These visas are delivered by the French diplomatic authorities in the country of origin of the applicant. They have the right to refuse to deliver this visa. Foreigners who have entered regularly one of the countries party to the Shengen agreement can also enter the other countries. There are two types of visa; the short term visa which is valid for a duration of 3 months, and the long term visa for those who wish to stay longer.

 

Visas & Formalities

 

 

Foreigners wishing to visit or live in France must go through certain formalities. Requirements for a "carte de sejour" will depend on your country of origin. Because of the economic crisis and the desire to control immigration legislation has been toughened up in recent years. Because of this it is necessary to distinguish between European Union nationals and those of other countries.

European Union nationals

Natinals of the European union benefit from the principle of the liberty of circulation as well as the liberty to work in the fifteen member countries. These rights are guaranteed by the Treaty of Rome of 1957, the Single European Act of 1986, as well as the Community Charter of 1989. The decree of 11 March1994 allows nationals of the European Union to enter France by simply presenting their passport or identy card. Only for reasons of public order can someone be refused admitance.

European union nationals have the right to stay in France but have to apply for a "carte de séjour" if the wish to remain more than 3 months. This can be done at the town hall or the commissariat. The carte de séjour is valid for a duration of 5 years. At the end of this period it will be either renewed for 10 years or 1 year if the person has been unemployed for the last 12 months.

Nationals of countries outside the European Union:

Nationals of countries with which France has not signed a convention must supply certain documents so as to gain admittance to France:

Documents concerning the object and conditions of ones stay (tourism, business, private visit)
Documents showing means of existence and guarantees of repatriation
Conditions of stay

"Temporary carte de séjour"

The temporary carte de séjour has to be applied for within two months of arrival in France. The applicant must supply a medical certificate and proof of means of subsistence. The carte de séjour is valid for one year. It can be renewed every year at the discretion of the authorities.

"Carte de résident"

The carte de résident is valid for a duration of 10 years. It gives one the right to work as well as to live in France. The benifit of this card is lost if the owner resides during more than 3 consecutive years abroad.