Please note: the information provided on this website may change depending on the regulations in effect when you arrive in France. The conditions governing entry to and residence in France are the exclusive prerogative of the French government.
Understanding Your Profile and Residence formalities
If you are planning to study or do research in France, you need to check the relevant entry requirements. These vary depending on your nationality, your status, the length of your stay and your financial resources. Gather information beforehand so that you can prepare for formalities and for your stay as well as possible.
Depending on your situation, visit the “Student Visa” or “Scientific Visa” page before starting any procedure on external websites. The Welcome Desk website brings together all the essential information to save you time in your upcoming procedures!
Nationality and visa requirements
Nationals of the European Union, the European Economic Area and the Swiss Confederation
You do not need a visa. You can stay, study or work in France as long as you have a valid identity card.
Nationals of third countries (outside the European Union, the European Economic Area and the Swiss Confederation)
You need a visa, even for short-term stays. You must apply for a visa with the French consulate in your country of residence.
Length of stay and visa category
For a stay of less than 3 months
Apply for a Schengen short-stay visa for studies, entrance exams, internships or research assignments.
For a stay of more than 3 months
There are different types of visa, depending on the purpose and duration of your stay and whether you intend to settle in France permanently.
Apply for a temporary long-stay visa (VLS-T), a long-stay visa equivalent to a residence permit (VLS-TS) or a long-stay visa (VLS) leading to an application for a residence permit, depending on your situation.
Level of funding and visa category
When you submit your visa application, you will be asked to provide proof of your stay in France, including proof of accommodation, financial resources (including for stays of less than three months), insurance, etc.
In some cases, the level of monthly funding you can provide proof of determines the type of visa you can apply for (for example, the VLS TS Talent Passport - Researcher).
Coming to France with your family
For a stay of less than 3 months
Holding a Schengen short-stay visa does not give you any special rights to bring your family to France or have it stay in France. Each member of your family must undertake his or her own formalities to obtain a Schengen short-stay visa.
For a stay of more than 3 months
If your family is accompanying you to France for more than three months, your spouse and children also need a long-stay visa to enter France and a residence permit to remain here legally.
If you hold a Talent Passport - Researcher visa, your family can apply for a Talent Passport - Family visa.
If you are an Algerian national who holds a Scientist - Researcher residence certificate, your family can apply for a Private and Family Life (Vie privée et familiale)visa.
