VISAS

Before arriving in France, you will need to find out if a visa is required. If you are being hired by a company based in France, they will usually handle the necessary paperwork for you.

DO YOU NEED A VISA ?

You will not need to obtain an entry visa, French residence permit (carte de séjour) or work permit (autorisation de travail) if you are a citizen of:

• a European Union (EU) country,
• a European Economic Area (EEA) country, including: Iceland, Lichtenstein or Norway,
• Switzerland, Monaco or Andorra.

Citizens of all other countries who wish to remain in France for more than 3 months must apply for a residence permit and/or work permit in the form of a long-stay visa before arriving in the country.

For a comprehensive list of nationals that require visas to enter France, see the the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs' guide to coming to France or the UK French Consulate's visa section.

BACK TO TOP

SCHENGEN VISA

France is a member of the Schengen group of European countries. Under this agreement, citizens from a number of non-EU countries (including the US) are entitled to travel to France and the other Schengen countries without a long-stay visa for a maximum of 90 days within a 6-month period. A long-stay visa is still required if you wish to stay in France for more than 3 months. Note that a Schengen visa allows only for free movement between its member countries, not working rights.

Learn more about Schengen visas (in French).
Download an application form for a Schengen visa.

BACK TO TOP

LONG-STAY VISA

This allows non-EU nationals to reside in France for a period of more than 3 months to work, study or retire.

At the time of your initial application, you must be outside France, and you are not permitted to enter the country until the visa is granted. The process can take up to 2 months.

You may apply for a long-stay visa at your local French Consulate. Procedures and requirements vary for different nationalities and activities, so it is important to check with your local French Consulate.
Locate the French Embassy or Consulate nearest you (in French).

Download an application form for a long-stay visa (in French).

In general, an application for a long-stay visa must include:

• A passport valid for at least 3 months beyond the expiration date of the visa.

• Several passport photos. Check the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs' photo guidelines (in French) for specific requirements.

• Proof of financial resources.

• Proof of the address where you will be living in France.

• A copy of your marriage certificate (if applicable).

• Proof of medical insurance with coverage in France.

• A police clearance record.

• A stamped, self-addressed envelope for your documents to be returned.

Fees are charged for the issuance of all French visas. See the French government website for the latest fees (in French).

Children's visa applications should be submitted together with their parents'.

DISCLAIMER: The information above relating to French legal requirements is provided for general information only and may not be totally accurate in a particular case. Questions involving interpretations of specific provisions or a specific case should be addressed to French government officials.

BACK TO TOP