France Visa Guide for Pakistani Citizens

✈️ 1. Visit Visa (Short Stay – Schengen Type C)

Purpose:

  • Tourism
  • Visiting friends or family
  • Short stays up to 90 days within 180 days

Documents Required:

  • Schengen visa application form
  • Valid passport (at least 3 months beyond return)
  • 2 biometric photos (white background)
  • Round-trip flight reservation
  • Hotel booking or invitation letter (attestation d’accueil) from a host in France
  • Travel insurance (coverage of at least €30,000)
  • Cover letter explaining purpose of visit
  • 6-month bank statement
  • Employment letter / business documents
  • FRC (if visiting family)
  • Visa Fee: €80 + VFS charges (~€30)

💼 2. Business Visa (Short Stay – Schengen Type C)

Purpose:

  • Business meetings, events, trade shows, or partnerships

Additional Documents:

  • Invitation letter from French company or business partner
  • Letter from your employer or business in Pakistan
  • Proof of business registration (NTN, SECP, Chamber of Commerce)
  • Company bank statement (last 6 months)
  • Hotel booking and itinerary
  • All documents from Visit Visa category

🏠 3. Family Reunion Visa (Long Stay – Type D Visa + OFII Approval)

Purpose:

  • Joining spouse, parent, or child legally residing in France

Documents Required:

  • Long-stay visa application form (Type D)
  • Passport + biometric photos
  • Marriage or birth certificate (attested + translated to French)
  • FRC from NADRA
  • Sponsor’s French ID card or residence permit
  • Proof of accommodation in France
  • Sponsor’s income documents and job contract
  • Police character certificate
  • Medical certificate
  • Travel insurance
  • Visa Fee: €99
  • OFII (French Immigration Office) approval may be needed for some categories

📌 Must apply for a residence card (titre de séjour) after arrival in France.


🎓 4. Student Visa (Long Stay – Type D + Campus France)

Purpose:

  • University or higher education in France

Documents Required:

  • Acceptance letter from French university
  • Campus France registration and approval (mandatory)
  • Tuition fee payment proof
  • Academic documents (attested & translated if required)
  • Proof of financial means:
    • At least €615/month (~€7,400/year) in a bank account
  • Accommodation proof (university hostel or rent agreement)
  • Police clearance certificate
  • Health insurance (for full duration)
  • Passport and 2 photos
  • Visa Fee: €99

📌 Apply via https://www.pakistan.campusfrance.org before applying for visa.


👷 5. Work Permit Visa (Type D – Residence + Work Authorization)

Purpose:

  • Long-term employment in France with an official contract

Procedure:

  1. Employer in France applies for work authorization via DIRECCTE (now handled by OFII)
  2. Once approved, you apply for a Type D visa at the French embassy

Documents Required:

  • Passport + photos
  • Signed employment contract from French employer
  • Work authorization issued by French authorities
  • Proof of qualifications (attested degrees, experience letters)
  • Accommodation details
  • Police clearance certificate
  • Medical certificate
  • Health insurance
  • Visa Fee: €99

📌 Apply for residence permit (titre de séjour salarié) within 2 months of arriving in France.


🏢 Where to Apply in Pakistan:


💸 Visa Fees:

Visa TypeFee (EUR)
Visit/Business Visa€80
Student Visa€99
Work/Family Visa€99
VFS Service Charges~€30 (extra)

⏳ Processing Times:

Visa TypeDuration
Visit/Business Visa15–30 working days
Student Visa4–8 weeks (with Campus France)
Work/Family Visa6–12 weeks (sometimes longer)

✅ Tips for Success:

  • All documents must be translated into French if required
  • Campus France registration is mandatory for student visa
  • Apply at least 6–8 weeks before travel
  • Provide complete & genuine documentation — France is strict on verification
  • Secure an OFII-stamped accommodation proof when required
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