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2 ways to enter

France visas

France business visa

Eligible travellers can make short business visits without a visa. Others use a short-stay Schengen visa.

Ways to get a France business visa

  1. Visa-free business visit

    No visa needed

    Ordinary passport holders from the listed countries and territories can make short business visits without a visa.

    Stay
    Up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

  2. Short-stay Schengen visa for business

    Visa needed

    Business visitors who require a visa and meet the application requirements can apply.

    Stay
    Up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
    Valid for
    For the intended trip, or up to five years for some visas.
    Entries
    One, two or multiple entries.
    Fee
    EUR 90 standard. Other fee rules and an external service fee of up to EUR 120 may apply.
    Processing
    Within 15 calendar days for an admissible application with no issues.
    1. Apply through the embassy or consulate for the main destination, or its external application provider.
    2. Submit no more than six months before entry.
    3. Attend the first-application interview and provide any required fingerprints and photograph.
    4. Pay the applicable fee and await the decision.

Who needs it

Business visitors who are not covered by visa-free entry or another exemption need a visa.

Who doesn't

Ordinary passport holders from the listed visa-free countries and territories can visit for business for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

How to apply

  1. Apply to France's embassy or consulate if France is your main destination.
  2. Submit the application no more than six months before entry.
  3. Attend in person and have an interview for your first application. Provide fingerprints and a digital photograph if required.
  4. Pay the applicable fee and await the decision.

What to bring

  • Travel document.
  • Supporting application documents.
  • Fingerprints and a digital photograph, if required.

Good to know

  • Keep within the shared Schengen short-stay limit.
  • For visa-free entry, show enough funds and explain the purpose and arrangements of your visit.
  • Permission for a business visit does not by itself explain which paid work activities are allowed. France has separate work rules.

Questions

Do I need a business visa for France?

Business visitors who are not covered by visa-free entry or another exemption need a visa. Ordinary passport holders from the listed visa-free countries and territories can visit for business for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

What are the ways to get a business visa for France?

There are 2 options: Visa-free business visit (no visa at all); Short-stay Schengen visa for business (a visa from an embassy).

Who can go to France without a business visa?

Ordinary passport holders from the listed countries and territories can make short business visits without a visa.

How long can I stay on a France business visa?

Up to 90 days in any 180-day period across the Schengen Area.

How much does a France business visa cost?

Standard Schengen visa fee: EUR 90. Exemptions, reductions, increases and external service fees may apply.

How long does a France business visa take?

Within 15 calendar days for an admissible application with no issues; appointment shortages and delays can occur.

How long is a France business visa valid?

For the intended trip, or up to five years for some visas. Entries: One, two or multiple entries, as granted..

What documents do I need for a France business visa?

Travel document.; Supporting application documents.; Fingerprints and a digital photograph, if required..

How do I apply for a France business visa?

1. 1. Apply to France's embassy or consulate if France is your main destination. 2. 2. Submit the application no more than six months before entry. 3. 3. Attend in person and have an interview for your first application. Provide fingerprints and a digital photograph if required. 4. 4. Pay the applicable fee and await the decision.

What rules do I have to follow on a France business visa?

Keep within the shared Schengen short-stay limit. For visa-free entry, show enough funds and explain the purpose and arrangements of your visit.

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