)

For tourism, business, family visits, and short programs.

Tourist / Visitor Visa
For individuals traveling to France for holidays, sightseeing, cultural experiences, or leisure travel. This visa allows short stays in France and other Schengen countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. It is suitable for travelers who do not intend to work or study during their stay.
For travelers visiting family members or staying with friends or relatives in France. Applicants may need an invitation or accommodation proof from their host. This visa is ideal for private visits, family gatherings, or short stays with relatives residing in France.
A business visa is designed for professionals who need to travel to France for meetings, conferences, negotiations, trade fairs, short trainings or similar corporate activities. It does not allow you to take up long‑term employment in France, but it covers short business missions of up to 90 days. In most cases, you will need an invitation letter from the French company or event organizer, a letter from your employer, and proof of travel arrangements and financial support
This category covers short courses, language programs or trainings that last less than 90 days, as well as certain transit situations through France. It is suitable if you are attending a summer school, a professional workshop, or any educational program of limited duration. Depending on your nationality and travel route, you may also need this visa when transiting through a French airport or passing briefly through the Schengen Area on your way to another country

Long-Stay Visas (More Than 90 Days)

For study, work, family reunification, and long-term residence.

Long-stay visas are required for stays longer than 90 days and allow applicants to live, work, study, or settle in France
Study Visas
For international students pursuing long-term education in France France offers long-stay student visas for individuals enrolled in educational or training programs lasting more than 90 days at recognized French institutions.

Who can apply

  • Students accepted into French universities or higher education institutions
  • Individuals enrolled in long-term language or professional training programs
  • Researchers, PhD candidates, and academic exchange participants

Study options include

  • University degrees (Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD)
  • Grandes Écoles programs
  • Long-term language courses
  • Research or academic exchange programs

Key benefits

  • Permission to reside legally in France during studies
  • Limited work rights (up to a regulated number of hours per year)
  • Eligibility to apply for post-study residence or work permits in certain cases
For professionals working legally in France Work visas are required for non-EU nationals who plan to work in France under a French employer or approved program. Most work visas require prior authorization from French labor authorities.

Who this is for

Employees with a confirmed job offer from a French company Highly skilled professionals and executives Intra-company transferees Researchers, artists, and specialists

Common work visa pathways

  • Salaried Employee Visa

  • Talent Passport (highly skilled workers, researchers, artists, executives)

  • Intra-Company Transfer (ICT)

  • Seasonal work permits

Key benefits

  • Legal right to work and reside in France

  • Possibility to bring eligible family members

  • Potential pathway to long-term residence

For joining family members or establishing family life in France

This category allows non-EU nationals to join close family members who are legally residing in France or to remain in France due to strong personal or family ties.

Who can apply

  • Spouses and minor children of French residents

  • Family members eligible under reunification rules

  • Individuals with long-term private or family connections in France

Visa purposes include

  • Family reunification

  • Marriage or partnership-based residence

  • Long-term private or family life stays

Key benefits

  • Legal residence in France

  • Some family visas include work rights

  • Long-term stability and settlement pathways

For entrepreneurs, investors, and business professionals

France offers residence options for individuals who plan to start, manage, or invest in businesses that contribute to the French economy. Many fall under the Talent Passport framework.

Who can apply

  • Entrepreneurs launching a business in France

  • Investors contributing capital to the French economy

  • Business founders and innovative professionals

Business pathways include

  • Entrepreneur / Start-Up Visas

  • Investor Residence Options

  • Talent Passport for business creators

Key benefits

  • Right to live and conduct business in France

  • Family members may accompany the applicant

  • Fast-track and long-term residence options in some cases

 Business plans and financial viability are carefully assessed.

For long-term stays without employment

The Visitor (or long-stay visitor) visa is designed for individuals who wish to live in France without working, such as retirees or financially independent persons.

Who can apply

  • Retirees

  • Individuals with sufficient independent income

  • Long-term visitors who do not plan to work

Requirements

  • Proof of sufficient financial means

  • Comprehensive health insurance

  • Commitment not to engage in paid employment in France

Key benefits

  • Legal long-term residence in France

  • Ideal for retirement or extended stays

  • Can be renewed under certain conditions

Paid employment is not permitted under this visa.

Not sure which France visa is right for you?

Our consultants review your plans, assess your eligibility and guide you step by step – from choosing the correct category to preparing documents and booking your appointment.

Contact us today to receive a personalised France visa consultation