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.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Visa required to enter France as a South African citizen (YES/NO) | YES |
| Types of French visas available for South Africans | – tourist, – business visa, – digital nomad visa, – student visa, – work visa |
| Visa application made with | Consulate General of France in Johannesburg |
| Immigration authority in France | The French Office for Immigration and Integration |
| Main conditions for relocation to France from South Africa | – valid passport, – visa, – proof of accommodation, – health insurance, – proof of financial means, etc |
| Visa fee (YES/NO) | YES |
| Residency by real estate investments in France | Does not guarantee residency in France |
| Minimum investment for fast immigration to France | There is no specific program/ minimum investment. However, starting a business in France or investing in an existing company are options at hand. |
| Time frame to get French residency (approx.) | Between 45 and 60 days |
| What is the Talent Passport Scheme? | A special program that allows foreign citizens to start a business in France and obtain residency for 4 years |
| Digital nomad visa for South Africans | France doesn’t offer a digital nomad visa. Freelancers can relocate after getting one of the existing French visas. |
| Costs related to relocation to France from South Africa | For: visa, house rental, health insurance, packing, shipping, etc. |
| Processing time for French visas | A few days |
| Other relocation requirements for South African citizens | Long-term residency if the stay prolongs for more than 90 days |
| Working with our French immigration lawyers | We help citizens from South Africa to get the needed visa and residence permit for France. Contact us and discover our legal services at affordable prices. |
Table of Contents
For people planning to move to France from South Africa, there are several types of visas available. The most demanded visas are:
Get assistance from our immigration lawyers in France in order to decide which visa type suits your interests. Plus, you can also explore this infographic:
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:
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.
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:
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. You can also explore the following video presentation prepared by our team of lawyers on this topic:
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.
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:
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.
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:
Considering the high demand regarding immigration to France from all around the world, including South Africa, there are some impressive numbers to mention:
For more information and support in the matter of immigrating to France from South Africa, do not hesitate to contact us.