As a general rule, a foreign national who needs a visa to enter France must obtain the visa corresponding to the purpose and duration of the stay. Some nationalities and categories are exempt from the visa requirement, particularly for short stays.
Who may be exempt from a short-stay visa?
Depending on nationality and status, exemptions can include:
- EU, EEA and Swiss citizens;
- nationals of countries listed as visa-exempt under Regulation (EU) 2018/1806;
- holders of certain valid residence permits or long-stay visas issued by Schengen States;
- certain holders of travel documents or diplomatic status.
The exemption concerns entry for a short stay and does not, by itself, create a right to settle in France.
1. Short-stay visa
A short-stay or type C Schengen visa normally authorises stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. It is commonly used for tourism, family visits and short business travel.
Applications are made through the official France-Visas system and then submitted according to the consular procedure applicable in the applicant's country of residence.
Supporting documents normally include:
- a valid passport;
- proof of accommodation;
- sufficient means of subsistence;
- travel medical insurance;
- evidence of the purpose of the trip;
- documents showing the applicant's intention and ability to leave the Schengen area before the authorised stay expires.
A short-stay visa is not ordinarily designed as a route to long-term residence. Switching from short-stay status to a residence permit from within France is possible only in limited circumstances.
Airport transit visa
Certain nationalities require an airport transit visa when passing through the international transit area of a French airport without entering the Schengen area.
2. Long-stay visa
A type D long-stay visa is generally required for a stay exceeding 90 days, unless the applicant falls within a category exempt from the long-stay visa requirement.
Long-stay visas are issued for purposes including:
- study;
- salaried employment;
- Talent and research activity;
- family life, including spouses of French nationals;
- visitor status;
- working-holiday programmes and other specific routes.
The application begins through France-Visas, which identifies the category and supporting documents based on the applicant's circumstances.
VLS-TS
A long-stay visa equivalent to a residence permit (VLS-TS) is generally valid for several months and must be validated online after arrival within the statutory period. Once validated, it serves as the holder's residence document for its validity period.
Long-stay visa requiring a residence-card application
Some long-stay visas carry an instruction requiring the holder to apply for a residence permit after arrival in France. The deadline shown on the visa and official guidance should be followed carefully.
Working Holiday visa
France also issues working-holiday visas under bilateral agreements with participating countries. The conditions, age limits and duration depend on the relevant agreement.
After the long-stay visa expires
A person wishing to remain in France beyond the validity of the long-stay visa must apply for the residence status corresponding to their situation within the filing window applicable to that procedure.
Fazolo Avocats assists applicants with French visa and residence procedures.
