French Visa for Indian Citizens: Summary
Visa Types: Schengen (Short-Stay, ≤90 days) for Tourism, Business, Transit, etc. & Long-Stay (≥90 days) for Work, Study, Retirement, etc.
Key Requirements:
Proof of Financial Resources
Additional documents based on stay purpose (e.g., work contract, admission letter)
Application Process:
Processing Times:
Resources:
The Photo Specifications of France Visa are as follows -
Based on the Purpose of Your Stay:
Tourism/Vacation
Business/Work
Study
Family Reunion
Retirement
Other (Specify)
Based on the Duration of Your Stay:
Up to 90 Days: Schengen Visa
Over 90 Days: Long-Stay Visa
Visa Type | Purpose | Duration |
Schengen | Tourism, Business, Transit, etc. | Up to 90 days |
Long-Stay | Work, Study, Family Reunion, Retirement, etc. | Over 90 days |
Ensure Documents Meet Specified Criteria:
Validity
Format (e.g., A4, JPEG)
Language (French/English, or Official Translation)
Common Documents (Refer to Previous Sections for Specifics):
Valid Passport
Completed Application Form
Recent Photos
Travel Itinerary/Flight Reservation
Travel Insurance
Proof of Financial Resources
Accommodation Proof
For Work: Employment Contract, Labor Ministry Approval
For Study: Admission Letter, Proof of Tuition Fees Payment
For Family Reunion: Proof of Family Ties, Residence Proof of the Family Member in France
Online Submission:
Platform: France-Visas
Steps:
Create an Account
Fill Out the Application Form
Upload Required Documents
Book an Appointment at a VAC (if required for biometrics)
Pay the Visa Fee Online
Biometrics (if not exempt): Appear at the designated Visa Application Center (VAC) with your passport and a printout of your application.
In-Person Submission:
Locations: French Embassy in New Delhi, Consulates in Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, or designated VACs.
Steps:
Book an Appointment: Through the embassy/consulate's website or by contacting the VAC.
Gather and Organize Documents: Ensure all required documents are complete and in order.
Attend the Appointment: Submit your application, provide biometrics (if applicable), and pay the visa fee.
Interview (if required): Additional questioning may be necessary for some long-stay applications.
Step 4: Pay the Visa Fee
Schengen Visa Fees:
Adults: Currently €80
Children (6-12 years): €40
Children (under 6 years): Free
Long-Stay Visa Fees:
Vary Based on the Purpose of Stay:
Study: €99
Work: €200 (and potentially more based on the type of work permit)
Retirement: €99
Other: Check with the embassy/consulate for specific fees.
Payment Methods:
Online (for Schengen Visas): Credit/Debit Card
In Person (for Long-Stay Visas): Cash, Credit/Debit Card (methods may vary by location)
Step 5: Attend the Interview (If Required)
For Some Long-Stay Visa Applications:
Purpose: To assess the applicant's intentions, knowledge about their stay, and other relevant information.
Preparation:
Review Your Application: Ensure you can discuss all aspects of your application.
Gather Additional Information: If requested by the embassy/consulate.
Language: Be prepared to communicate in French or English.
Step 6: Wait for the Visa Decision
Schengen Visa:
Typical Processing Time: 15 calendar days
Extended Processing Time: Up to 30 or 60 days for complex cases
Long-Stay Visa:
Typical Processing Time: Several weeks to a few months
Variability: Depends on the type of visa, the complexity of the application, and the workload of the embassy/consulate.
Tracking Your Application:
Schengen Visas: Through the France-Visas website or the VAC where you submitted your application.
Long-Stay Visas: By contacting the embassy/consulate or checking the VAC's website for updates.
For Schengen Visas, yes, through France-Visas. For Long-Stay Visas, the process may start online but requires in-person submission.
Schengen Visas: Typically 15 days. Long-Stay Visas: Several weeks to a few months.
Not necessarily for the application, but proof of language proficiency might be required for certain long-stay purposes.
No, Schengen Visas are for short-stay, non-remunerated activities. For work, you need a Long-Stay Work Visa.