Types of Visas We Deal With

Types of Visas We Deal With

  • France offers a variety of visas depending on the purpose and duration of the stay. Below is an overview of the different types of French visas:

Temporary Residence Permit (Carte de séjour temporaire)
  • This card is issued for stays in France of up to 1 year, renewable in certain cases depending on the reason for your stay.
Private and Family Life For foreigners married to a French citizen, parents of French children, or those with close family ties in France.
Employee For foreigners with an employment contract in France, subject to prior authorization from French authorities.
Student For foreigners admitted to a university or French school to pursue higher education.
Businessperson or Entrepreneur For individuals coming to create or manage a business in France.
Visitor For individuals with sufficient resources to reside in France without working.
Job Search or Business Creation For graduates of French higher education seeking to work or start a business.
Multi-Year Residence Permit (Carte de séjour pluriannuelle)
  • Issued after a temporary residence permit, this card is valid for up to 4 years, depending on the status. It is for those who have reasons to stay in France for a longer period with a stable status.
Student After a first year of studies in France, students can apply for a multi-year residence permit.
Employee on Assignment For foreigners posted in France for a professional mission lasting more than a year.
Spouse of a French Citizen After the first year of marriage, the foreign spouse of a French citizen can apply for a multi-year residence permit.
Resident Card (Carte de résident)
  • This card is valid for 10 years and is generally renewable by right. It is issued to certain categories of foreigners after several years of regular residence in France.
Spouse of a French Citizen After 3 years of marriage to a French citizen and regular residence in France.
Parents of French Children After 3 years of regular residence with a French child in their care.
Foreign Workers After several years of work in France under a temporary or multi-year residence permit.
Refugee or Subsidiary Protection Beneficiary After 4 years of residence in France following the granting of refugee status.
Residence Permit for Humanitarian or Exceptional Reasons
  • In some cases, a temporary residence permit may be issued for humanitarian reasons or in exceptional circumstances, such as:
  • If medical care is necessary and cannot be obtained in the home country. Cooperation with French authorities in an investigation.
  • Steps for the First Application for a Residence Permit
  • Make an appointment at the prefecture - The application for a residence permit is usually made at the prefecture or sub-prefecture corresponding to your place of residence.
  • You will need to provide a number of documents, such as:
  • A valid passport.
  • A long-stay visa or a current residence permit.
  • Proof of residence.
  • Documents depending on the reason for the application (employment contract, school certificate, marriage certificate, etc.).
  • Fiscal stamps to cover the fees for issuing the card.
  • Proof of submission - After submitting your application, you will receive a certificate allowing you to stay in France while waiting for the issuance of the card.
  • Medical examination - In some cases, a medical examination with the French Office of Immigration and Integration (OFII) is required.
Long-Term EU Resident Card (Carte de résident longue durée - UE)
  • This card is granted to foreigners who have resided in France for at least 5 years continuously and regularly. It provides a 10-year residence right and can be automatically renewed. It also allows some mobility to other European Union countries under certain conditions.
Talent Passport Residence Permit (Carte de séjour "Talent")
  • The multi-year residence permit marked "talent passport" is issued to foreigners coming to France to engage in high-value professional activities. It is valid for up to 4 years and can be renewed.
Scientists Researchers, guest professors.
Artists Professionals in the cultural sector.
Highly Skilled Workers For workers with an employment contract in a French company for highly skilled positions.
Entrepreneurs Individuals wishing to create or take over a business in France.
Investors Direct investment in France.
Long-Stay Visa (Visa de Long Séjour)
  • More than 90 days, typically up to 1 year.
  • For long-term stays in France for various purposes.
Student Visa For those pursuing higher education in France.
Work Visa For employment, with different types based on the nature of work.
Family Visa For family reunification, such as joining a spouse or family member who is a French resident.
Visitor Visa For those who plan to stay in France long-term but do not intend to work or study.
Talent Passport Visa For skilled professionals, investors, entrepreneurs, artists, or highly qualified individuals making significant contributions to the French economy.

Work Visa
  • Purpose: For individuals coming to France for employment.
Salaried Employees For those with a job offer from a French company.
Highly Skilled Professionals This includes the Talent Passport for highly qualified professionals, researchers, or those with international expertise.
Temporary Worker Visa For short-term contracts or seasonal work.
Self-Employed Visa For freelancers or those starting their own business in France.

Talent Passport (Passeport Talent)
  • Purpose: For individuals who will significantly contribute to the French economy or culture.
  • Eligibility: Investors, entrepreneurs, artists, highly skilled professionals, researchers, or scientists.
Business Investor For those making a substantial investment in France.
Skilled Worker For individuals with a job offer in a highly skilled role.
Entrepreneur For those planning to establish a business in France.
Researchers and Scientists For conducting research or academic work.
Artists and Performers For creative professionals.

Family Visa (Regroupement Familial)

  • For family members (spouses, children) of French citizens or residents.
  • Spouses and minor children of French citizens or legal residents.
  • After arriving in France, family members can apply for a Carte de Séjour (residence permit) to stay long-term.

Student Visa

  • For pursuing education in France.
  • Admission to a French educational institution (university, language course, vocational training).
  • Typically issued for the length of the academic program, renewable.
  • Allows part-time work (up to 964 hours per year) while studying.

Visitor Visa

  • For individuals staying in France for more than 90 days but who do not intend to work or study.
  • Proof of financial resources and health insurance is required.
  • Up to 1 year, renewable.

Working Holiday Visa

  • For young adults (aged 18-30 or 35, depending on the country) who wish to travel and work in France for up to 12 months.
  • Available to citizens of certain countries (e.g., Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Japan).

Au Pair Visa

  • For young people (usually between 18-30 years old) who wish to live with a French family and work as an au pair in exchange for accommodation and a small stipend.
  • Typically issued for up to 1 year.

Research Visa

  • For academics, scientists, and researchers conducting research projects or academic work in France.
  • Requires a hosting agreement with a recognized French institution.
  • Matches the length of the research program or project.

Spouse of a French National Visa

  • For foreign nationals married to a French citizen.
  • The spouse of a French national who has been married for at least 4 years.
  • Typically issued for 1 year, renewable, and can lead to permanent residency.

Refugee or Asylum Seeker Visa

  • For individuals seeking asylum or refugee status in France due to persecution or threats in their home country.
  • Applicants must apply through the appropriate French or international agencies for refugee status.

Diplomatic and Official Visas

  • For diplomats, government officials, and their dependents for official duties in France.
  • Requires a diplomatic or official mission.