Business visaFrance business visa
Plan a business trip to France of 90 days or less and the document you need is the Schengen short-stay visa - Type C, the uniform visa. It is built for exactly this kind of travel: meetings, negotiations, seminars, conferences and trade fairs. Better still, once it is in your passport you can move across the whole Schengen area, up to 90 days in any 180-day period. The one line it will not cross is paid work - it does not permit taking up employment in France.
Whether you apply through France comes down to your itinerary. France should be your sole or main destination - where you spend the most days, or where your main purpose of travel lies - or, if no main destination stands out, the country you enter first. In India, VFS Global is the exclusive service provider authorised by France; the decision itself comes from the French consulate covering your state of residence - Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata or Puducherry, or the visa section of the Embassy of France in New Delhi. Most files are decided in around 15 days, though a case needing closer examination can run to 45. The call is the consulate's alone.
Who this visa is for
- ✓Indian passport holders travelling to France for business meetings, negotiations, seminars, conferences or trade fairs
- ✓Applicants whose sole or main Schengen destination is France (most days spent, or main purpose), or whose first point of entry to the Schengen area is France
- ✓Those holding a letter of invitation from a French host company or a seminar/conference organiser
- ✓Applicants who can show sufficient funds for the trip and clear ties to India (employment or business) indicating they will return
- ✓Applicants carrying travel medical insurance with at least EUR 30,000 cover valid across the Schengen area
Visa options for France
Schengen short-stay visa (Type C) - business
The uniform Schengen visa for business meetings, seminars, conferences and trade fairs; permits up to 90 days in any 180-day period and travel across the whole Schengen area.
Single or multiple entry
The Type C visa is issued for one, two or multiple entries; multiple entry suits applicants making more than one Schengen trip within the visa's validity.
Multiple-entry visa with long validity
Frequent business travellers with a sound Schengen travel history may be granted a multiple-entry visa valid up to 5 years, with each stay still limited to 90 days in any 180.
Documents typically required
- ✓Passport issued within the last 10 years, valid at least 3 months after your planned departure from the Schengen area, with at least two blank pages
- ✓Completed France-Visas short-stay application form and the France-Visas receipt, both printed and signed
- ✓Two recent passport photographs (35x45 mm, white background) meeting Schengen specifications
- ✓Letter of invitation from your French host company or the seminar/conference organiser, stating the purpose and dates of the visit
- ✓Covering letter from your employer or company on letterhead confirming your position, the purpose of the trip and who bears the costs
- ✓Proof of your company's status in India - certificate of incorporation/registration and, for the self-employed, GST and income-tax returns
- ✓Personal bank statements for the last 3 months and latest income-tax returns as evidence of sufficient financial means
- ✓Confirmed return travel booking and proof of accommodation in France (hotel booking) for the dates of stay
- ✓Travel medical insurance valid across the Schengen area with a minimum of EUR 30,000 for medical and hospital expenses and repatriation
- ✓Proof of visa-fee payment and biometrics (fingerprints and photo) given in person at a VFS Global centre
Your exact checklist depends on your profile — we confirm it during your case analysis. Every visa decision rests with the embassy or consulate.
In India, France short-stay visa applications are lodged at VFS Global centres in Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chandigarh, Chennai, Delhi, Goa, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Jalandhar, Kochi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Puducherry and Pune. You may submit at any of these centres, while the French consulate covering your state of residence takes the decision. Book early: appointment slots and processing both stretch during the April-August peak, so apply well before you travel. The Schengen short-stay visa fee is EUR 90 for adults, plus the VFS Global service fee.
Frequently asked questions
Do you guarantee the visa?
No. That decision rests solely with the French consulate handling your application, and with no one else. What we do is give you a frank, honest read on your case and prepare the strongest possible application. Over the last 2-3 years our applications have a 97% success rate, but no consultant can guarantee an outcome.
Which country's visa do I apply for if I'm visiting more than one Schengen country?
Apply to France when it is your sole or main destination - where you will spend the most days, or where your main business purpose sits. If time is split evenly and no main destination stands out, apply to the country you enter first; if that is France, France handles your application.
How long does a France business visa take?
The French consulate usually decides within around 15 days of your appointment. A case that needs closer examination can take up to 45 days. One caution: between April and August, both appointment slots and processing times stretch, so apply well ahead of your travel date.
Can I work in France on this visa?
No. The Schengen short-stay (Type C) business visa is for meetings, negotiations, seminars, conferences and trade fairs - nothing more. It does not permit taking up paid employment in France.
Trusted by travellers to France
“Parashars are the reliable agency. They are always there in your need regarding the visa. Varsha ji is very nice person, approachable, and dedicated towards her work. She always listens to your queries and tries her best to work on them.”
“I had a great experience with THE PARASHARS CONSULTANCY & SERVICES. Their team is professional, supportive, and very responsive. They provided clear guidance and completed the work smoothly and on time. The staff was polite and helpful.”
“Awesome; no other words; excellent services. Prompt, highly cooperative and flexible. Ms. Shivani madam was leading the processing for us backed by her team. The processing was very fast.”
“I had a great experience with The Parashars. The entire visa process was handled very professionally and efficiently. The team specially Varsha was always available to answer my questions and guided me through every step with patience.”
“Shivani ma'am was so supportive throughout the prep and she made sure I'm sure with everything that I need to. Honestly she was with me on multiple calls throughout this process. Thanks a lot for your morning message too.”
“Very supportive and helpful. They guided me through every step.”
“Prompt and fast services. Helped me throughout the process and follow up.”
“Great experience and recommended!”