Data verified
India passport holders: Single entry for France. Fee: EUR 90 (~USD 104.66). Processing: 15-21 working days. Indicative only — always verify with the official mission before applying.
Overview
Schengen Type C visa via France-Visas portal. Fee: EUR 90 (~INR 8,550). Apply via VFS Global India. France is #2 most-applied Schengen country for Indians (after Germany). Significant Indian diaspora especially Paris.
Visa types: Schengen C (90/180): Tourist, Business, Family, Cultural, Transit; French National D (>90 days): Work (Talent Passport — popular for Indian skilled), Study, Family, Visiteur (no work), Au Pair. Long-stay visa = automatic residence permit. India-France strategic partnership.
Fees & funds
Stay & validity
Schengen C: Validity 6 months to 5 years (often issued for 1 year multi-entry for first-timers with strong file).
Extension possibleConditional
Overstay penalty: Fine EUR 50-1,200 + 1-5 year ban across all 29 Schengen states; SIS alert
How to apply
Requirements
Passport & photo
Required documents: Valid passport (3+ months beyond stay, 2 blank pages); Online France-Visas application; 35x45mm biometric photo; Travel insurance (EUR 30,000+); Flight booking; Hotel reservation / Attestation d'accueil (sponsor invitation); Bank statement (3-6 months); Employment letter; ITR; Aadhaar + PAN; Biometrics at VFS India.
Visa types (1)
Schengen Type C visa via France-Visas portal. Fee: EUR 90 (~INR 8,550). Apply via VFS Global India. France is #2 most-applied Schengen country for Indians (after Germany). Significant Indian diaspora especially Paris.
Common rejection reasons
Common Schengen rejections for Indians (rejection rate ~10-15%): (1) Insufficient funds; (2) Weak ties to India; (3) Doubtful intent to return; (4) Punjab/Gujarat applicants face additional scrutiny due to historical asylum claims; (5) Inadequate insurance; (6) Inconsistent itinerary; (7) French-language documentation issues for family visit; (8) France-India relations are generally favorable for genuine travelers.
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