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School-Going Minor Visa
FranceFrance•Europe
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School-Going Minor Visa

Work

At a Glance

Processing Time

2-4 weeks

Estimated Cost

EUR €149

Stay Duration

11 months

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Not specified

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Apply Now Official Information
France flag

Living in France

Cost of Living
4% cheaper than United States
Avg Salary€31,000
Quality of Life
173/200
Full Country Guide

Overview

Long-stay visa for minors under 18 whose parents are not in France, attending school or language/sports courses for periods exceeding 90 days.

The School-Going Minor visa is a French long-stay visa for foreign children under 18 whose parents do not reside in France, attending a recognized primary, secondary, language, or sports institution for more than 90 days. It covers minors who fall outside standard adult student or visitor categories.

The visa permits an 11-month stay, renewable until the child turns 18, with no post-arrival registration needed. Applicants must show financial means of at least EUR 7,380, provide parental authorization, and designate a guardian in France. No work rights or permanent residence pathway are available.

This visa is ideal for foreign minors enrolled in a French school or language/sports program whose parents live abroad and who need a structured independent stay exceeding 90 days.

France

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Cost Breakdown

Standard application feeEUR €99
EEF procedure application feeEUR €50
TotalEUR €149

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

Student Visa (Type D)
France flagFrance

Student Visa (Type D)

ValidityDuration of program
Processing2 weeks – 2 months
View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must be under 18 years old at the start of the visa validity.

Parents must not be residents of France.

Must be enrolled in a primary or secondary educational institution in France.

Must have a designated guardian or respondent in France.

Must provide parental authorization for the stay.

Must have international medical insurance.

Must demonstrate sufficient financial means to cover the stay.

KEY CRITERIA

Min. Income

7,380 EUR/yr

Min. Savings

7,380 EUR

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport.

Registration certificate from a French school.

Parental authorization letter signed by legal guardians.

Proof of accommodation in France.

Proof of financial support (e.g., bank statements, sponsorship letter).

International medical insurance certificate.

Birth certificate (translated into French).

Copies of parents' identification documents.

Contact details of a designated respondent/guardian in France.

Long-stay visa application form.

Application Process

1

Enroll child in school

Obtain school enrollment in France

2

Arrange accommodation

Secure accommodation with guardian or host family

3

Gather documents

Collect enrollment, accommodation, and health information

4

Apply for visa

Submit application at French consulate

5

Pay fee

EUR 99 visa fee

6

Await decision

4-8 weeks processing

7

Validate visa

Online validation within 3 months of arrival

Application Forms

Go to application portal
School-Going Minor Visa Application—

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