✈️ 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:
- Employer in France applies for work authorization via DIRECCTE (now handled by OFII)
- 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:
- VFS Global France: Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad
- VFS France – Pakistan Website
💸 Visa Fees:
Visa Type | Fee (EUR) |
---|---|
Visit/Business Visa | €80 |
Student Visa | €99 |
Work/Family Visa | €99 |
VFS Service Charges | ~€30 (extra) |
⏳ Processing Times:
Visa Type | Duration |
---|---|
Visit/Business Visa | 15–30 working days |
Student Visa | 4–8 weeks (with Campus France) |
Work/Family Visa | 6–12 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