France Visa Application Requirements for Indian Nationals
If you intend to apply for a French visa for tourism/private stay or business, you can go through this French Visa Guide and prepare your visa application without involving a visa consultant.
The French visa application requirements differ depending on the nationality and I am unveiling the information for Indian Nationals. Other Nationals can visit the official visa website for France visa and explore the information, they require.
Whether you are traveling to France for tourism or business activity, you need to submit a bundle of supporting documents to the Consulate General of France.
Here’s the checklist of required documents to apply for France Visitor Visa as well as France Business Visa. Choose the type of French visa based on the purpose of your travel and go through the relevant French Visa Checklist.
France tourist visa vs France Business Visa
France Tourist Visa (short-stay uniform Schengen visa) permits you to travel France for tourism or private stay. This visa category doesn’t allow you to be involved in professional activities in the Schengen area. In case you are visiting France for the medical treatment, consultation with a doctor or to get aftercare in the hospital, the visa requirement remains the same and you need to apply for a short-stay uniform Schengen visa.
You need to apply for France Business Visa (short stay French visa) if you are proposing to attend or participate in business activities like seminars, conferences or trade fairs in France. In this situation, you require to submit an invitation or sponsor letter provided by the partner or company in France.
French Visa Application Guidelines
Visa Application Process
- Collect visa application supporting documents
- Keep your France visa application fees ready
- Sign up online
- Fill out application form
- Book an appointment at the authorized service center
- Submit your application along with biometrics
- Track your application and be ready to collect the passport with the decision.
General requirements to apply for French Visa
France Tourist Visa Requirement (Short Stay Visa Not Exceeding 3 Months)
Essential Documents
- A valid travel document (passport) having a minimum validity of 3 months extending the intended date of leaving the Schengen area. The passport should have at least 2 blank pages for France visa and stamps.
- France visa application form duly completed and signed. Fill the information carefully as the Embassy declares the result based on the information provided by you. A vague information can cause a delay in the result or refusal of visa application.
- Two latest photographs (not older than 6 months) having dimension 35 mm x 45 mm, white background and 80% face closure. Avoid caps, spectacles or other things that hide eyes or ears.
- A covering letter that should state the purpose of your travel, your personal & professional details, financial status facts and details of sponsor person (if your trip is sponsored by the family, relatives or a friend).
Proof of Travel and Accommodation
- Day-wise itinerary of your intended France trip.
- Confirmed round air ticket.
- Confirmation of a hotel or hostel booking, tenancy agreement. In case you are intending to stay with an individual, you need to submit the Cerfa form as proof of accommodation.
Proof of Funds
- Bank statement for the last 3 months. The embassy analyses the average balance of the bank account during the specified period and if the income statement justifies with the account maintained.
- Proof of fixed deposits, investments and other possessions (optional).
- PF statement.
- If self-employed: Bank statement of the company.
- If your trip is sponsored by someone else, submit the financial documents of the sponsor.
Proof of Employment
- If employed: NOC from the company stating your leave, salary slips for the last 3 months, employment contract, and certificate of employment.
- If self-employed: Company registration certificate.
Proof of Taxation
- ITRs for the last 3 years or form 16.
- 3 GSTRs (if self-employed).
Insurance Policy
- Copy of travel medical insurance policy with the coverage of at least 30,000 Euros.
Civil Status and socio-professional status proof (whatever applicable)
- Birth certificate, school or college attendance certificate, marriage certificate, or proof of pension.
Minor Applicants
- Copy of travel documents of parents or guardians. If the minor applicant is traveling with one parent, the written consent of another parent is required. If the minor is traveling alone or with the third person (relative or friend), the written consent of both parents or guardians is essential.
France Business Visa Requirement (Short Stay Visa Not Exceeding 3 Months)
Essential Documents
- A valid travel document (passport) having a minimum validity of 3 months extending the intended date of leaving the Schengen area. The passport should have at least 2 blank pages for France visa and stamps.
- France visa application form duly completed and signed. Fill the information carefully as the Embassy declares the result based on the information provided by you. A vague information can cause a delay in the result or refusal of visa application.
- Two latest photographs (not older than 6 months) having dimension 45 mm x 35 mm, white background and 80% face closure. Avoid caps, spectacles or other things that hide eyes or ears.
Purpose of Travelling to France
- Invitation from the host company in France for attending or participating in business activity, conference, seminar or professional event.
- A covering letter by the company stating the purpose of travel. The letter should be stamped & signed by the authorized person.
Proof of Travel and Accommodation
- Day-wise itinerary of your intended France trip.
- Confirmed round air ticket.
- Confirmation of a hotel or hostel booking, tenancy agreement. In case you are intending to stay with an individual, you need to submit the Cerfa form as proof of accommodation.
Proof of Funds
- Bank statement for the last 3 months. The embassy analyses the average balance of the bank account during the specified period and if the income statement justifies with the account maintained.
- Proof of fixed deposits, investments and other possessions (optional).
- PF statement.
- If self-employed: Bank statement of the company.
- If your trip is sponsored by someone else, submit the financial documents of the sponsor.
Proof of Employment
- If employed: NOC from the company stating your leave, salary slips for the last 3 months, employment contract, and certificate of employment.
- If self-employed: Company registration certificate.
Proof of Taxation
- ITRs for the last 3 years or form 16.
- 3 GSTRs (if self-employed).
Insurance Policy
- Copy of travel medical insurance policy with the coverage of at least 30,000 Euros.
France Visa Application Fees
- France Tourist Visa Fees Euros 60 or INR 4,725/-
- France Business Visa Fees Euros 60 or INR 4,725/-
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