Visa types
Tourist Schengen visa
A short-stay visa for Paris, the Riviera or regional tours, allowing up to 90 days in any 180 days.
Business visa
For meetings, trade fairs and business contacts; an invitation from the French company and an assignment letter from your employer are requested.
Visiting family or friends
For visiting relatives or friends in France; the host's ID or residence permit and accommodation details are required.
Student visa
A long-stay student visa for higher education in France; the Campus France procedure comes first.
Typical documents
- Valid passport and copies of previous visas
- Application form completed online
- Biometric passport photo
- Travel medical insurance valid across the Schengen area
- Return flight reservation
- Hotel booking or proof of accommodation from your host
- Recent bank statements
- Employer letter, payslips and SGK service record
- For business owners: tax registration and trade registry gazette
- For business trips: invitation from the French company
Document lists vary by applicant and by consulate; the consulate's current official list is always the one that counts.
How to apply
- 1
Confirm that France is your main destination and choose your visa category.
- 2
Complete the application form on France's official visa portal.
- 3
Prepare your documents according to France's current list.
- 4
Book an appointment at the authorised visa application centre.
- 5
Submit your documents and give your biometric data at the appointment.
- 6
Track your application and collect your passport.
Practical tips
- Dates on your form, flight reservation and hotel bookings should match exactly.
- If you are visiting several cities, a day-by-day itinerary makes your file easier to assess.
- Appointments fill quickly in summer and holiday periods, so start planning as early as you can.
- For study, completing the Campus France steps early makes the visa stage much smoother.