For millions of travelers, students, and aspiring expats, the dream of walking along the Seine or settling in a cottage in Provence begins with a single administrative hurdle: the application process. However, budgeting for this process is often more complex than it appears. The cost of visa to france involves more than just the sticker price on the application form; it is a matrix of government fees, service provider charges, mandatory insurance, and strict financial sufficiency requirements.
Whether you are applying from New York, New Delhi, or London, understanding the total financial outlay is critical to a successful application. This guide breaks down every expense associated with securing your entry into the French Republic, ensuring you face no surprises at the consulate.
At a Glance: The Total Cost of Visa to France
Before diving into the complex details, here is a summary of the standard costs you can expect in 2025. Please note that fees are subject to change based on exchange rates and European Commission rulings.
| Expense Category | Estimated Cost (EUR) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Short-Stay Visa (Schengen) | €90 | Standard adult fee (Increased June 2024) |
| Long-Stay Visa (National) | €99 | For stays over 90 days (VLS-TS) |
| Student Visa (Long Stay) | €50 - €99 | Depends on country & Campus France procedure |
| Processing Center Fee | €25 - €40 | Paid to VFS Global / TLScontact |
| Mandatory Insurance | €30 - €100+ | Depends on length of stay and age |
1. Official Government Application Fees
When calculating the cost of visa to france, the primary expense is the administrative fee charged by the French government. This fee covers the processing of your dossier and is generally non-refundable, even if your application is rejected.
Short-Stay Schengen Visa (Type C)
For tourism, business trips, or family visits lasting less than 90 days. As of the latest Schengen update (June 2024), fees have increased across the board.
- Adults: €90
- Children (6-12 years): €45
- Children (under 6 years): Free
- Nationals of countries with visa facilitation agreements: €35 (e.g., Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus).
Long-Stay National Visa (Type D)
If you are moving to France for work, retirement, or extended study (over 90 days), you require a National Visa. For a detailed roadmap on moving, refer to our comprehensive France guide.
- Standard Long-Stay: €99
- Students (EEF/Campus France procedure): €50
- Talent Passport Applicants: €99 (plus taxes upon arrival)
- Spouses of French Nationals: Free (in most cases)
2. Service Provider Fees (VFS Global / TLScontact)
Most applicants cannot apply directly at a French Consulate. Instead, France outsources the collection of documents and biometrics to external service providers like VFS Global, TLScontact, or Capago, depending on your country of residence.
These centers charge a mandatory service fee for handling your application. This is in addition to the government visa fee.
- Basic Service Fee: Typically ranges from €25 to €40 (converted to local currency).
- Courier Service: €15 - €30 (Optional but recommended to have your passport mailed back).
- Premium Lounge: €50 - €80 (Optional for a faster, more private appointment).
- Photo/Photocopy Services: €10 - €15 (If you arrive without the correct copies).
3. The "Hidden" Costs: Insurance and Validation
The total cost of visa to france must include the peripheral requirements. You cannot submit an application without valid medical insurance, and once you arrive, there are further costs to validate your stay.
Mandatory Travel Health Insurance
For short-stay visas, you must prove you have insurance covering up to €30,000 in medical expenses.
- Estimated Cost: €20–€40 for a 2-week trip.
- Long-Stay Insurance: Private expat health insurance can cost €300–€1,000+ per year depending on age and coverage, required before you qualify for the French healthcare system (PUMA).
Post-Arrival Validation Tax
If you are issued a Long-Stay Visa equivalent to a Residence Permit (VLS-TS), you must validate it online within 3 months of arrival. This incurs a tax, usually equal to the price of the residence permit.
Budget Warning: Expect to pay roughly €200 - €225 in taxes upon validating your VLS-TS online after arrival. This is separate from the application fee you paid in your home country.
4. Proof of Funds: The Indirect Cost
While not a fee you pay to the government, the "Proof of Financial Means" is the biggest barrier for many applicants. You must prove you have access to liquid cash to support your stay. If your bank balance is below these thresholds, your application will be rejected regardless of whether you paid the visa fee.
| Accommodation Status | Required Daily Amount |
|---|---|
| No pre-booked hotel | €120 / day |
| With hotel booking | €65 / day |
| Staying with family (Attestation d'accueil) | €32.50 / day |
| Students (Long Stay) | €615 / month |
Nationality-Specific Considerations
The cost of visa to france and the bureaucratic effort required varies significantly based on your citizenship. Here is how it applies to major applicant groups:
📍 For US Citizens
Short Stay: FREE. You do not need a visa for stays under 90 days.
Long Stay: You must pay the €99 fee + VFS Global fees. You must apply through VFS centers in major US cities (DC, NYC, LA, Houston, etc.).
Note: US citizens often face high travel costs to reach a VFS center if they don't live in a major hub. Factor in domestic flights/hotels into your application cost.
📍 For UK Citizens
Post-Brexit Reality: You do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days (the 90/180 rule applies). However, starting mid-2025, you will likely need to pay for ETIAS (approx €7).
Long Stay: If you plan to retire or work in France, you are now treated as a Third Country National. You must pay the €99 visa fee and meet the full financial requirements (€1,398.70/month net income for retirees is the common benchmark).
📍 For Indian Nationals
Visa Required: Yes, for all visits.
Fees: €90 (Short Stay) or €99 (Long Stay) + VFS Fees.
Critical Cost: Indian applicants face stricter scrutiny on financial means. Ensure your bank statements show consistent funds, not just a lump sum deposit before the application. Flight reservations are mandatory; ensure you purchase refundable tickets or "dummy" tickets valid for visa purposes to avoid losing money if rejected.
📍 For EU/EEA Citizens
Cost: €0. You have the right to Freedom of Movement. You do not need a visa to live, work, or retire in France, regardless of duration.
Global Comparison: Is France Expensive?
How does the cost of visa to france stack up against other popular destinations? While the fees have risen, France remains competitive compared to the UK and USA.
| Destination | Tourist Visa Cost | Long Stay / Work Visa Cost |
|---|---|---|
| France 🇫🇷 | €90 | €99 (plus residence tax) |
| United Kingdom 🇬🇧 | ~€135 (£115) | ~€700 - €1,500+ (plus massive health surcharge) |
| USA 🇺🇸 | ~€170 ($185) | ~€190 (Petition fees are much higher) |
| Spain 🇪🇸 | €90 | €80 - €120 (varies by nationality) |
As you can see, while the upfront cost for France is standard for the Schengen area, it is significantly cheaper than moving to the UK or the US. For more details on the logistics of moving, check our France relocation guide.
Conclusion: Budgeting for Your Application
To accurately calculate the cost of visa to france, you should budget approximately €150 to €200 per person for the application process (Visa fee + Service fee + Courier + Photos). This does not include the funds you must hold in your bank account or the cost of travel insurance.
Relocation Quest Editorial Team
Published December 2, 2025 • 2,157 words