Eligibility for France Business Visa

• Valid passport of 3 months’ validity after your scheduled return date.

• 2 blank pages in the passport.

• Valid Business Proof in the home country.

• Social & Economic ties in the home country proving your return.

• Proper documents from the inviter proving the purpose of the visit.

How to apply for a France business visa?

• France Business visa is an offline process and you are required to visit the VFS center for submission of the documents and biometrics on the scheduled appointment day with the documents in original or copy.

• On the day of the appointment, you need to visit the center with all the required documents and submit them as per the document checklist. Applicants may require additional documents other than the checklist if asked by the consulate as it varies from case to case.

• You also need to give the biometrics if you are traveling to Schengen country for the first time or if you have given the biometrics before 59 months.

Process for France Business Visa

• France Business Visa is an offline process wherein the applicant is required to visit the center and submit the documents on paper at the nearby VFS center on the scheduled date.

• It is always advisable to take the help of a best visa agent for the guidance on the selection of the visa type, procedure & documents to be submitted.

• Once the travel is decided you need to start collecting the documents from the inviter and the home country as inviter documents are required to fill the form & prepare the cover letter.

• Visa form is filled online, you need to make sure to fill all the details to the best of your knowledge.

• The cover letter must be on the letterhead addressing the France Consulate with the authorized person’s name, signature, and seal on the letter.

• The invitation letter must be on the letterhead addressing the France consulate with the invitee’s details and authorized person’s name, signature, and seal on the letter.

• Once all the required documents are collected as per the checklist, you can schedule an appointment at the nearby VFS center.

• On the scheduled appointment day it is advisable to reach 15 min before the scheduled time.

• At the center, the VFS representative will assist you for the collection of documents, payment, and biometrics. Once the process of payment is completed you will receive a receipt with the payment details, reference number, your name & passport number for further communication till you receive the passport.

• On completion of the entire process of submission of documents, biometrics, and fees you need to wait for around 5 – 7 days to get your visa processed.

• You can track your application online with the reference number given on the receipt by the VFS center on payment or by calling the VFS center.

• Once your passport is ready for collection you need to carry the original payment receipt, one original government ID proof, and a Xerox of it.

• You can also opt for courier service by paying the charges for the same if you do not wish to revisit the center.

• Visa will be valid for 90 days, single entry, or as per the condition mentioned on the stamped visa.

Documents required for France business visa

Mandatory documents

• Original Passport
• Visa Form
• Document Checklist
• Appointment letter
• Photo
• Travel itinerary
• Hotel Accommodation
• Bank Statement
• Income Tax Returns
• Travel Insurance

Company-Sponsored Business trip

• Company bank statement.
• Any other financial documents
• Company Income Tax Returns
• Cover letter from the company on the letterhead with the purpose & duration of the visit and it must be signed & sealed by the authority.
• Appointment letter, Leave Letter from the Indian Company.
• Salary slips
• Job Profile in Company.

Self-employed – Business trip

• Personal & Company bank statement attested.
• Personal & Company Income Tax Returns for 3 years.
• Cover letter on company letterhead with employment details and purpose of visit by the authorized signatory with seal.
• Company Registration Papers.

Documents from France  for Business Purpose

• Invitation letter from France Company on Company Letterhead with details of inviting person, employment details, the purpose of visit, and duration of stay with seal & sign by the authorized signatory.
• Company Profile.
• Passport Copy of the signatory (if applicable).

Additional documents may be required by the consulate apart from the documents mentioned in the checklist as all the applications vary from case to case.

Processing Time

• The turnaround time of the application is at the consulate’s discretion. However, the normal processing time for a business visa is 5 – 7 days after the submission of the documents. It is advisable to start the process at least 30  days in advance before the intended travel date.
• Consulate accepts application 90 days in advance. It is advisable to submit documents in a proper order to avoid delays or rejection.