Visa applications

Depending on your nationality, your situation, and the length of your stay, you may be required to obtain a visa before entering France. Your family members may also be subject to this requirement, whether they travel with you or join you later. The need to apply for a visa depends on each family member's nationality and the intended duration of their stay.

We recommend that you plan your visa application well in advance, taking into account your intended departure date as well as appointment and processing times in your country of residence. The process begins online via France-Visas, which outlines the necessary steps, the documents required, and where to submit your application. Depending on their nationality and circumstances, a spouse and minor children may also be required to obtain a visa, even if they are accompanying the French scientist. The embassy or consulate can provide information on the visa application procedure. For all visa applications, please consult France-Visas, the official French government website.

The type of visa depends on both the duration of and nature of your stay.

The long-stay "D" visa

In principle, a long-stay visa is required for third-country nationals wishing to stay in France for more than 90 days, subject to applicable exemptions.

The procedures to be followed after your arrival depend on the annotation on your visa. If you hold a long-stay visa serving as a residence permit (VLS-TS), you must validate it online within three months of your arrival in France. If your visa bears the annotation "carte de séjour à solliciter" (residence permit to be applied for), you must apply for a residence permit within the timeframe indicated on your visa and in accordance with the procedures applicable to your situation.

Depending on the nature of your stay, your “D” visa may have the following statuses:
  • "Talent-Researcher" (formerly "Talent Passport – Researcher"): for individuals holding a hosting agreement;
  • "Research scientist": for Algerian nationals holding a hosting agreement (convention d'accueil);
  • "Student": specifically including doctoral candidates enrolled in a French higher education institution who do not fall under the scientist-researcher status and who meet the conditions applicable to residence for the purpose of study;
  • "Talent-Family": for the spouse and minor children of a "Talent" status holder, under the simplified procedure for accompanying family members;
  • Scientist spouse (“Conjoint de scientifique”): for Algerian family members covered by the regime established by the Franco-Algerian Agreement of 27 December 1968, notably the spouse and minor children of an Algerian national holding a residence certificate bearing the "scientist" designation;
  • Visitor (“Visiteur”): applies to certain individuals wishing to stay in France for more than three months for private reasons, without engaging in professional activity. The visa applicable to family members depends on their individual circumstances and the status of the person they are accompanying.
Your rights and obligations will vary depending on the specific designation on your visa and your personal situation. For example, a visa granting "Talent-Researcher" status allows you to engage in the professional activity associated with that status, whereas a stay under "Visitor" status does not authorize you to work. It is therefore important to determine the status that applies to your situation and apply for the appropriate visa before you leave. Once you are in France, a visa generally cannot be modified to change the reason for your stay; however, depending on your circumstances, it may be possible to apply for a new residence permit or change your status.

Short stay "C" visa (or "Schengen visa")

The short-stay visa, also known as a Schengen visa, allows for a stay of up to 90 days within any 180-day period in the Schengen Area. This visa does not require online validation upon arrival in France and does not, in principle, allow for long-term settlement in the country.

The short-stay visa is not intended to facilitate long-term settlement in France. Extensions are possible only in exceptional circumstances, subject to regulatory conditions. In principle, it does not allow the holder to settle in France or to apply for a residence permit based solely on this visa upon its expiration.
For more information about the conditions for extending your visa on a very exceptional basis by the Préfecture du Rhône.