Visa Types
Important Links
(Ministry of External Affairs, India)
Tourist Place
Work in France
Apply to work in France, extend a work permit or hire a foreign worker.
What Is Schengen Visa?
The Schengen Visa is a type of visa that allows travelers to visit and travel within the Schengen Area, which is a group of 29 European countries that have abolished passport and other types of border control at their mutual borders. This means that a person with a Schengen Visa can move freely between these countries without having to go through immigration checks at the border.
To obtain a Schengen Visa, applicants need to apply at the embassy or consulate of the country they intend to visit or spend most of their time in. The visa allows for a stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period and can be used for tourism, business, or other purposes. However, the visa does not grant the holder the right to work or study in the Schengen Area.
Here Are The Schengen Area Countries As Of March 2024:
Schengen Area signifies a zone where 29 European countries abolished their internal borders(countries of Schengen agreement). Here is the list of the countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia , Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. These countries apply common policies in terms of short-term visas.
Key Points for France Work Visa >>>
Do you need a visa to travel to France?
To visit France, Indians will need a Schengen visa.
France visa application is made online or offline?
This visa application must be made online from the govt official website
Do I need to give biometrics?
Yes, biometrics are required to obtain a visa.
Is there an interview required to obtain a France visa?
No, an interview is not usually required to obtain a France visa, but it may vary. The embassy may interview you by phone or in person.
What is the maximum length of stay permitted on a work visa?
A short-stay visa with a maximum validity period of 180 days with a consecutive presence (or not) equal to at least 90 day
A long-stay visa equivalent to a 12-month residence permit (maximum)
What kind of visa will we acquire from France?
It will be a physical sticker visa, which will be affixed to a page on your passport
Current Visa fees: (Updated on 16-10-2023)
For a Work visa- 99 euros (€), or about 8,943 INR.
Step-by-step guide
Let us walk you through the process
Identify visa type:
- When applying for a visa to France as a Schengen State, it is crucial to determine the purpose of your visit, such as tourism, business, or education, to select the appropriate visa type.
- Consult the official website of the French embassy or consulate in your country to access detailed information on visa categories, requirements, and application procedures for Schengen visas.
- Ensure you meet the specific documentation, financial, and eligibility criteria for the chosen visa category to increase the chances of a successful visa application for France as a Schengen State.
Begin your application
To start your visa application process, visit the FRANCE-VISAS website and click on “2. Start your visa application.” You will need to create an account and answer questions online, which will fill in the visa application form for you. After completing the form, a list of required supporting documents and visa fees will be displayed. Then, visit the France-Visas page for information on scheduling an appointment. For information about Schengen Biometric Exemption, click the link provided.
Book your Appointment:
After completing your visa application, the next step is to book an appointment at a Visa Application Centre to provide biometric information, which includes your fingerprints and photo. You can choose a Visa Application Centre that is convenient for you and make an appointment through their online booking system or by contacting their customer service team.
Once you have made the appointment, you will receive an email confirming the details along with a letter of appointment. Please note that if you are traveling with family or a group, you will need to book individual appointments for each member.
Pay your Fees:
To find out how much you need to pay for your visa application, you can click on the link provided on the website which will redirect you to the page displaying the visa application fees. If payment of service fees online is not possible, then you will have to pay both the visa fees and service fees in person at the Visa Application Centre during your appointment.
Visit a Visa Application Centre:
Attend your appointment as planned.
Unless otherwise advised, you must personally deliver your filled-out visa application form to the visa application centre together with your supporting paperwork.
Track your Application:
After you have submitted your visa application, you will receive updates on the status of your application. You will receive an email and an SMS notification when your passport has been returned to the Visa Application Centre. Additionally, you can track the status of your visa application online through the France-Visas website. To access this service, go to “4. Track your application” on the website and enter your reference number and last name.
Collect your passport:
After you apply for a visa and it is processed, you can collect your passport and documents from the Visa Application Centre or have them delivered by courier, depending on your chosen mode of delivery. Third-party collection of documents or passports is generally not allowed, except in specific cases like immediate family members, group collections, or company representatives with authorization. If you choose courier delivery, you cannot change to counter delivery and vice versa. If a letter is included with the passport/envelope, you must collect it in person regardless of your chosen delivery method. You will need to bring a government ID card, the original ICR, and an authorization letter if someone else is collecting on your behalf.
DOCUMENT CHECKLIST
Here is a document checklist for applying for a work visa to France from India, covering different categories such as temporary work permit, employer-sponsored work permit, and self-employed work permit:
For Temporary Work Permit:
- Visa Application Form: Completed and signed visa application form.
- Passport: Original passport with at least two blank pages and a validity of at least three months beyond the intended stay.
- Passport-size Photographs: Recent color photographs.
- Employment Contract: A copy of your employment contract or letter of confirmation from the French employer.
- Work Permit: Proof of a valid temporary work permit or approval from the French authorities.
- Proof of Qualifications: Copies of educational certificates, degrees, and professional qualifications relevant to the position.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): A detailed CV outlining your educational background, work experience, and skills.
- Health Insurance: Proof of comprehensive health insurance coverage valid in France.
- Financial Documents: Bank statements to demonstrate your financial stability during your stay in France.
- Travel Itinerary: A detailed travel itinerary, including flight reservations.
- Travel Health Insurance: Proof of travel health insurance with coverage of at least 30,000 euros.
- Visa Fee: Payment receipt or proof of payment for the visa application fee.
- Birth Certificate: A copy of your birth certificate.
- No Objection Certificate (NOC): If currently employed, a letter from your employer granting permission to work in France.
For Employer-Sponsored Work Permit:
In addition to the documents mentioned above, provide:
- Attestation from the Employer: A letter from the French employer detailing the job offer, position, and duration of employment.
For Self-Employed Work Permit:
In addition to the documents mentioned above, provide:
- Business Plan: A detailed business plan outlining the nature of your self-employment activities and their viability in France.
- Proof of Funds: Evidence of sufficient funds to establish and sustain your self-employment in France.
- Business Registration: Documentation demonstrating the registration of your business in France.
Note that specific requirements may vary depending on your individual circumstances and the discretion of the French embassy or consulate. It’s advisable to consult the official website of the French embassy or consulate in India for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the work visa application process for each category.
VISA APPLICATION FORMS
To apply for a France work permit visa from India, the following application forms may be required:
Long Stay Visa Application Form: This is the main application form for a long-stay visa, which includes the work permit visa category. It collects personal information, travel details, and purpose of stay in France.
OFII Form: OFII (Office Français de l’Immigration et de l’Intégration) is a form that needs to be completed and submitted upon arrival in France. It provides information about the visa holder’s contact details, accommodation, and employment details.
Work Contract or Job Offer Letter: Depending on the specific requirements of your work permit visa application, you may need to provide a work contract or job offer letter from your prospective employer in France. This document should outline the terms and conditions of your employment, including job role, salary, and duration of employment.
Supporting Documents: Various supporting documents may be required to support your work permit visa application. These can include a valid passport, passport-sized photographs, educational certificates, CV/resume, proof of accommodation in France, proof of financial means, and any other documents specified by the French consulate or embassy.
It is important to note that the specific application forms and requirements may vary depending on the type of work permit visa you are applying for (e.g., intra-company transfer, skilled worker, researcher, etc.) and the specific procedures followed by the French consulate or embassy in India. It is recommended to visit the official website of the consulate or embassy or consult with the designated visa application center for accurate and up-to-date information on the application forms and requirements for a work permit visa to France.
VISA APPLICATION GUIDELINES:
Upon receiving a work permit for France, the following steps are typically involved in obtaining the work permit visa:
Gather Required Documents: Collect all the necessary documents for your visa application, including your passport, work permit approval letter, application forms, supporting documents (such as proof of accommodation, financial means, and travel insurance), and any other documents specified by the French consulate or embassy.
Complete Visa Application Form: Fill out the visa application form accurately and completely. This form usually requires personal information, details about your work permit, travel plans, and purpose of visit.
Schedule an Appointment: Visit the website of the French consulate or embassy in India and schedule an appointment for submitting your visa application. Make sure to select the appropriate visa category (such as work visa) and choose a convenient date and time for your appointment.
Attend Biometrics Appointment: On the scheduled date, visit the designated visa application center to submit your biometric data, which typically includes fingerprint scanning and photograph.
Submit Visa Application: Attend the visa appointment at the consulate or embassy and submit your visa application along with the required documents. The consular officer may ask you additional questions related to your work permit and purpose of stay in France.
Pay Visa Fee: Pay the applicable visa fee at the visa application center. The fee amount may vary depending on the visa type and duration of stay.
Track Application Status: After submitting your visa application, you can track the status of your application online or through the designated visa application center. Processing times may vary, so it is important to check the status regularly.
Collect Visa: Once your visa application is approved, collect your passport with the work permit visa from the visa application center or through a courier service, as per the instructions provided.
It is important to note that the specific procedures and requirements for obtaining a work permit visa for France may vary depending on the consulate or embassy handling the visa application. Therefore, it is recommended to visit the official website of the consulate or embassy or consult with the designated visa application center for accurate and up-to-date information on the visa application process.
Here are different ways to obtain a work permit in France from India, including their visa categories.
Temporary Work Permit (Autorisation de travail temporaire):
- Skills and Talents Permit (Carte de séjour “compétences et talents”): This permit is for highly skilled individuals in specific fields such as science, arts, culture, sports, or business. It requires a job offer or a project in France and proof of expertise in the chosen field.
- Intra-Company Transfer Permit (Carte de séjour “salariéen mission”): This permit is for employees being transferred within a multinational company to work in France. It requires a valid employment contract and an assignment letter from the foreign employer.
Employer-Sponsored Work Permit (Autorisation de travail pour salariédétaché):
- Work Visa (Visa de travail): This visa is for individuals who have been hired by a French employer. The employer must provide a job offer, and the applicant must demonstrate that they possess the necessary qualifications and skills for the position.
- Seconded Employee Visa (Visa “salariédétaché”): This visa is for employees temporarily assigned to work in a French company by their foreign employer. The employee must have a work contract with the foreign employer and an assignment letter from the French company.
- European Blue Card (Carte bleueeuropéenne): This card is for highly skilled professionals who have a job offer in France in a field that requires a high level of qualification. It is similar to a work permit and allows the holder to work and reside in France.
- Scientific Researcher Visa (Visa “chercheurscientifique”): This visa is for researchers and scientists who intend to conduct research activities in France. It requires an invitation letter from a French research organization or institution and proof of academic qualifications.
Self-Employed Work Permit (Autorisation de travail pour travailleurindépendant):
- Professional Card (Carte professionnelle): This card is for self-employed individuals who want to establish a business or provide services in France. It requires a detailed business plan, proof of financial means, and proof of professional qualifications.
- The specific requirements and application processes may vary for each category. It is recommended to consult the official website of the French Embassy or Consulate in India or seek professional advice to understand the detailed requirements and procedures for each visa category.
Step 1 - Gather information on your situation
Seek information and check if you need a visa or not
This portal helps you gather the information you will need before submitting your visa application online like the visa requirements, as well as the visa fees and required supporting documents.
Step 2 - Set up my online application
Fill out the visa application form
To submit a visa application, you must provide at least the following:
A travel document (original + copy) in good condition, issued less than 10 years ago, with at least two blank pages, which is valid for at least three months and two recent ID pictures in ISO/IECI format (pdf)
Before validating and printing out your application, you will be asked to create a personal account with your email address to save your partially- or fully-completed form. After this step, you will receive the list of required supporting documents and have the opportunity to book your appointment.
Step 3 - Book your appointment
Make an appointment with the visa application centre
You will find all the necessary details to make an appointment on the country of application page.
Step 4 - Submit your application
You must attend your appointment with all the required documents. Also bring a copy of each document, including the passport and a copy of its ID pages.
The service provider (or consulate) will receive you, review your application, collect the visa fee, collect your biometric data (photo and fingerprints) and keep your passport and copies of all your supporting documents in order to forward them to the consulate.
The visa application process will take approximately 20 minutes at the visa centre.
Step 5 - Track your application
Tracking your application and collecting your passport
You can track the progress of your application. For details, go to our Track the Progress of your application page.
You will be notified when your passport is ready for collection from the visa centre where you applied. Visa applications are generally processed within 15 days. This period can be extended up to 45 days in particular cases if the examination of the application justifies it.
In some instances, the passport can be sent by postal services.