Oh, France! Whether for a short trip or a gap year, the country is one of the darlings of tourists around the world. There are those who seek France to live indefinitely and live the legitimate experience and culture of the hexagon. On the other hand, there are people who simply want to stroll through the charming villages. Whatever your option, there are several types of visas for France and you will certainly find the most suitable one for your needs. 

French visa documents

There are several categories of visas for France – there are at least ten modalities, and each of them has a list of documents and specific prerequisites. However, there are some basic documents that apply to all categories.

You can start gathering the following paperwork if you plan to apply for a visa to France:

• Completed and signed visa form;

• Passport (issued less than 10 years ago, valid for at least 3 months after the intended stay in France and with at least 2 blank pages for visas) + copy of the first 3 pages;

• 2 recent 3.5×4.5 photos;

• Birth or marriage certificate;

• Proof of residence;

• Proof of financial capacity (in the case of non-remunerated jobs or wages below the average stipulated by the Embassy; amounts vary according to the type of visa);

• Proof of residence/accommodation in France, which can be provided by the company that hired you, evidenced by rent or invitation letter of responsibility for accommodation, proof of residence of the responsible person and copy of ID;

• International travel insurance with a minimum coverage of 30,000 euros in medical and hospital expenses for a period of 3 months of stay.

France visa types

The type of visa for France will depend on the category in which you fall, and may vary, as we have seen, from work visas to specific visas for spouses of French people. See below the main types of visas and their specificities.

France work visa

It is a visa for those who want to work in France. The documents required to apply for a work visa, in addition to the essential documents mentioned above, are:

• Contract Letter (work hours, salary, benefits and duration – this is provided by your employer);

• Copy of the last diploma.

The visa costs €99.

France student visa

The student visa serves those who go to France to take a French course, carry out a co-guardian agreement, a double degree, complete a complete undergraduate, master’s, doctorate or other open courses, such as cooking, for example.

See information about studying in France on the Campus France website. That’s where you’ll start your enrollment process at a French university, if that’s your case. 

The specific documents for the student visa are:

• Birth and/or marriage certificate;

• Case number (completed) at Campus France (if applicable);

• Pre-registration or enrollment in a university (with the start and end dates of the course) or a French language course with a minimum workload of 20 hours per week recognized by the French Ministry of National Education;

• Declaration of parental financing or self-financing in the amount of €615 per month with notarized signature (amounts may change, always consult this post and the French Public Service);

• Regular and sufficient financial guarantees for the duration: last full income tax return; current bank account statement and savings/investments for the last 3 months; and last three paychecks/payrolls/retirement/etc.;

• Proof of stay for a minimum period of 90 days: hotel reservation; or property lease agreement; or an invitation letter from a resident of France, accompanied by proof of residence and a copy of the “carte d’identité”/ or passport; of the visa and the “carte de séjour”.

The visa application costs €50. See other details regarding the documentation for the Student Visa on the Ambafrance website.

French spouse visa

This visa is free and exclusive for those who have married a French person. The documents required for this modality, in addition to the basic ones listed above, are:

proof of marriage

If the wedding took place in France, present:

• Recent full copy (less than 2 months old) of the marriage certificate and the livret de famille.

If the marriage took place abroad, present:

• Copy of the transcription of the marriage certificate in the French consular marital status registers (less than 2 months old);

• Two copies of proof of the spouse’s French nationality: French national identity card;

• Certificate of French nationality OR;

• Decree of naturalization or reintegration of French nationality or a copy of the registered declaration of acquisition OR;

• Birth certificate mentioning French nationality.

These visa holders can also register at most popular online casinos in France as per Pleeease.io, an authoritative website in France.

Visitor Visa in France

This type of visa does not allow you to work. This type of visa category can be used in situations such as, for example, retirees who wish to live an extended period in France, family members of students or people who wish to spend time in the country without working. 

The specific documents to apply for a Visitor visa are:

• Letter with reason for requesting residence;

• Declaration that you will not carry out any remunerated activity in France (in your own handwriting and signed;

• Socioeconomic statement (sabbatical vacation, retirement, employment, etc.);

• Birth certificate/marriage certificate;

• Certificate of good background;

• Subsistence justifications (full income tax return, proof of pension/retirement, investments, etc.);

• Declaration of bank suitability;

• Justification of medical coverage during the entire stay in France.

The visa costs €99. Consult other details concerning the documentation for the Visitor Visa on the Ambafrance website.

Entrepreneur visa in France

For those who intend to open a business in France through an entrepreneur visa, in addition to the basic documents, they must present:

• Master’s degree or proof of at least five years of professional experience;

• Declaration of bank suitability;

• Viable business plan.