France Business Visa for Indians

If you are planning a business trip to France from India, you must apply for a France Business Visa, which is a Schengen Type C visa. This visa is required for short-term business activities such as meetings, conferences, training programs, or trade fairs. Since visa-on-arrival is not available for Indians, you need to apply in advance. Before applying, it is important to clearly understand the visa type and validity, the application process, fees, required documents, and processing timelines to avoid delays or rejection.

France business visa for Indian

You can apply for France business visa from India if you are traveling to France for business related work such as:

1. Attending trade fairs, exhibitions or conferences
2. Joining professional training, seminars or internal company audits
3. Going for business meetings or contract discussions

Note –

The France business visa is Schengen Type C (short-stay) visa. It allows you to stay for up to 90 days within any 180 day period. This visa is only for short business visits. It does not allow you to work long term or live in France.

What is a uniform France Schengen visa? 

A uniform France Schengen visa or a short-stay visa is issued by the Schengen area member country for short term visit to the countries. This visa is meant only for temporary travel and does not allow long stays.

The maximum stay allowed under this visa is 90 days within a 180 day period. Indian citizens can use this visa to visit France for business purposes for short time.

The visa can be issued as single entry or multiple entry visa, depending on your travel plan and invitation. Since France is part of the Schengen area, Indian travelers must have this visa to enter France for short term business visits.

France business visa fees for Indian

The France business visa fee depends on the applicant’s age and must be paid per applicant.

• Visa Fee (Adults): €90
• Visa Fee (Children aged 6–12 years): €45

In addition to the visa fee, VFS Global charges service fee of €22 per applicant.

Please note that the visa fee and VFS service fee are separate charges. The VFS service fee covers application handling and biometric submission during your appointment. Both fees must be paid at the time of submitting your application.

How to apply for France Business visa for Indians?

Follow this procedure to apply and submit the application for France business visa for Indians: 

1. Visit the official France Visas website and create your account. Select the option to apply for a France Schengen visa.
2. After registration, fill out the visa application form carefully.
3. Upload all required documents and submit the application online.
4. You need to book an appointment for France visa at one of the Visa application centers.
5. Go to the VFS centre on your appointment day. Carry all documents and a printed copy of the application confirmation.
6. Submit your biometrics and the France business visa fee for Indians at the centre 
7. On approval of visa, collect passport with visa stamped on it

France business visa requirements for Indian

You need to keep the following documents in place to apply for a France business visa:

Passport

• A valid Indian passport with at least 2 blank pages
• Passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your travel ends
• The passport should not be damaged, torn, or altered

Passport sized photograph 

• The photo must be taken against a white surface
• The dimension of the photo should be 35×45 mm (length – 45mm, breadth – 35mm)
• You must carry at least 2 photocopies 
• Do not wear any glasses in the picture
• The ears must be visible 
• Avoid headgear unless worn for religious reasons
• Do not show your teeth while the photograph is being taken

Flight ticket

• The tickets must involve both ongoing and return itinerary.
• It must be a confirmed round-trip flight ticket

Travel Insurance 

• Travel insurance must cover your entire stay in France
• It should cover medical emergencies, accidents, or injuries

Bank statement

• Submit bank statements for the last 6 months
• Income proof or IT returns may also be required
• The statement must be original, from a savings bank account, stamped and signed by the bank

The invitation letters 

• Invitation letter must be issued by a French company
• It should clearly mention purpose of travel, dates of visit, sponsorship details (if any)
• The letter must have – Company stamp, signature, name and designation of the signing authority, contact details

France business visa processing time

The France Embassy or Consulate processes the visa application. France business visa processing time is up to 10 to 15 working days, but it may take longer during peak seasons or if additional documents are required.

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FAQs

Can I visit other Schengen countries with a business visa for France?

As written in the Schengen agreement, you are allowed to visit any country in the Schengen region with a Schengen visa. However, our destinations must be predetermined l during the application process.

Can I apply for an extension of my visa?

No, you are not allowed to overstay in France once your visa has expired. To avoid this situation, decide your dates beforehand and make the air tickets accordingly.

Is France's business visa appointment compulsory?

Yes, it is mandatory to schedule and meet with the appointment in your nearest France embassy.

If my application gets rejected, do I get a refund of the visa application fee?

In case your visa application gets rejected, you will not be getting a refund. However, you can choose to re-apply, or you can raise a France visa rejection appeal, again after some time.