France is one of Europe’s strongest economies and boasts a large and viable population. Its manufacturing, aerospace, and textiles industries comprise a large part of the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP), this position has made France to be a well-sought-after nation for commerce and merchandise thereby attracting investors from all over the globe.
A France Business visa is an authorization to enter France and stay here for a period of up to 90 days within six months, as permitted. It permits its holder to engage in business-related activities as the following:
- Attending meetings or conferences.
- Conducting or attending training.
- Conducting internal audits.
- Installing equipment or performing other temporary services for a client, local affiliate or branch office.
Rights and Limitations of a Business Visa Holder in France
A business visa in France permits holders to do several activities either as a self-employed or an employee
As self-employed workers holders of a business visa to France can :
- Conduct internal audits
- Meet and undertake work for clients e.g. installing equipment
- Attend conferences within your field
- Start or take part in self-employed activities
As an employee, you will be able to:
- Undertake any services as instructed by your employer
- Take part in training and conferences
- Work for a fixed period for a French employer e.g. seasonal or temporary work
- Work in France as part of intra-group transfers
There are also additional rights and limitations depending on your field. For example, if you are a medical professional or a teacher then you will need to meet additional criteria and if you are working in one of France’s developing areas and are classed as ‘international talent’ then your family may be able to accompany you. France is also more lenient towards young employees.
Requirements
Applicants for a France Visa will need the list below to follow through with their visa application:
- Two passport-style photos that have been taken within the last 3 months
- A valid passport that has at least 3 more months of validity and two blank pages
- Proof that you have paid your visa fee
- A travel itinerary detailing what you intend to do in France, how you plan to travel, and evidence of your return travel
- Proof of financial means such as bank statements or an employment contract
- Proof of your accommodation in France such as reservations or reception letters
- A certificate of your criminal record with no ongoing cases
- Evidence of your medical insurance that must cover the Schengen Area for at least €30,000
- Copies of visas to any previous countries
- Documents that prove your business intentions
There are also several documents you will require that depend on your occupation status.
If you are self-employed, you will also need:
- A copy of your business license
- A company bank statement from within the previous 6 months
- Income Tax Return documents
If you are employed, you will also need:
- A bank statement from within the previous 6 months
- Leave permission from the employer
- A copy of your employment contract
- Income Tax Return documents
It is worth noting that you may be asked for additional documents, depending on the type of visa you are applying for and the nature of the work you intend to undertake. If this is applicable then this will be explained by your visa consular during your interview.
Fees and Costs Associated with a Business Visa Application in France
For those applying from Schengen countries as well as Ukraine, Russia, Georgia, and Kosovo, the fee for a Business visa is €35. However, the fee for UK citizens is €80 and this covers the costs involved with processing the visa application.
There are, however, some notable exceptions for this fee, but only for the following types of people:
- Spouses of French citizens
- Seasonal workers
- Scientific researchers
- Language assistants and teaching assistants
- Foreigners who teach French
- Family members of a citizen of the EU or Switzerland
- Anybody who hotels a diplomatic or service passport
- Children under the age of 6
- Primary or secondary school students on a study visit, and accompanying teachers
- Anybody who has received a French study grant
There are also Residence Permit fees that will need to be paid, but these are separate from the visa application. It is best to ask your visa consular about this at the end of your interview if you are uncertain or you can hire one of our team at Total Law for clarification of this process.
How to Apply
Interested business travellers to France using a business Visa will need to first apply online via FRENCH VISA PORTAL and fill out the forms accurately, upon the completion of the form applicant will be required to make an appointment with the relevant authorities in your country at this stage, either online or by phone. For the UK, this will likely be the French embassy in London. You will need to make sure the date of application is between two weeks and three months of your departure date. Summarily Depending on the French authorities in your country of residence, there are a few options where you may have to submit your France business visa application. This could be any of the following:
- The French embassy or consulate in your country of residence.
- A visa-processing center in charge of visa admission on behalf of French authorities, in your country of residence.
- One of the two authorities listed above, located in a neighbouring country, to which French authorities in your home country have outsourced visa processing.
Processing Time for a Business Visa in France
In general, French embassies aim to respond to visa applications in 2 weeks, which is why they ask for applications to be made no less than two weeks before the departure date.
However, the actual processing time can vary depending on several factors including:
- The embassy you applied from
- The type of visa you are applying for
- The nature of the work you intend to undertake
- The verification of your documents
- Whether any additional documents are required or not
- Capacity at the time of application
If the embassy thinks your application decision will take longer than two weeks then they will usually inform you of this. If it has been two weeks and you are still waiting to hear from your local embassy then it is best to get in touch with them to make sure there have been no complications.
Renewing or Extending a Business Visa in France
If you have a French Business visa and wish for it to be renewed or extended then, as a general rule of thumb, the French authorities prefer you to exit the country and apply for a new visa instead.
However, several exceptional circumstances justify a renewal or extension, and these are the following:
- If you cannot return to your country because of serious events that have transpired during your stay, such as natural disasters, major political events, extreme weather conditions, and the cancellation of travel
- Humanitarian reasons that are linked to the person who has been granted a Business visa, such as medical issues or close family events
- If your business purposes were unable to be concluded within the given period
For your case to be considered, it is important to make your application for a renewal or extension before your current visa expires. Your application can be made to the local Prefecture (district) within France.
You will need the following documents for a successful application:
- A visa extension application form
- A valid passport that shows your original visa
- Confirmation of your return travel
- A written request for an extension
- Two passport photographs
- A document detailing the reasons for your request such as a certificate from your employer or a medical certificate