France Visa from Dubai - Everything Explained
Introduction to France Visa
France attracts millions of foreign travelers who visit the country for tourism, study, work, and business opportunities. Travelers from other countries including the UAE must obtain a suitable visa depending on their nationalities, purpose, and duration of visit. The application and approval procedures typically differ based on the type of visa you need.
If you are travelling to the land of the Franks from the UAE, here’s everything you need to know about the France Visa Dubai.
Who Needs a Visa to Travel to France?
For expat residents of the UAE, the France visa requirements may vary based on their nationality, purpose of visit, and duration of stay. The citizens of countries that do not have a visa-free arrangement with the European Union (or Schengen states) must obtain a visa to enter French territory.
Types of France Visas
Short-Stay Visa
This type of visa allows visitors to stay in France for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. A short-stay visa is ideal for tourism, personal visits, training, business, or medical treatment purposes. A temporary work permit is required to take up paid work (for a period not exceeding 90 days). Travelers can also visit other Schengen countries by obtaining a multiple-entry Schengen visa.
Long-Stay Visa
A long-stay visa is required for stays exceeding 90 days (up to one year). The validity of this visa ranges between 3 months to 1 year. It is suitable for study, work, family visits, and any other purpose for which individuals plan to live in France beyond three months. There are specific requirements and conditions for each of these purposes.
You must obtain a residence permit if you need an extension beyond the validity of your visa. A long-stay visa can be used for single or multiple entries.
Requirements to Get a France Visa from Dubai
The documents for a France visa may vary based on the type of visa. However, the general France visa requirements from Dubai are as follows:
A valid passport issued within the last 10 years containing at least two blank pages. It must have a validity of more than 3 months after the planned date of exit from France or the Schengen area
A duly filled and signed visa application form
Two recent ID photos meeting the ISO/IEC requirements
The copies of previous visas (if any)
A cover letter explaining the purpose of your trip
Proof of pre-booked round-trip ticket
Travel itinerary with details of accommodation and activities in France
Proof of accommodation in France (such as hotel reservation)
Proof of financial means to demonstrate that you can support your stay in France. This can include documents such as your bank statements, salary slip, sponsorship letter, etc
You may also need a police clearance certificate depending on the purpose of the visit and duration of stay
How to Apply for a France Visa from Dubai?
Go to the official website of France-Visas. Click on ‘Start Your Visa Application’
Create a personal account on the portal. Complete the online application with complete & accurate information
Schedule an appointment at a visa application center to submit your biometric details
Pay the France visa fee and the applicable service charges through any of the designated online methods provided on the portal
Attend the appointment at the visa application center on the scheduled date and time with all the requisite documents (as per the checklist)
Track your visa application status through the tracking system provided on the FRANCE-VISAS portal
Visit the visa application center on the specified date to collect your documents. The visa stamp shall be affixed to your passport
How to Take an Appointment for a France Visa?
It is quite simple to obtain a France visa appointment. Depending on your country of residence, you can book an appointment with the French Consular Services or an authorized visa application center. The French government currently works with three service providers to handle your visa applications i.e. VFS Global, TLS, and Capago.
France Visa Application Processing Time
It takes at least 15 working days after the interview to process a France visa application from Dubai. Kindly make your travel plans accordingly.
France Visa Charges from Dubai
The France visa charges depend on your nationality and the visa type. An overview of these charges has been given below:
Short-Stay Visa: EUR 80 (AED 317)
Long-Stay Visa: EUR 99 (AED 393)
Student Visa: EUR 50 (AED 198)
Airport Transit Visa: EUR 60 (AED 238)
Researcher Visa: Free
Spouse of a French citizen visa: Free
Note: The charges mentioned above are subject to periodic revision. Please visit the official portal of FRANCE-VISAS for updated information and a comprehensive list of France visa fees & charges.
Details of the French Embassy in Dubai
The contact details of the French Consulate in Dubai is as follows:
(i)Address: Habtoor Business Tower – 32e étage – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
(ii)Phone: +971 4 408 4900
(iii)Timings: 8.30 am to 1 pm and 2 pm to 4 pm (Mon – Fri)
Frequently Asked Questions on Canada Visa
Getting a France visa takes at least 15 business days after you complete the interview process.
No. You cannot change your visa type after entering France. So applicants must be very careful at the outset and apply for the right visa type.
As per the Schengen visa code, individuals who apply for a France visa must affix a travel insurance certificate along with their visa applications. Further, the policy should meet all the Schengen travel insurance requirements.