France Visa Application Requirements – France is a country whose territory comprises of metropolitan France in western Europe, as well as several overseas regions and territories. In fact, France is one of the largest countries on the continent of Europe, with its capital in Paris, the country’s largest city and main cultural and commercial center.
Are you looking for France visa application guide and how to apply for France visa, in addition to knowing the different types of France visa and the visa requirements, then you are in the right place.
In this guide you will discover the basic France visa application requirements and other necessary information you need to begin your preparation to traveling to France the French country.
France Visa Types – Types Of France Visa For Applicants
The type of France visa application you make depends on your purpose of travel to France. This goes to tell you that there are different types of France visa application; And you have to go for the visa type which fits your purpose.
Whether you want to travel to France on a visit, to study, work or even reside and live there permanently, you must make a specific visa application. Look different France visa types below;
Family – Friend Visit Visa
This is the type of France visa which is issued to people who travel to France to visit friends or relatives. This type of visa normally lasts for one month; And applicants need to provide invitation letters from their sponsor who resides in France.
Study Visa
This type of visa is issued to people who want to travel to France for the academic studies. It is usually a long stay visa which covers the period of the person academic stay.
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Business Visa
France business visa is issued to persons who want to attend or conduct business activities, meetings, symposiums, trade fairs or training in France.
Other long stay visas include;
Family Stay Visas
Employment Visas
Marriage Visas
Medical Visas
The choice and kind of visa an individual applies depends on the purpose of traveling to France.
France Visa Application Requirements
- Download the France Visa Form and fill the France Visa Application form correctly
- A valid passport – at least 3 months validity beyond return date.
- 2 photos which must be attached; the photos must be of passport format, with recent whole-face capture.
- Duly filled and signed France Visa application form
- A letter of invitation from sponsor if you’re going on a visit
- Official letter from employer addressed to the France Consulate with proof of wages (for employment visa applicants)
- An original letter from applicant’s institution addressed to the France Consulate confirming status/attendance and duration of the course studies (for study visa applicants)
- A confirmation of applicant’s Hotel reservation
- Copies of applicant’s bank statement for the past 3 months.
- Proof of sufficient financial means for the period of stay.
- Visa Application fee.
- Travel visa insurance
- Proof of accommodation for your entire stay in France
Applicants below the age of 18 years must provide the following documents:
- Proof of parent’s regular income (work contract with specified monthly income or a bank statement or business license)
- A copy of birth certificate
- A consent letter from Parents – Notarized travel permission from parents
- Passport copy of the parent. A letter of consent is to be provided, otherwise National identity card.
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If Employed:
- Employment contract
- Current bank statement of the latest 6 months
- Leave approval letter from employer
- Income Tax Return (ITR) form or Certificate of Income Tax deducted at the source of salary
If self-employed:
- A copy of your business license
- Company bank statement of the latest 6 months
- Income Tax Return (ITR)
If a student:
- Proof of enrollment
- No-objection certificate from school or university
If retired:
- Pension statement of the latest 6 months
If applicable:
- Regular income generated by property proof of the latest 6 months
N|B:The signed application form must be accompanied the rest of the above-mentioned mandatory documents and handed personally at the appropriate embassy/consulate or its representative in your home country.
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Apart from the general documentation required, accompanying should be other additional documents depending on the purpose of your French Visa application.
Additional Documents Required For Most Frequent Purposes Of France Visa Application
French Tourist Schengen Visa:
- Invitation letter with the address and phone number from family member or sponsor – if applicable
- Bank statement of the last 6 months
- Passport copies
France Visa for Business Purposes:
- Invitation letter from the French company you will be visiting and their detailed address accompanied with the dates of your visit
- A certificate from your employer stating/allowing your business travel
- If there were previous trade relations between the two companies, proof of such events must be provided
- Business bank statement of the latest 6 months
- Memorandum and Article of Association in original certified copy (registered with joint stock companies) Trade License (first issued and present renewal), Proprietorship/Partnership documents
- Regarding the applicant’s expenses during stay in the Schengen zone, either the employer or the partner company must state coverage of expenses on the letter or invitation.
France Visa for Culture, Sports, Film Crew or Religious Purposes:
- Invitation letter from the above-mentioned authorities with details upon the nature of events or activities – purpose of visit, expense coverage
- Names of the applicants (crew members)
- Duration of stay in France
- Travel itinerary while in France
France Visa for Study, Training, Research, or other type of Internship Purposes:
- An enrollment certificate allowing attendance of courses
- Certificate of completion or courses attended
- Financial sustenance
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