France Visa for Indians Passport Holders

Schengen Visa (Short-Stay, up to 90 days in any 180-day period):

• Tourism
• Business
• Visiting Family/Friends
• Transit
• Cultural/Sports Events
• Medical Reasons

Long-Stay Visa (Over 90 days):

• Work/Employment
• Study
• Retirement
• Joining Family
• Other (Research, Internship, etc.)

Common Documents:

• Valid Indian Passport: Issued within the last 10 years, with at least two blank pages, and valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen Area.

• Completed and Signed Schengen Visa Application Form: Download from France-Visas or obtain from the embassy/consulate.

• Recent Passport-Sized Photos: 2-3, with a white background, conforming to Schengen requirements.

• Travel Itinerary or Flight Reservation: Confirming entry and exit from the Schengen Area.

• Travel Insurance: Covering at least €30,000 in medical expenses, hospital care, and repatriation.

• Proof of Financial Resources: Showing approximately €65 per day for the duration of your stay.

• Accommodation Proof: Hotel reservation, rental agreement, or a letter of invitation (Attestation d'accueil).

Additional Documents for Tourism:

• Leave Approval Letter from Employer (if employed)
• Student ID and Leave Approval Letter from School/University (if a student)

Additional Documents for Business:

• Invitation Letter from the French Company
• Cover Letter Explaining the Purpose of the Visit
• Employment Certificate and Proof of Salary

Common to All Long-Stay Visas:

• Valid Passport
• Completed Long-Stay Visa Application Form
• Recent Photos
• Birth Certificate (Sometimes Required)
• Proof of Language Proficiency in French (Depending on the Purpose)
• Proof of Financial Resources
• Health Insurance Covering You in France

Additional Requirements for Specific Long-Stay Purposes

• For Work:
• Employment Contract
• Approval from the French Labor Ministry (if required)
• For Study:
• Admission Letter from a French Educational Institution
• Proof of Payment of Tuition Fees (if applicable)
• For Retirement/Passive Income:
• Proof of Pension or Sufficient Financial Means
• Health Insurance
• For Joining Family:
• Proof of Family Ties
• Residence Proof of the Family Member in France

The Photo Specifications of France Visa are as follows -

• France Schengen visa photo requirements size: 35mm X 45mm
• Colour: Coloured
• Head must occupy the central position
• Must be captured within the last 3 months
• Background: Solid, plain white or grey
• 80% face coverage
• Neutral expression
• Glasses: Non-thick framed and prescription glasses
• Headgears - only for religious reasons
• Facial hair - permitted

Step 1: Determine Your Visa Type

• 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

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

• 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

Additional Documents Based on Visa Type and Purpose:

• 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

Step 3: Submit Your Application

For Schengen Visas:

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.

For Long-Stay Visas:

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.

• Schengen Visa Fees: €80 (adults), €40 (children 6-12), free (children under 6).

• Long-Stay Visa Fees: Vary (e.g., Study: €99, Work: €200, Retirement: €99).

• Payment Methods: Usually by credit/debit card or cash at the VAC, depending on the location

• Schengen Visa: 15 days (can be extended).

• Long-Stay Visa: Variable, often several weeks.

• Tracking: Through the embassy/consulate's website or by contacting the VAC where the application was submitted.

Common Reasons for Rejection:

• Insufficient Financial Resources
• Unclear Travel Plans
• Incomplete Application
• Lack of Travel Insurance

Tips for Approval:

• Apply Well in Advance
• Ensure All Documents Are Complete and Meet Requirements
• Provide a Clear, Detailed Itinerary
• Show Strong Ties to Your Home Country (for non-immigrant intent)

• French Embassy in India: https://in.ambafrance.org/
• French Consulates in India: Refer to the embassy's website for locations and contact details.
• Visa Application Centers (VACs) in India: https://www.vfs-france.co.in/
• France-Visas Official Website: https://france-visas.gouv.fr/