Immigration Law: Entering France and Visas
Foreign nationals wishing to stay in France must apply for a visa from the competent consular authorities of their country of residence.
The different types of visa
- Short-stay visa (Schengen or uniform visa): allows free movement within the Schengen area for a maximum of three months. It may be issued for a single entry or for multiple entries.
- Long-stay visa (D visa): issued for a period of more than three months, it authorises settlement in France. This visa must be followed by an application for a residence permit within three months of entering the territory.
- Long-stay visa equivalent to a residence permit (VLS-TS): in certain cases, this visa serves directly as a residence permit and allows lawful residence in France without any further step with the Prefecture.
Visa refusal decisions
- The consular authorities may refuse to issue a visa.
- In the event of a refusal, the applicant may appeal to the Appeals Commission within two months and then, if necessary, to the Administrative Court of Nantes, including by way of an urgent application for suspension (référé-suspension) in cases of urgency.
Maître Zied El Air supports you from the preparation of your file through to representation before the competent authorities.