The process of relocating to France from South Africa can be efficient through obtaining the appropriate visa. This guide will offer relevant information regarding the visa application process for immigrating to France from South Africa. Below, you will find the various visa categories, necessary documentation, and the steps involved in the application process – information offered by our immigration lawyers in France.
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Visa categories for France
For people planning to move to France from South Africa, there are several types of visas available. The most demanded visas are:
- Tourist visa: this visa is intended for South African individuals visiting France for leisure. It is possible to decide on a single-entry or multiple-entry visa, both of them granting stays of up to 90 days.
- Business visa: South African citizens planning to move to France for business reasons can apply for this visa, which also permits a 90-day stay within a three-month period.
- Digital nomad visa: this special visa caters to those wishing to live and work in a foreign country while maintaining a nomadic lifestyle. South African applicants can secure this visa for stays of up to 90 days.
- Student visa;
- Work visa.
Get assistance from our immigration lawyers in France in order to decide which visa type suits your interests.
Required documents to obtain the French visa
Before beginning the visa application process, it’s crucial to gather the necessary documents, which can vary based on the type of visa you are applying for. Here are some important requirements in order to relocate to France from South Africa:
- visa application form completed and signed;
- two passport-sized photographs;
- proof of accommodation in France (hotel booking or rental agreement);
- proof of financial stability to show the stay in France can be supported;
- travel insurance documentation.
Depending on the visa type, additional documents may be necessary, for instance, proof of employment or a letter of enrollment for student visas. Our immigration lawyers in France are at your disposal to offer support in this matter.
Visa application steps to move to France from South Africa
Once the documents have been compiled, you can begin the visa application process. Depending on the preferences, you may opt for a traditional sticker visa or an online application. Regarding the visa application through the online procedure, find below the method:
- Complete the visa application form;
- Present proof that shows the visa fee has been paid (fees vary depending on the visa type);
- Submit your application: after ensuring all information is accurate, submit your completed application along with the required documents.
If approved, the visa will be received electronically. In order to make this process as efficient as possible, our team of specialized immigration lawyers in France can provide all the guidance required.
Processing timeline for the French visa
The time it takes to process visa applications can differ and is dependent on the French Embassy. Typically, visa processing time for immigration to France can range from a few days to several weeks, influenced by the specific visa type and the current volume of applications being handled. Certain visa applications may require extended processing times.
Move to France from South Africa long-term
In contrast to a tourist visa, a temporary residence permit allows you to reside in France for an entire year and can be renewed while you are in the country. There are no limits on the number of renewals, enabling you to maintain your residency. As a resident, you’ll also be able to travel freely throughout the European Schengen area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without needing additional visas for other countries.
The temporary residence permit can serve as a stepping stone toward permanent residency in France. After five years of residency, you can apply for a 10-year residence card as well as pursue French citizenship.
Upon arriving in France with your VLS-TS (Visa de Long Séjour Temporaire), obtaining a French residence permit becomes necessary. This permit grants foreigners the right to reside in France for a designated duration and is typically issued to individuals who:
- Are required to obtain a residence permit upon their arrival;
- Wish to extend their stay in France beyond the expiration of their VLS-TS;
- Are initially granted a multi-year visa;
- Qualify for indefinite residency in France.
If you plan to move to France from South Africa for a longer period and become a resident here, our team of specialized immigration lawyers in France is at your disposal.
French citizenship
Under certain conditions, it is possible to obtain citizenship in France, followed by some requirements. Naturalization is the most common way to obtain citizenship as a foreigner, including those from South Africa. One of the most important criteria is about proving residency in France for a specific period of time. Below, you can find the most important ways to obtain French citizenship:
- you have lived in France for five years or longer and you can prove your residency in France;
- you have a refugee status;
- you are a native French speaker;
- you have completed military service in the French armed forces;
- you served in the French army or an allied army during wartime;
- you have made exceptional contributions to France;
Immigration to France data
Considering the high demand regarding immigration to France from all around the world, including South Africa, there are some impressive numbers to mention:
- In 2023, 3.5 million people who were born in Africa lived in France, in total;
- Africa represents the leading continent regarding immigration to France with 48% from the total number of immigrants;
- In 2023, net migration rate in France was of 0.963 per 1000 population, with 9.06% increase compared to 2022.
For more information and support in the matter of immigrating to France from South Africa, do not hesitate to contact us.
