EU citizens can relocate to France without a visa, compared to non-EU/EEA residents who will have to observe the immigration rules imposed. Short-stay and long-stay visas are required to enter France and all the conditions can be explained by one of our French immigration lawyers who can also provide legal assistance and support for all visa applications. The next step after obtaining the French visa is to apply for the residence permit in France, a matter where our advisors can help.
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Short-stay visas are available for 90 days, meaning that foreigners can stay up to 3 months in France with this kind of visa, followed by a new application if it is the case. The application starts if all the documents are provided, such as a valid passport, medical insurance, proof of financial status for the entire stay in France, the purpose of the stay (work, visits, delegations, etc.) and the return tickets. Once the short-stay visa is granted, a temporary permit should be issued by the French authorities. It is recommended to apply in time for a short-term visa, within a couple of months by soliciting the legal assistance and advice from our immigration lawyers in France. It is important to note that a short-stay visa with validity until the 15th of May has been automatically extended for 6 months due to the COVID-19 health crisis.
A French long-stay visa is equivalent to a Schengen visa and can be issued respecting the following conditions:
In the case of foreign workers immigrating to France, the employer will have to issue a letter of approval, plus a copy of the work contract. In the same area, sole traders in France will have to provide the business license and the Income Tax Return at the time the visa application file is consolidated. The legal support of our French immigration attorneys will prove essential throughout the entire visa application process because foreigners might not know all the details related to immigration in France.
The rules for minimum residency in France before one can apply for permanent residency or even citizenship are clearly outlined for all law-abiding foreign nationals who remain in the country based on a valid residence permit and who work and pay their taxes accordingly. Our immigration lawyers can help you understand the rules for obtaining permanent residency or citizenship, should this be your next step.
Our team also offers assistance for those who have made their move permanent and wish to apply for French citizenship.
In the case of foreign students who want to attend prestigious colleges in France, a Schengen visa is required, with the mention that proof of enrolment is required, alongside a ‘no objection letter” issued by the chosen university. This type of document, also known as “no objection certificate for visa” states that foreign students will return to their home countries as soon as the courses are finished. Such a letter is seen as protection or responsibility on behalf of foreigners who will have to respect the purpose of their stay, as long as the Schengen visa is valid. You can solicit extra information about this kind of letter from our French immigration lawyers who can prepare your visa application.
Students who wish to remain in the country can discuss with our lawyers about the residence permit in France. We are at your service if you want to apply for France residency by investment.
There are specific categories of citizens who must apply for a visa for French Overseas territories. For example, US nationals entering France for journalism, Hong-Kong, and Macao citizens alongside the ones from Canada, Japan, Mexico, Australia, and Singapore who accepted jobs in France will have to apply for a visa. It is important to know that during the emergency period due to the pandemic crisis, the visa applications have been put on hold by the French authorities. For further details, you can talk to one of our advisors. We have also gathered information about immigration in France that you might find it interesting:
Our team can provide more details about short and long stays in the country and information on the conditions to obtain French citizenship.
Persons interested in immigration conditions in France are invited to talk to our team of immigration lawyers in France who can provide legal support. Please feel free to contact our team at any time and ask for legal assistance and guidance tailored to your needs.