A successful international mobility starts long before your departure. Whether you are coming for your studies or for a research project, certain administrative formalities are essential to enter French territory.

This page answers your questions about the visa application and provides a list of essential documents to pack in your luggage.

DO I NEED A VISA ?

Entry rules for France vary depending on your nationality and the length of your stay.

Are you an EEA national or a Swiss citizen ?

If you come from a country in the European Economic Area or from Switzerland, you do not need a visa. A valid ID card or passport is sufficient to stay and work in France.

For other nationalities

Depending on your situation, you must apply for a short-stay or long-stay visa (student, researcher, "talent passport," etc.). This application must be submitted to the French consulate in your usual place of residence.

To identify the visa that matches your profile, we recommend that you :

Consult the official France-Visas website.
Contact your host institution or acc&ss to determine the most appropriate status.
Check with the consulate to see if any additional documents are required.

ESSENTIAL DOCUMENTS TO BRING TO FRANCE

For a successful settling-in process, you must prepare your original documents and their copies. Keep them within reach during your trip, as customs officers may check them upon your arrival.

💡 Practical tip : Scan all your supporting documents. Save them to a cloud service or a USB flash drive so you can access them easily at any time.

Identity and Civil Status

Passport (or National ID card for EEA nationals).
Birth certificate : Bring the original document (long-form version or extract showing parental details).
Family : Bring your marriage certificate and your children's birth certificates, even if they are not traveling with you.
Translations and legalizations : If your documents are not in French, they must be translated by a certified translator. Depending on your country, an apostille or legalization may also be required.

Research and Studies

Researchers : The Hosting Agreement (Convention d’accueil) is mandatory to obtain your "Talent Passport" visa. You must request this document from your host institution before your appointment at the Consulate. [Find more information about the hosting agreement here].
Students : Bring your original diplomas, transcripts, and your certificate of enrollment or letter of acceptance.
Children : Bring their school reports (livrets scolaires) or transcripts for their school registration.

Health and Financial Resources

Health : European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), vaccination records, prescriptions, and private insurance certificates.
Financial Resources : Scholarship certificates, employment contract, payslips, or your most recent tax notices (for you and your spouse).

Mobility and Customs

Driving: Valid driver’s license (European or International Driving Permit).
Customs: For questions regarding pets, carrying cash, or transporting medication, please consult the official French Customs website.