France•EuropeType C — Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C)
At a Glance
2–4 weeks
EUR €90
3 months
Not renewable
Renewal
Not renewable
Family
Not specified
PR Pathway
None
Sponsor
No job offer needed
Work
Remote not required

Living in France
Overview
Up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism, business, family visits, or transit across the Schengen Area.
The French Schengen Type C is a short-stay visa permitting non-EU nationals to spend up to 90 days in any 180-day period across the 29-country Schengen Area. A single visa covers tourism, business meetings, family visits, and transit — no separate permit needed for each member state.
The application fee is EUR 90 and travel insurance of at least €30,000 is mandatory. Processing typically takes 2–3 weeks, with up to 45 days in complex cases. The visa is strictly non-immigrant: no work authorization, no renewal, and no pathway to residency.
This visa is ideal for non-EU travelers making a short trip to France or multiple Schengen countries for tourism, business, or family purposes.

Curious about life in France?
Discover cost of living, salary benchmarks, tax rates, and quality of life — everything you need to know before you make the move.
Stay & Extensions
| Initial grant | 3 months |
Requirements
PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS
Valid passport
Travel insurance (€30,000)
Proof of purpose
Financial means
Proof of return
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Passport
Photos
Travel insurance
Invitation/hotel booking
Flight itinerary
Bank statements
Employment/enrollment letter
Application Process
Gather documents
Prepare passport, photos, proof of funds, accommodation, and travel insurance
Book appointment
Schedule visa application at French embassy or consulate
Submit application
Present documents and complete visa application form
Pay visa fee
EUR 90 for standard processing
Biometric data
Provide fingerprints and photo if required
Await decision
Processing typically takes 1-4 weeks
Collect passport
Pick up passport with visa at consulate
Application Forms
Go to application portal| Schengen visa application form Application for Schengen Visa (CERFA 14076-04) | Fill online |
Related visas
More visas in France
- Circulation Visa (Multiple-Entry)
Business
- Airport Transit Visa (Type A)
Transit
- Long-Stay Visitor Visa
Tourist
Business visas in other countries
- Visitor Visa (Subclass 600)
Australia
- Short-Term Visit Pass
Singapore
- Schengen Visitor Visa (Besøksvisum / C-visum)
Norway

Living in France
Ready to see if the Type C — Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) is your visa path?
Discover how your answers compare with the published requirements. 2 minutes. Free to use.
Start Visa Discovery